Niger Delta

APC Bigwigs Defect To PDP In A’Ibom

Published

7 years ago

March 8, 2019

Prominent chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Akwa-Ibom State, Mr Dan Akpan, a former member of the House of Representatives and Dr Etido Ibekwe, a former Majority Leader in the state House of Assembly from Essien Udim LGA have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Akpan, who was defeated by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Onofiok Luke in the just concluded House of Representatives contest and Ibekwe, defected during the PDP governorship grand rally in Uyo Township stadium with their teeming supporters.
Ibekwe who hails from Essien Udim LGA with Senator GodswillAkpabio said: “Today, I celebrate my political freedom. I thank Governor Udom Emmanuel for what he has done for Age Annang by rehabilitating the only road to our community that was abandoned for so many years.”
Governor Emmanuel commended Akwa Ibom people for voting the PDP on February 23, and urged them to come out to vote for the PDP on March 9, despite intimidation from desperate politicians.
He said: “Let me appreciate all of you. All other political parties came here and collapsed their structure and declared for the PDP, I want to assure them in the PDP there are many mansions, the umbrella is big enough to accommodate everybody.”
“The PDP is big enough to cover them, PDP is the only party that can bring unity, development, bring infrastructure and preach righteousness. Today, I am here to tell Akwa Ibom people that I appreciate for your love and support, I salute you for standing firm, and for being resilient in letting the world know the difference between light and darkness, and the difference between God and man.”
The governor however, cautioned security agencies against intimidation of the electorate but to continue to join hands with his government to maintain peace and security in the state. The Director General, Divine Mandate Organisation, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (retd) called on Senator Akpabio to accept his defeat and congratulate Chris Ekpenyong, who defeated him at the elections, adding that it was the most honourable thing to do.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.