Niger Delta

Diri,Wike,Others Seek NDDC, N’Delta States’ Synergy

Published

5 years ago

December 21, 2020

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, his Rivers State counterpart, Chief Nyesom Wike and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, amongst other stakeholders, have stressed the need for synergy between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and state governments in the region.
They made the call at the weekend during the 4th meeting of the National Council on Niger Delta which held at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt.
The meeting with the theme “Relieving Uncommon Development in the Niger Delta Region: Roadmap and Strategy,” also had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Moses Ekpo, Special Adviser on Niger Delta, Senator Ita Enang and the newly appointed NDDC Sole Administrator, Mr Effiong Okon Akwa.
Speaking at the event, Governor Diri, represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said effective collaboration between the intervention agency and its catchment states would enhance well-coordinated development in the Niger Delta.
The Governor, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Mr Doubara Atasi, lamented the rate of abandoned NDDC projects across the region, which he noted, was in dire need of human and infrastructural development.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has decried what he described as lack of legitimate governance structure in the NDDC which he noted has subjected the interventionist agency to all forms of manipulation and corruption.
Governor Wike who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Ipalibo Banigo, called on the Federal Government to make withdrawals from the Sovereign Wealth Fund for the urgent funding and completion of the East-West Road just as he noted the Federal government had done for other regions of the country.
In his remarks, Senator Akpabio urged the leaders and people of Niger Delta to support the ongoing forensic audit of the NDDC and cautioned the political class against politicising development issues in the region.
“Some State Governors have sent thugs to chase NDDC contractors out of the site even when they have no budget to develop that particular infrastructure. So when that happens, how can that lead to harmony?” Akpabio queried.
In a communique, the stakeholders called on the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to properly coordinate all actors in the region to enhance the much needed synergy to avoid duplication and abandonment of projects.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.