Niger Delta

‘Constitutional Amendment, Reflection Of Our People’s Voice’ …As RVHA Approves Nine, Rejects Six Alterations …Tasks NASS On Power Devolution

Published

8 years ago

March 7, 2018

Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, has urged the National Assembly (NASS) to revisit the item that has to do with the alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to devolve power to federating units, arguing that the constitutional amendment was a reflection of the voice of the people.
The Speaker gave the advise at plenary of the assembly, last Monday, during which 15 alterations of the Transmission of Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill 2017 were debated.
He said: “On behalf of the House, I thank each and every one of us for the contributions we have made today in the passing of the relevant amendments. It is one milestone we have achieved as a house, and it will go a long way; history will have it in our favour that this day, as members of Rivers State House of Assembly, we have done what we’re supposed to do to ensure the Nigerian state is one that deepens its democratic values, and to also ensure peace and good governance in all sections of the country.
“In doing this, by leave of the house as well, it should be placed on record that every federal state is one that will always make the constituent units to be happy, and that this house stands with the original position of devolution of power; that the National Assembly should revisit that particular item that has to do with the alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to devolve powers because it is one of the basic features of federalism the world over.
“It is believed that when powers are devolved instead of centralizing power, it will allow diversity of the people to also come to play so that they can be at their best. It is proper and fit for the National Assembly, having transmitted the aspects of the 1999 Constitution to the various state Houses of Assembly, to also concur, and it is proper and fit for them to revisit the issue of devolution of power.
“It is important that instead of centralizing power or over-centralizing power in a federal state, we are tending towards pluralism instead of unitarism; there are basic and predisposing conditions that will always make federating units to come together by way of agreement or contract to form a federal state, and that if we go back to therefore basics, Nigeria will be a better place for us all.
“This is our message from 132 Legislative Day of the Eighth Assembly of the Rivers State House of Assembly that the National Assembly should revisit the item that has to do with devolution of power to states.”

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.