Niger Delta

Diete-Spiff, Horsfall Advocate Better Deal For Ijaws …As Group Honours Jonathan, Others

Published

7 years ago

March 27, 2019

The first Military Governor of Old Rivers State and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass in Bayelsa State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, has advocated a better deal for the Ijaw nation as they have contributed enough for the country.
King Diete-Spiff, who made the assertion at the 2nd Heroes of Ijaw Nations Award Night organised by the Ijaw Republican Assembly (Patriotic Front) in conjunction with Ijaw Media Action Initiative, held at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, last Saturday said the call became necessary because the people had been marginalised for so long in spite of the efforts to nation building.
He noted that time had come for all sons and daughters of Ijaw to wake-up and demand for their right as they deserved a better treatment.
The traditional ruler who was among those honoured with Life Time Award said the Ijaw nation had come of age and therefore should take their destiny in their hands, also thanked the organisers of the programme for their initiative and for the honour bestowed on some deserving illustrious sons and daughters of Ijaw, saying it is worthy.
He also lauded Amaopusenibo Bobo Sofiri Brown for his taught provoking lecture titled “Dreams of Gold”, and described him as an orator.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Albert Horsfall, called on all Ijaws to wake-up as it was time for them to stop sleep-walking, pointing out that due to their lukewarm attitude successive governments and administrations have been trampling over their right.
Chief Horsfall lamented that the Ijaws were being denied the right to own oil blocks in the area and further reminded them of a song by the Late Highlife King, Rex Jim Lawson, who said it is time to wake-up as they have been sleeping for so long.
He frowned that Ijaw sons and daughters in Niger Delta had less than three percent in a list of persons to benefit from a new oil blocks allocation in the country, pointing out that it is a pity that they were even denied their right in their own territory.
Earlier, the President of Ijaw Republican Assembly (Patriotic Front), Alatubo Charles Harry, said it was their contribution to celebrate, recognise and applaud illustrious sons and daughters of Ijaw nation for their services and contributions to the society, describing the Ijaws as great people and great nation.

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.