Niger Delta

Okowa Sets Agenda For New NUJ President

Published

7 years ago

October 8, 2018

The Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated the newly-elected President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Chris Isiguzo.
Okowa, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, and made available to newsmen, at the weekend, in Asaba, extolled the virtues of Isiguzo, who was elected new President of the Pen Profession at the NUJ Sixth Triennial Delegates’ Conference, held in Abeokuta from Wednesday to Friday.
“The election of Chris Isiguzo as the new President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists was not a surprise, following his antecedents as Vice President of NUJ, South-East Zone. His emergence at this time is significant and momentous in view of the fact that Nigerians are desirous to enthrone a true democratic change in the way they are being governed.
The governor urged the NUJ boss to key into the desire of the people of Nigeria for real change and good governance and lead the body of journalists to support the people’s wish.
“The NUJ should strive to change the negative narrative on the issue of welfare of journalists seriously by ensuring better conditions of service and remuneration for working journalists and even the retired ones, adding, “the welfare needs of journalists who are watchmen against corruption in society are well taken care of, they would be better disposed to playing the critical roles expected of them as agents for good governance and accountability”.
He expressed optimism that Isiguzo would make a difference in this task given his wealth of experience and the positions he has occupied in the profession.
The governor while assuring the new NUJ President, and indeed, the association of his support at all times, congratulated members of the NUJ for a successful conference.
He also commended the outgoing President of NUJ, Mr Abdulwaheed Odusile, for his contributions to the development of the journalism profession while in office.
It would be recalled that announcing the result of the election, early last Friday, the Returning Officer, Benson Upah declared Chris Isiguzo, a ThisDay Editor for the South-East, winner with 346 votes, having defeated his closest rival and incumbent president, Abdulwaheed Odusile, who scored 329 votes to come second.

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.