Niger Delta

ICPC To Probe Constituency Projects In Rivers

Published

6 years ago

March 19, 2020

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), says it will begin investigation of all abandoned constituency projects in Rivers State, saying such projects were not a donation from lawmakers.
This is as the anti-graft commission called on the people to engage their representatives by asking questions, explaining that funds for constituency projects are from the national coffers.
Head of the ICPC in Rivers and Bayelsa State, Alexander Chukwurah disclosed this at the ICPC/National Orientation Agency (NOA) constituency project town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Chukwurah said it was wrong for people to see constituency project as a donation from lawmakers, noting that it will begin visit of states in the coming days as part of measures to track projects.
“The group will visit other states to track constituency projects. It is hoped that when we begin the tracking that Tsunami will not fall. I call it the clarion call. Everybody should take ownership of the conception; that is the planning stage, the execution and even the protection of all constituency projects.
“And that these projects are not largesse from our legislators. They are from our national resources.
“So we should all take ownership and begin to ask questions. If you need water in your village and they give you electricity, that will not suffice. Is that not true? So from the very conception, we should engage our representatives to come and say these are the things we need,” he stated.
In his remark at the event, Rivers State NOA Coordinator, Ayo Tamuno Young said the agency was collaborating with the ICPC to ensure that the people took ownership of constituency projects in their domains.
Tamuno said, “It is our view that when communities take ownership of these projects, there will be genuine interest to preserve and protect them. By taking ownership of it you have gone a step further towards making sure that it is protected and preserved, not just for you, but also for posterity.
“It will also exposecontractors who are ever eager to maximize profit as they put the project to the highest standard required,” the State NOA boss said.

By: Dennis Naku

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.