Niger Delta

LG Boss Wants FG To Probe Bakassi Resources

Published

5 years ago

November 11, 2020

The Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Hon. Iyadim Amboni Iyadim, wants the Federal Government to probe all resources released to support the people of Bakassi as there are no tangible projects to ameliorate returnees’ plight.
Iyadim, who made the call shortly after undertaking an assessment tour of the vandalised facilities across the council recently, lamented the ill treatments the people of Bakassi had passed through since the Peninsula was ceded to Cameroon in 2002.
He regretted the absence of federal government in Bakassi, noting that as a returnee, refugee and sitting chairman of the council, he has no place to stay, an indication of total abandonment even when they have sacrificed for the nation.
According to him, It is true that the federal government has been releasing resources to support our course but we don’t know where those monies were channeled to.
His words: “But we are not satisfied by the way resources meant to develop the area have been expended. So, let me use this opportunity to call on the federal government to probe these resources because up till now, we cannot see any tangible presence of federal government here in Bakassi.
“As a returnee, refugee and sitting chairman of the council and I don’t have a place of my own, it is so unfortunate I must say.”
On the End-SARS protest, the council boss disclosed that all the facilities had been completely vandalised; the electricity and water have all been demolished from house to house just as the protesters looted all the pieces of furniture in the council.
He listed other things vandalised and destroyed to include fully furnished 52 unit housing project and all amenities recently commissioned by Governor Ayade to ease accommodation problem for Bakassi returnees, the council secretariat that was upgraded to a smart office, all health facilities in the area, the only standard secondary school with well equipped Computer, Physics and Biology laboratories and a Divisional Police Office in Bakassi.
He commended Governor Ben Ayade for his passion and fatherly love for the people of Bakassi in the face of dwindling resources by delivering a world class model of housing estate to the people.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

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.