Niger Delta

CRSHA Confirms Chief Judge’s Appointment

Published

8 years ago

October 23, 2017

The Cross River State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Hon. Justice Michael Edem as substantive Chief Judge of the state.
Our Correspondent reports that the confirmation made on the floor of the State House of Assembly was sequel to request of nomination of Justice Edem by Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River state.
A report of the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution read on the floor of the House by the Committee Chairman Hon. Nelson Ofem says “Mr Speaker, you have total recall of plenary session of Thursday, October 12 2017, during which the House received from Governor Ben Ayade, a request for confirmation of the nomination of Hon. Justice Michael Edem for appointment as substantive Chief Judge of the state”.
He said the request was conveyed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the state, Barr. Joe Abang vide letter No: Moj/AG/COM/12/VOL.1/261 dated October 10, 2017.
The committee chairman stated that after formal adoption of the letter as a document of the House, it was referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Public Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution to screen the nominee and make adequate recommendations to the House.
He said that the nominee was invited to interface with the committee stressing that at the screening the committee verified the nominee’s credentials, engaged him on thematic issues which revolved around the judicial arm of government in the state”
Ofem maintained that after due consideration, the committee discovered that Justice Edem was the most senior judge in the state judiciary adding that the committee was left without any option than to recommend Edem’s name to the National Judiciary Council for appointment as Chief Judge.
The committee chairman said that the stability of the entire government structure depends on the functionality of each of the arms of government, pointing out that it was on such premise that the judiciary arm of government also needed to be stabilised like other two arms, the legislature and the executive.
Ofem said, “during the interactive session, Hon. Michael Edem was found to be highly intelligent and articulate, therefore, his appointment is a round peg in a round hole.
According to a citation in the report read by the committee chairman, Edem was born on November 29, 1954 to the family of late Chief Nyong Umoh Edem Efiom of Ikot Umo Edem in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross Rier State.
A law graduate of University of Nigeria Nssukka who completed his Secondary School Education at the prestigious Hope Waddel Training Institution, Calabar after obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate at the Sacred Heart Primary School, Calabar.
Edem’s CV shows that he has been involved in several selfless services and judicial inquiries into several matters of state and national interest before coming to assume the position of the state Chief Judge.

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.