Niger Delta

Banigo Applauds Wike On Healthcare Delivery

Published

6 years ago

May 22, 2019

The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, has applauded the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike in the area of healthcare delivery in the state.
Banigo stated this during an advocacy visit to her by the UNICEF Team at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to the deputy governor, “when it comes to issues that concerns the health of women and children, our nutritional goals and generally how this plays out in improving the GDP of Rivers State, Governor Wike’s leadership, commitment and dedication is unparalleled”.
Banigo further stressed that the governor’s dogged leadership has led to tremendous improvements in nutrition, water, sanitation and immunisation between 2016 and 2018 in the face of recession because he believes that Rivers people should have the best.
The deputy governor also commended the wife of the Governor of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom Wike, for the lead role she has taken as a Nutrition Champion for UNICEF in Rivers State, and expressed gratitude to the First Lady for nominating her to UNICEF as one of the nutrition champions in addition to being a breastfeeding champion.
She expressed delight to serve Rivers people in that capacity.
In his remarks, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Rivers State, Mr Wilbroad Mgambi congratulated the governor and his deputy, for their re-election, noting that the efforts of the state government, including its partnership with UNICEF, impacted positively on the lives of the citizenry.
According to him, Rivers State stood out as the best in the country with a rate of 94% in the number of households accessing basic water supply.
He disclosed that there has also been a tremendous improvement in immunisation coverage, rising from 44.8% in 2019 to 82.6% in 2018, stressing that with increased state investments in the social sectors similar results would be achieved with the potential to yield the greatest outcome for children and the good people of Rivers State.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Health, Mrs Caroline Wali informed the deputy governor that the advocacy visit was aimed at achieving commitments in terms of getting an executive approval of state policy on food and nutrition as well as state Strategic Plan of Action.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.