Niger Delta

INEC Seeks Monarchs’ Support For Peaceful, Credible Poll In Bayelsa

Published

6 years ago

September 11, 2019

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has sought the partnership of Bayelsa’s State’s traditional rulers in the efforts to conduct peaceful and credible governorship election in the state on November 16.
The Resident Electoral Commission (REC) in the state, Mr Monday Udoh, who made the request at a meeting with the royal fathers in Yenagoa, stressed that INEC, was poised to conduct free and fair election.
He said the one-day meeting, tagged: “Alternative Disputes Resolution (ADR): Pre-Election Round-Table on Conflict Resolution’’ was to enlighten the royal fathers on the need to tackle disorder before, during and after election.
The REC described traditional rulers as “Peace Ambassadors’’ and urged them to support INEC’s initiative on Election Alternative Disputes Resolution (EADR), adding that the managing conflicts informally would forestall breakdown of law and order during and after election.
Director, ADR, INEC Headquarters, Abuja Mr Clement Oha, said the meeting was part of efforts to check pre-election and post-election cases.
“This is to solicit royal blessing, support and advice, on the sustenance of peace before, during and after the election.
“We urge the traditional rulers to apply their wealth of experience in their areas and support INEC in tackling election disputes,’’ Oha advised.
Chief Alfred Diete-Spiff, Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council in the state said the meeting was a welcome development and pledged to ensure hitch-free election in Bayelsa on Nov. 16.
“Yes, the success of an election depends on people, especially the traditional rulers but, first, we must call the politicians to order because they are the major cause of conflict.
“The politicians should stay away from disorder; we know they can agree and disagree, but INEC has to advise them more.
“The police and other security agencies need to step up their games in managing conflicts, especially during elections.
“We must know that election is not war and we must avoid using the army.
“We, the traditional rulers, will do our best and we are going to mobilise our members including the first class Chiefs across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa,” Diete-Spiff said.

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.