Niger Delta

Wike, Most Labour-Friendly Governor -Nsirim

Published

6 years ago

August 30, 2019

The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, says Governor Wike remains the most labour-friendly governor in the country.
He therefore called on the organised labour in the state to join the campaign to change the negative narrative about the state.
The Permanent Secretary, who was on ‘#Our StateOur Responsibility” advocacy visit to the temporary secretariat of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, recalled vividly when Rivers workers were owed salaries, while pensioners were equally owed by the previous administration. He stated that Governor Wike has not only cleared backlog of salary arrears, but has also continuously improved the conditions of workers, adding that a befitting secretariat will soon be commissioned for labour in the state by the Governor.
According to him, Rivers State has both the human and material resources to be great, adding that with two seaports, an international airport and the biggest supermarket in West Africa, the state is greatly endowed.
He, however, said that there are people who belong to the vocal minority that are painting the state black, stressing that the NLC must join the campaign to silence this vocal minority.
“The leadership of NLC in Rivers State should join the clarion call to change the narrative about Rivers State”, he said.
Nsirim continued that Governor Wike has created the best security architecture in the country, noting that the ban on illegal street trading is yielding positive results as Port Harcourt is regaining its lost glory as the Garden City of Nigeria.
Responding, the State Chairperson of NLC, Mrs. Beatrice Itubo, described the advocacy campaign as a bold step that will put the state in proper perspective.
Itubo said labour will never join in de-marketing the state, and called on those living and doing business in the state not to join the campaign to de-market the state.
She described the ban on street trading as a good one, but that the government should open up the market with a view to making it affordable for all.

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.