Niger Delta

Rivers Youth Endorse Wike For Second Term

Published

8 years ago

September 8, 2017

In appreciation of the outstanding performance of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, thousands of Rivers youths last Wednesday staged a four-kilometre walk, endorsing the governor for a second term.
The four-kilometre walk tagged Walk4Wike Season 2, took-off from the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park through the length of Aba Road and terminated at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
In the course of the long trek, the youths shared hand bills, DVDs containing Governor Wike’s achievements and sang pro-Wike campaign songs to further sell the governor to the people.
The walk, which was coordinated by D-Source Connect Group, had endorsements and participation from hundreds of social media and civil society groups.
Speaking after the walk, its Convener, Barrister Vincent Dike Amadi declared that Rivers youth resolved to stage the event as a way of telling the international community and other Nigerians that the people were in full support of Wike.
He said that contrary to the negative propaganda being sponsored by opposition elements, Governor Wike has performed creditably, churning people- oriented projects across the state.
Amadi said: “The youths of Rivers State have come to say that come 2019, Governor Wike should present himself for a second term.
“We will march across the 23 local government areas to promote the candidature of Wike and to ensure that he wins in 2019”.
In his remarks, member of the House of Representatives, Mr Ken Chikere said that the walk was an endorsement of the performance of Governor Wike.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo commended the youths for identifying with performance and good governance.
Governor Wike declared his commitment to sustained delivery of projects and programmes that would empower the youth of the state, adding, “The APC has impoverished Nigerians. Today, Nigerians are poor and there is no money in circulation. Unemployment is the order of the day. Indeed there is no positive change anywhere”.
“In Rivers State, since 2015, we have had purposeful leadership. We don’t care what happens at the centre. We are focused on developing Rivers State. You can see the projects being executed and the people are being carried along “.
The governor said that institutions have been strengthened, leading to economic and social growth across the state.
Highpoint of the walk was the presentation of gift to the Rivers State Governor by the leader of the D-source Connect Group.

Bethel Sam Toby

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

8 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.

Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.

According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.

He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.

“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.

Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.

The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

8 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.

The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.

Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.

He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.

“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.

The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.

The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.

The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.

Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.

He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.

“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.

Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.

“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.

Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.

Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.

“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

8 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.

The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.

It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.

Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.

He, however, said while several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.

“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.

‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.

In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.

Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.