Niger Delta

Abe Calls For Forgiveness Among Ogoni People

Published

6 years ago

April 26, 2019

The Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, has appealed to the people of Ogoni ethnic nationality to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness so as to usher in peace, progress and prosperity in Ogoni land.
Abe made the appeal at a multi-stakeholders meeting of Ogoni leaders cutting across the political class, academia, women, youths and the traditional institution at Saakpenwa, headquarters of Tai Local Government Area of the State recently.
A statement signed by his spokesperson, Parry Saroh Benson and made available to The Tide stated that until there is genuine forgiveness among the leadership and the people, peace and progress may elude them, noting that even the Ogoni clean-up cannot take place in an atmosphere of violence and bitterness.
The Senator urged the people of Ogoni to put behind whatever might have been responsible for their differences and chart a new way forward for a beginning.
According to Abe, “It is important that we understand that without forgiveness, this land cannot move forward. All of us have had our differences but we cannot pursue our differences while Ogoni is sinking; let us forgive one another.
“It is our responsibility as leaders of the people to bring the current state of insecurity and hopelessness in the land not just under control but bring it to an end in such a manner that peace, prosperity, and progress will find a place in Ogoni land. We must restore order in this land,” Senator Abe stated.
Earlier, Chairman of the Ogoni stakeholders’ meeting, Senator Ben Birabi had appealed to the leaders to own up to the failures of the past and chart a new direction for a better and prosperous future for Ogoni to avoid the ethnic nationality being among the tribes that may be extinguished from the people of the world.
In his remark, convener of the meeting and Chairman, Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, King Godwin Gininwa said, it would be difficult to achieve any meaningful development in the area in an atmosphere devoid of peace; urging the youths, in particular, to embrace peace at all times.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

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.