Niger Delta

Lack Of Funds Stalls LG Elections In A’ Ibom

Published

8 years ago

May 31, 2017

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has said that local government elections would have to wait in view of the present financial difficulties facing the state.
Emmanuel said this during interaction in Uyo last Sunday as part of activities marking the second year in office and 18 years of unbroken democracy in the country.
He appealed to people and politicians to be patient over the conduct of local government elections as government was not in a hurry to carry out the exercise because of prevailing economic realities.
According to him, government’s stance on the matter is not deliberate as it would not take loan with high interest to conduct local government elections.
The governor, however, said the government would embark on the conduct of the elections once the economy improved.
Emmanuel has not conducted local government election since coming to office on May 29, 2015, leaving that tier of government to be handled by transition or caretaker chairmen or committees.
“The prevailing economic situation is not conducive for us to conduct local government elections.
“We cannot borrow money on high interest rates from bank for elections.
“What of if you set up local government council and you don’t have money to run the council?
“In recession, you carefully direct where money should go’’, Emmanuel said.
Emmanuel said his cardinal programme of industrialisation was still on course, adding that such has led to the inauguration of some industries and ground-breaking for new ones to mark his second year in office.
He called on Akwa Ibom people to appreciate government in establishing small and medium scale industries to create wealth and reduce unemployment.
He said in many economies, it is the small and medium scale industries that drive the economy.
The governor thanked the media for the support and cooperation given to his government since assumption of office.
He charged the media to always report the truth to promote investment, development and tourism in the state.
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Charles Udoh, charged journalists to always report to promote the potentials of the state.
He disclosed that the state government has instituted health insurance policy to cover 250 journalists in the state as support programme for them to perform their jobs better.

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.