Niger Delta

‘Suspension Of APC National Officers, Null, Void’

Published

6 years ago

November 20, 2019

The APC National Vice Chairman, South-South Zone, Ntufam Hilliard Eta, has described the purported suspension APC National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomle, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shuaibu, the State Secretary to the state government, Osarodion Ogie, the state party chairman, Anslem Ojezua, and a host of others as null and void.
Eta made the remark while briefing journalists on the issue in Calabar, saying that the leadership of the party in the zone would not accept the suspension.
Eta’s position contradicts the position of the APC National Secretary as announced by is National Publicity Secretary, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who said the party has rectified the suspension, an indication that the leadership of the party was divided on the issue.
Eta, who barred his mind on the current crisis rocking the ruling party in the state, also said the alleged suspension of the National Chairman of the APC, and some members of his faction by a faction of the party in the state is also unlawful and illegal.
The APC Chair stated that actions of both factions violate the provisions of the constitution of the APC on the suspension or sanctioning of any member of the party.
Eta said, “South-south zone of the party will soon convene an emergency meeting to ensure that the crisis bedeviling the party in Edo State is resolved.
“I am quiet shy about commenting on the crisis in Edo state. I had wanted time to do what is needful in terms of reconciling the crisis in Edo state, address some gray areas in the crisis that has engulfed Edo state.
“You may want to know that apart from the National Executive Committee, it is the Zonal Executive Committee that sees to this kind of issue.
“We intend to convene an emergency Zonal Executive Committee meeting to look into the whole matter.
“Having said so, I am not in a position to take sides in the matter in Edo state. But let me say, I have read and seen in TV and newspapers, as well as in the social media the various sanctions and suspensions starting from the National Chairman, who was said to have been, suspended, to the Governor, his Deputy , the Secretary to government, the Chairman of the party, and even the state secretary of the party.
“My take on the issue is that none of those processes lived to the expectations of the Constitution of the party. So, as for me as an individual, they are all null and void.”
He further stated that there are constitutional provisions, and processes that must be followed for any member, let alone elected member of the party, to be suspended.
“The truth of the matter is that political parties are made up of human beings. There are constitutional processes, and step that you take before you can sanction people.
He said one of the greatest ingredients in the process is that every person accused must be given an opportunity to react, rather than going ahead to slam suspension order on the individual without listening to his side of the story.
Eta maintained that the whole process is undemocratic, dictatorial and tyrannical, hence the suspension is null and void.
He called on those behind the suspension order against the to have a glimpse at the constitution so as to know how to go about it.

By: Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Niger Delta

NPC Unveils Digital Registration System In Delta

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The National Population Commission (NPC), on Friday, launched the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (eCRVS) in Delta State, designed to strengthen data generation and vital statistics management.

The Tide’s source reports that the system was launched by the Delta Federal Commissioner, Mrs. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, at a news briefing in Asaba.

Brume-Ataguba recalled that President Bola Tinubu formally launched the eCRVS in November 2023 as part of the efforts to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration process.

She said the initiative followed resolutions reached at the Sixth Session of the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Addis Ababa in 2022.

According to her, African ministers urged member states to automate civil registration processes and implement the UN Legal Identity Agenda.

“Nigeria responded by developing an electronic, technology-driven system to enhance data generation and improve civil statistics nationwide,” Brume-Ataguba said.

She said NPC, in collaboration with UNICEF, produced an eCRVS Operational Readiness Assessment Report to guide implementation.

She explained that the partnership aims to establish a fully digital civil registration system that converts records of vital events into reliable statistics for effective planning and decision-making.

Brume-Ataguba described the initiative as a complete shift from paper-based documentation to a modern digital platform aligned with international best practices.

She said the system would transform the way births and deaths were recorded, tracked and analysed across the country.

“This process marks a complete departure from the traditional paper-based recording of vital events to a state-of-the-art digital solution that conforms to international best practices.

“This eCRVS promises to revolutionise how vital events are recorded, tracked and analysed in the country.

“This will ensure commitments, and a sustained national, international financial and political investment for birth registration within the CVRS in Nigeria, ” Brume-Ataguba said.

She also said the launch demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening civil registration data capture and processing.

She further said improved vital statistics would support national development planning and help Nigeria achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brume-Ataguba continued that the state-level launch was necessary to sensitise the media and the public on the significance of the digital registration system.

She described the media as a vital partner in informing and educating citizens about the importance of registering vital events electronically.

She further assured residents that competent ICT personnel were available at the state level to address technical challenges and provide support.

The NPC commissioner emphasised that the eCRVS would overhaul the registration of births and deaths in the country and lay a solid foundation for efficient civil statistics management.

She urged stakeholders to collaborate with the commission to realise its goal of providing accurate and timely vital registration data.

She announced that the current phase of the e-CRVS programme would be concluded in March.

In her remark, the NPC State Director, Mrs. Jane Odigwe, appealed to the Delta Government to support the implementation of the system in the state.

“Your partnership is vital in helping us to reach this goal,” Odigwe said.

She also urged parents to register their children, saying that a birth certificate is essential for access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.

She said that registering children today would secure their identity and future participation in Nigeria’s development.

“To every parent in Delta, I urge you to bring your children forward for birth registration.

“A birth certificate is not just a document but your child’s key to education, healthcare and global opportunities.

“By registering your child today, you are giving them a voice in Nigeria of tomorrow,” Odigwe said.

Niger Delta

Police Uncover Suspects’ Armoury … Recover Weapons In Delta

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has recovered assorted weapons from a criminal hideout in the state.

Spokesman for the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this to newsmen, who on Friday in Warri, said the weapons were recovered on Thursday by the operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson.

He said the feat was achieved following a confession by a suspect handed over to the police team by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Orerokpe Division, for further interrogation.

Edafe said the suspect was alleged to be a member of a criminal syndicate terrorising commuters and residents on the Warri/Sapele Road.

“On February 19, acting on information obtained during interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to a concealed armoury located on the Sapele/Warri Road by the Adheje Community axis.

“A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of a locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size gun.

“Also recovered were a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, 10 live cartridges and a dagger,” he said.

Edafe stated that the investigation into the matter was ongoing.

He, however, quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Mr. Aina Adesola, to have reiterated the command’s resolve in dismantling criminal networks, and mopping up illegal firearms, among others, in the state.

Niger Delta

Police Caution On Lawless Protests On Court Matters In A’Ibom

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has cautioned on threats of lawless protests by some members of the public over matters that are already before the courts.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, told newsmen in Uyo on Friday that illegal protests could undermine public peace and order.

“When matters are already in court, let’s follow legal and civil means to seek redress. That is how a civilised society works.

“Although we recognise the constitutional rights of citizens to lawful expression and peaceful assembly, illegal protests are not allowed,” he said.

Azare said the Command would not tolerate threats or acts of nude protests, unlawful occupation of public or private facilities, and disruption of government, economic or social activities.

He said anyone found culpable of engaging in acts or threats of illegal protests would be prosecuted in line with the law.

“As a Command, we are committed to the maintenance of law and order, we are also committed to protecting lives and property”, he stated.