Niger Delta

A/Ibom Assembly Passes 2017 Budget

Published

9 years ago

March 20, 2017

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, last Thursday in Uyo, passed the 2017 Appropriation Bill of N371.29 billion into law as against the N423 billion in 2016.
The budget, as passed by the House, is an increase of N6 billion against the N365 billion presented by Governor Udom Emmanuel on December 22, 2016.
The budget is made up of N88. 42 billion for recurrent expenditure as against N201.997 billion for capital expenditure while N80. 87 billion is set aside as consolidated revenue charges.
In his presentation, Mr Usoroh Akpanusoh (PDP Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency) and House Committee Chairman on Finance and Appropriation urged the executive to implement the budget as passed.
Akpanusoh appealed to the government to ensure that the amount appropriated was promptly released to the ministries departments and agencies (MDAs) as well as ensuring judicious use of the funds.
He advised the MDAs to submit the level of budget implementation on release of funds to the House through the various committees on a quarterly basis.
The committee chairman commended the governor for adopting a transparent and detailed accounting system in preparing the budget.
The Speaker, Mr Onofiok Luke, commended the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for ensuring prompt passage of the appropriation estimate into law.
He applauded the state government for prudent management of resources and for provision of infrastructure in the state.
Luke explained that, the N6 billion increase was necessitated by MDAs during their budget defence and the need to enhance rehabilitation of schools as well as improvement on health facilities.
The speaker urged the executive arm to make the budget available to the public after the governor’s assent.
He directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Mandu Umoren, to forward the appropriation law to the governor for assent.
Report has it that the 2017 budget is christened, “Budget of Consolidation”, with the policy framework for the year is aimed at expanding the economic activities in the state as well as promoting the industrialisation policy of government.
The budget also focused on promotion of trade, commerce and tourism.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.