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NGO Advises Dickson On Transparency

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Patriotic Citizens of Nigeria (PACON), an NGO, last Wednesday urged Governor  Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa to emulate his Kaduna State counterpart, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, by publishing details of his monthly salary and security vote.
PACON threw the challenge in a statement signed by its conveners, Messrs Aluzu Ebikebuna and Poweidei Debekeme, in Yenagoa.
The NGO argued that Dickson’s claim of running a transparent government since 2012 was not entirely correct as the governor had never disclosed how much he had been collecting as salary and security vote, which are public funds.
“We wish to state that accountability and transparency goes far beyond gathering only political appointees in a government-controlled environment and dole out figures without proper breakdown of how those figures were received and spent.
“The arrangement also does not give room for critical questions to be asked as related to stewardship.
“This is the sorry state of what the government calls transparency briefing obtainable in Bayelsa State.
“We hereby insist that in the spirit of accountability and transparency, the governor should as a matter of urgency, make public his various salary pay slips, security votes and the amounts allocated to the various local governments in the state,” PACON said.
It also implored the state House of Assembly to also make public its budget, various constituency allocation funds, wardrobe allowances for members and the salaries of its leaders, beginning with the 2017 budget.
“Transparency is not only a word. The government must ensure it takes the genuine step of making public the security votes, pay slips of the governor and the amounts allocated to the local government councils.
“This, among other necessary things, will enhance, sustain, strengthen and propel the wheel of democracy.
“The Bayelsa government should allow for NGO-driven transparency briefings that would be held outside government-controlled environment,” the NGO said.

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

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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.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

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

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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.
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