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‘Jonathan Face Of Democracy’

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5 years ago

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The remains of Chief Nitabai Inengite,foster father and cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan were interred at the weekend in his home town,Otuoke,Ogbia council area of Bayelsa State. This is even as the Governor of the state, Senator Douye Diri has described Jonathan as the face of democracy in the world.
Speaking at the obsequies, the former president described his foster father and cousin as a close confidant.
Jonathan noted that though death was inevitable, Chief Inengite died when his fatherly advice were most needed.
He commended symp-athisers and guests from within and outside the state for coming to show the Inengite and the Jonathan family love,saying the Otuoke community and the Ogbia Kingdom would forever remember the deceased for his worthy contributions to peace and development.
Similarly,the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has also described former President of the country, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, as the face of democracy and strong advocate of non-violent elections in the world.
Diri, who spoke at Otuoke during the burial of the former President’s foster father and cousine, Late Chief Nitabai Inengite, said the historic phone call Dr Jonathan made conceding defeat to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 saved democracy in Nigeria.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor noted that the show of patriotism and love by the former President would remain a good reference point to other democratic countries including the United States of America.
“We all know what is happening in the United States, a country most of us regarded as the best example of democracy. But considering what Trump is doing with his supporters, you will agree with that our father (Dr Jonathan) did what so many leaders in the world cannot do”, Governor Diri said.
“Our brother and father has elevated Nigeria above the United States. I say this with all sense of responsibility because when you compare the margin of defeat in 2015 and the margin of defeat today in the US, you can know the difference.But yet our father for the love of self and love of all of us and for the love our country and the African continent relinquished power without any doubt”, the Governor added.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Mr Doubara Atasi, says the number two citizen of the state described the Late Chief Inengite as a man of principles with deep family values who was committed to the development of his community and humanity.
Senator Diri called on people of the state to be United and urged the youth to emulate the deceased by leading peaceful lifestyles and never allow their backgrounds to define their destinies.
While expressing condolences on behalf of the Government and people of the state, the Governor prayed God to grant Dr Jonathan, the Inengite family and Otuoke Community, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss ocassioned by the passage of Chief Inengite.
In an interview with Newsmen shortly after the interment Dr Jonathan described his late foster father and cousin as an amiable man who served the Esosi Family, Otuoke Community, the Rivers State University and Niger Delta University creditably.
Delivering an exhortation titled “the Great Event”, Pastor Elizah Nkamere of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, enjoined all to prepare for the day of Judgment as everyone will give account of him or herself to God after death.
According to his biography, Late Chief Inengite took up a career in the civil service in 1973 as messenger at then College of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, in Rivers State University.

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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2 weeks 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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2 weeks 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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2 weeks 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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