Niger Delta

Presidential Amnesty Strikes Synergy With Media In PH

Published

6 years ago

August 26, 2019

As part of its commitment to ensure that all critical stakeholders are informed of the policies and programmes of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and also bring the beneficiaries closer, the Port Harcourt Office of the PAP has held a one-day media parley in the State capital, as a way of fostering good relationship between the agency and the media.
The programme, which was organised by the PAP Office in Port Harcourt at the NUJ Press Centre in Port Harcourt, and tagged “Presidential Amnesty Office Quarterly Media Forum”, attracted selected journalists from the nine states of the Niger Delta, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo and Rivers State.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Prof Charles Dokubo, said the agency has a total of 30,000 delegates, otherwise known as former Niger delta agitators enrolled on its database, adding that the agency has not delisted any beneficiary as being speculated.
Dokubo, who was represented on the occasion by the Liaison Officer, Port Harcourt PAP Office, Mrs Ibiye Alalibo, said the Port Harcourt Office was created to bring the amnesty programme closer to the beneficiaries, adding that apart from the 30,000 beneficiaries, the agency also extended its scheme to affected communities.
“30,000 initial delegates who signed with us are still with PAP. We still put communities into consideration”, Dokubo added.
Dokubo stated that the reason for the quarterly media forum was to integrate the media into the activities of the agency as critical stakeholders with a view to building collaboration that would make the agency deliver its mandate and promote the desired development in the region.
Also speaking at the event, Principal Partner, MC1& Partners Limited, Ms Maureen Ideozu, said the objective of the programme was to promote awareness of the activities of the amnesty office, and further enhance its image, while facilitating clearer understanding of its role as well as the relevance of its work to national development.
She further disclosed that the media forum would create a platform for constructive engagement with the media, and also gauge public perception of the impact of the amnesty office.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the state Chairman of NUJ, Rivers State Council, Mr Job Stanley Job, commended PAP for the programme, and urged its leadership to make the forum consistent and regular.
Our correspondent reports that the forum featured multimedia presentation on PAP activities, ice breaker and parallel syndicate sessions aimed at strengthening the PAP -media relations.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

4 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

4 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

4 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.