Niger Delta

Bayelsa Poll: PDP Intensifies Campaigns In Southern Ijaw

Published

6 years ago

November 4, 2019

Communities of constituencies 2, 3 and 4 of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State at the weekend were agog as the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) took its Governorship campaigns to their domain.
The carnival-like campaigns, which started in Krokrosei Community, Constituency 4, home town of former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Konbowei Benson, had major stakeholders of the PDP and other political actors of the constituency in attendance.
Speaking in his constituency, the former Speaker called on his people to rally round the candidacy of Senator Douye Diri / Lawrence Ewhrudjiakpo, describing the duo as the most experienced and the best pair to govern the state.
“Our candidate, Diri / Ewhrudjiakpo have served Bayelsa State in different capacities: Douye Diri was commissioner during Goodluck Jonathan’s administration as Governor, he was the Director-general, Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development in Alamieyeseigha’s Government. “When his Excellency, Seriake Dickson became Governor, he appointed him as principal executive secretary to the Governor, and because of his good works he was voted for to the House of Representatives. after serving meritorously for one term, he was again sent higher to the Senate and just a few months in the Senate, because of his track record of service delivery as one of the over 23 PDP Guber Aspirants, he was voted as the party’s Governorship candidate. “Krokrosei, Olodiama, Apoi-ibe, Foropa, Bassan/ Koluama, Constituency 4, do you want inexperienced people to rule you? Please though David Lyon is our son, our brother, but you must know that the right people to govern this state are Diri / Ewhrudjiakpo and the right party is the PDP. This is the party that has empowered your children, sons and daughters,” he concluded.
Also speaking, the member representing Southern Ijaw constituency 4 in the State Assembly, High Chief Mac Donald Igbadiowei called on the people to give their vote in block to the PDP, restating that from 1999 to date, constituency (iv) votes have always been for the Party.
The lawmaker described Diri and Ewhrudjiakpo as square pegs in square holes, noting that with competent hands governing the state citizens would fair better just as he assured the campaign team that victory for the party is sure in the area.
In a similarly vein, the people of Southern Ijaw constituency 3 have also pledged their support to the Diri / law campaign team. This is coming on the heels of the campaigns to the constituency’s headquarters, Ekowe, same day.
At Ekowe, headquarters of Bomo clan and the constituency, the lawmaker representing them, Hon. Marlon Moses, made strong case for the duo of Diri/ Ewhrudjiakpo, saying the era for ineptitude and mediocrity in Governance is over.
The Assembly member reaffirmed the commitment of party faithfuls and stakeholders alike from the area to continue galvanizing support for the electoral victory of the PDP not just on November 16th, re-echoing that the PDP manifesto and its Guber candidate’s political ideals are in line with the yearnings of the constituency.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

15 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

15 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

15 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.