Niger Delta

CRSG Promises To Only Approve Health Projects For LGAs

Published

7 years ago

July 27, 2018

The Cross River State Government says henceforth it will only approve projects for local government councils that are aimed at improving primary healthcare of its people.
The Acting Governor, Professor Ivara Esu stated this while commissioning the Ultra-Modern Healthcare Centre at the premises of Government Science School, Mayne Avenue, Calabar South.
Professor Esu remarked that Government would put a policy in place whereby all local government councils would ensure that, whatever money generated would be put into healthcare projects.
He noted that, of the 29 health centres in Calabar South, only eight are in government structures and commended the leadership of Calabar South Local Government for development of facilities.
The Acting Governor assured health workers in the state of Governor Ayade’s intervention in the health sector, especially in the areas of establishment and construction.
He thanked all stakeholders in the healthcare sector in Calabar South for the successful completion and commissioning of the first Ultra-Modern Healthcare Centre in the area.
Professor Esu promised to look into the request made by Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Calabar South for fencing of the health centre.
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr. Joseph Bassey emphasised that issues of health all over the world, remained paramount to any government that has the interest of its citizens at heart.
Mr. Bassey posited that the commissioning of the ultra–modern health centre in his constituency was remarkable in the history of the area and assured the people of Calabar South of appropriate legislation aimed at improving the health care need of the people.
On her part, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Inyang Asibong said that the establishment of the health facility in Calabar South was to achieve universal health coverage in line with the Federal Governments Health policy.
She maintained that the facility located in Ward 12 would go a long way in reducing infant mortality rate in the area and encouraged the citizenry to take advantage of the health facility to improve the health status of their children and pregnant women.
The Director – General, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Betta Edu thanked Governor Ben Ayade for being healthcare friendly and all stakeholders who have contributed to the realisation of the project.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

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.