Niger Delta

NIPR Calls For Reputation Rebuilding Process

Published

5 years ago

November 9, 2020

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, (NIPR), has enjoined the Federal Government to institute the process of rebuilding its reputation as the giant of Africa following the poor handling of the #EndSARS protests.
Chairman, NIPR, Rivers State, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, made the call at the unveiling of the institute’s magazine, PR Vision Magazine in Port Harcourt.
Nsirim said the magazine which was dedicated to Rivers State, was geared towards rebuilding and rebranding of the reputation of Rivers State and to showcase professionalism.
According to him, “ I have challenged PR practitioners in Nigeria and in this state to get involved to set agenda, get involved to shape reputation, get involved to make our leaders to begin to understand that the social contract with the people is important. #EndSARS is not just that people were talking about EndSARS, #EndSARS is something that reawakens the consciousness of our people to ask those in authority to be accountable. Enough of bad leadership. This is the time to give back to the society that put you there”.
On her part, the Special Guest of Honour and the magazine’s unveiler, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, noted that the content of the magazine was rich and could be used for tourism promotion in the country.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee, Rivers State, Chief Casca Ogosu, observed that it would help reorientate the mindset of the youths to bring about positive change.
He said, “ Instead of just bickering, let us have a reorientation or what I will call a retrofit of all our activities. Let us panel-beat ourselves and know what is wrong and what is right. Until our mindset changes from its nobody’s own, once it is government property, it is nobody’s, until we change such mindset, we may not have it right and let us guard against corruption-corruption is at its peak in the country”.
In his address, Chairman of the occasion, Eze Felix Otuwarikpo, Eze Igbu Upata Kingdom III and Regent of Ekpeye Land, represented by Eze Ikaki S. Ikaki, Eze Emene Okobo I and Chairman, Ekpeye Council of Chiefs, congratulated NIPR, Rivers State for being able to put together the magazine and charged all and sundry to join hands in support of the Rivers State Government in its development strides.

Tonye Nria-Dappa

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.