Niger Delta

NNPC’s Recruitment Threatens Okowa’s Peace Security Agreement

Published

6 years ago

April 15, 2019

The peace and security agreement brokered by the Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa between oil companies operating in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state and the community youths on the 30th of November, 2018 may snap any moment from now unless urgent steps are taken.
The problem may not be unconnected with the recent recruitment exercise carried out by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.
In a statement made available to the press, Ekpan Development Committee, EDC, President and Secretary, Messrs Magbadja Eghrudje and Esere Akemu wondered why NNPC would announce the recruitment exercise online for three days’ notice and thereafter close their portal.
EDC prevailed on the Governor to warn Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, NNPC and Chevron to wake up from their slumber and provide employment to the community youths, the EDC Officials faulted the procedure used by NNPC in the recruitment of unemployed undergraduates and other qualified Nigerians.
EDC not only petitioned President. Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Maikanti Kachalla Baru, as well as all security agencies over the matter but threatened to block the refinery bridge and stop all vehicular movements to the NNPC, WRPC, PPMC and other subsidiaries of the NNPC if their demands were not met soon.
EDC said the oil companies were taking their disposition to peace for weakness just as it vowed to resume hostilities for the oil companies to listen to their demands.
Moreso, the Ekpan Youth Wing insisted that as host community to the NNPC, WRPC, PPMC and other subsidiaries of the NNPC, the oil giant should recruit qualified and educated indigenes from Ekpan Community.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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

3 days 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.