Niger Delta

C’River NBA Happy Over Substantive CJ’s Swearing-In

Published

5 years ago

February 10, 2021

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), yesterday commended Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State for swearing in Justice Akon Ikpeme as Chief Judge (CJ) of the State.
Justice Ikpeme was sworn in on Monday as the substantive CJ of the State 10 months after she was rejected by the State House of Assembly.
Chairman of the NBA, Mr Paul Ebiala, in an interview with newsmen, said that the confirmation and swearing-in of Justice Ikpeme as the substantive Chief Judge of Cross River was divine.
Ebiala commended Governor Ayade for the swearing-in, adding “the legal family in the state is happy for the confirmation of an excellent lady as the Chief Judge of the state.
“Today is a blessed day, particularly the day the NBA, Calabar Branch has been waiting for because we have clamoured for this over a period of one year .
“We got not just a substantive Chief Judge but the particular person the law says is the right person and today that person has been sworn-in.
“We have high expectations, she has to pull the judiciary in the state together and also cooperate with the other two arms of government, we are confident that she is going to do a good job,” he said.
Also contributing, Mr Mba Ukweni, SAN, said:”we are very happy and hope to work with the new CJ to move the state and its judiciary forward.
“It is sad that we find ourselves in this kind of situation. For us not to find ourselves in this kind of situation again, we have to follow the rules and the constitutional provisions.
“By virtue of my position as a SAN, I have a responsibility to the legal profession, the country and our constitution, we are like guardians of the threshold, we must ensure that things are done properly,” Ukweni said.
Recall that Justice Ikpeme who was born on October 21, 1959 was first appointed Acting Chief Judge of Cross River on December 3, 2019 to March 2, 2020.
She was however, not confirmed by the State House of Assembly to serve as the substantive Chief Judge, giving room for the swearing-in of Justice Maurice Eneji and Justice Eyo Effiom-Ita who served in acting capacities between March 2020 and Janaury 2021.
Justice Ikpeme first appeared before the state House of Assembly on March 2, 2020, her nomination was rejected as the state lawmakers said though she was married to an indigene of the state, she is from neighbouring Akwa Ibom by birth.
The house again at its sitting of June 2, 2020, rejected Justice Ikpeme’s nomination after the National Judicial Council, for the second time, re-nominated her.

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.