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Niger Delta

‘Why Chief Judge Walked Out On C’River Dep Gov’

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6 years ago

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The outgoing Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Michael Edem, has decried the appointment of a retired judge, Justice Obojor-Ogar (rtd), as Chairman of the State Judiciary Service Commission (SJSC), saying that the appointment was illegal and unconstitutional.
The Chief Judge said Governor Ayade does not have the power to appoint a Chairman for SJSC because by law it is the
Chief Judge of the state who automatically serves as Chairman, while other members can be appointed.
Deputy Governor of the State, Ivara Esu, represented the Governor at the inauguration of the commission.
Early in the week at the inauguration of the commission, Justice Edem stormed out of the state council chamber where the Governor had invited him to a meeting he claimed was a normal meeting with the SJSC, which turned out to be inauguration of another Exco of the SJSC.
was a normal meeting with the SJSC, which turned out to be inauguration of another Exco of the SJSC.
Justice Edem later summoned a meeting of the SJSC, saying the parallel one formed by Governor Ayade is unconstitutional and cannot be recognised, emphasising that it should be ignored.
It would be recalled that both men have had a face-off in recent times over the or to Michael Edem, whose tenure as Chief Judge of the state expires at the end of November 2019.
appointment of a successor to Michael Edem, whose tenure as Chief Judge of the state expires at the end of November 2019.
The Chief Judge has insisted that, according to the rule of the National Judicial Commission, the next most senior judge in the state, who is Mrs. Akon Ikpeme, should step in, but it is learnt that the Governor has insisted that since she is not from the Cross River North, and is married to a man from Cross River South, she should not succeed
Edem.
Among those inaugurated by Ivara Esu were Justice Obojor-Ogar (rtd), Ntufam Joe Ebam, Dr. Teresa Ikwen and Barr Tasen Etum Okune.
The Vice Chairman of the state Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barrister Etim Inyang, however frowned at the development, while Barrister Utum Eteng expressed surprise that “a learned judge like Obojor Ogar, a person of his standing, who is knowledgeable about the constitution and rules of National Judiciary Commission, could allow himself to be used”.

 

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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1 week ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.
Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.
According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.
He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.
He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.
“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.
Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.
The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.
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Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

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1 week ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.
The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.
Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.
He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.
“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.
The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.
The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.
The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.
Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.
He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.
“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.
Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.
“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.
Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.
Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.
“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.
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Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

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1 week ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.
The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.
It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.
Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced  the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.
He, however, said while  several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.
“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.
‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.
In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.
Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.
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