Niger Delta

Emulate OPM Example, Bishops Tell N’ Delta Clerics

Published

6 years ago

September 20, 2019

Clerics in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria have been called upon to, as a matter of urgency, emulate the good works of the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry, Apostle Chinyere Gift Chibuzor, to restore peace and sanity to the region.
A coalition of clerics under the aegis of ‘Niger Delta Bishops and Eminent Clerics’ made the call, last Wednesday, during the commissioning of OPM Free School facility at Agip by Ada-George Road in Port Harcourt.
The President of the coalition, Archbishop Julius Ediwer said that the Niger Delta needs more people like Apostle Chinyere Chibuzor to make the society a better place for all to live.
He commended the apostle for establishing such standard free schools in some states of the federation, adding that such educational facility where free meal, shoes, bags, uniforms and quality books, among others, were made available, was what has transformed many societies in Europe.
Also speaking, Bishop Innocent Chigozie stated that it takes only those who are truly called by God to do all the works that the OPM G.O. was doing, adding that the good works he was doing serve as a clarion call for other clergymen in the society to do more.
Chigozie thanked Chinyere for his kind gestures towards empowering and giving positive direction to the less-privileged in the society, noting that no one would pass through the OPM Free School and would want to be engaged in any criminal activity.
He also emphasised the need for other clergymen in the society to replicate the good examples set by Chinyere so as to reduce crime rate in the society.
In her reaction, the Welfare Director, Maureen Chukwu explained some of the processes of selecting the 200 pupils admitted into the new OPM Free School, noting that care was taken to ensure that only indigent pupils benefited from the initiative.
Chukwu said standards of the OPM schools were the same all over, while listing some of the special units to include computer unit, in-built classrooms attached to each class from nursery 1 to primary five and a sick bay with doctors and nurses in case any pupil falls ill while in school.
The commissioning of the OPM Free School at Agip, by Ada-George Road brings the total number of OPM free schools to 13, all populated with best graduate teachers placed on good salaries.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.