Niger Delta

C’River Hails Police, Recognises Officers

Published

5 years ago

April 14, 2021

The Cross River State Carnival Commission has hailed the Commissioner of Police, CP S. K. Akande, and the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, ACP Cletus Chris Nwadiogbu for their contribution to the security of Cross River State.
The duo were honoured on 3rd of April, by the Commission.
The CP was honoured not only for his role as the Mopol Commander which created a conducive environment for the commencement of carnival in 2004, but for also re-enacting the same performance within few months as CP CRS.
On the other hand, the AC OPS, ACP Cletus Nwadiogbu, who was described as “the pillar of carnival security” by some of the invited guests and members of the commission, was honoured for his selfless, professional, and relentless commitment to duty which ensured peaceful and crime-free conduct of carnival activities and Christmas celebrations since 2016.
Speaking with newsmen the Assistant Commissioner of Police, in charge of operations, ACP Cletus Nwadiogbu, lamented the activities of hoodlums in the state, noting that with the digitalised technology, the hoodlums will be flushed out.
“Presently, we are digitalising policing in Cross River State since criminality is going digital. We are also going to digitalise our operations, we have to go ahead of the criminals; those are what we are trying to bring in,” he stated.
Nwadiogbu who said that by the grace of God and by the end of this month, nobody will hear anything about kidnapping noted, “If you hear kidnapping, the next thing you will hear will be he has been caught.”
On his recognition, he said, “I am very much at alert. it is a motivation, it is good when you work, somebody by the side will say well done and when you are told well done, it energises you to work more.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sikiru Akande, said that security situation in the state had improved, noting that when he came in 2002, it was worse.
“When we came in 2002, Calabar was worse than this, and we were able to do it, as at 2002, by 7pm it was completely dead. It was the hard work we put in before the election in 2003 that helped us.
When I was commander of Mopol, I had 600 Policemen but as commissioner of Police today, I have 5,000 men so Cross Riverians should be rest assured that we are going to put more energy to secure Cross River State.
“When the state is secured, tourism will develop and luckily for me, I have a brother here, who is willing to serve the state and two of us are at the helm of affairs, creating an enabling environment for security development of the state.
“We are going to partner more and stronger so that we make sure that Cross River State is peaceful,” the CP stated.

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

16 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.

The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.

Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.

In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.

The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.

Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

By: Enoch Epelle

Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

Published

16 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State

The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.

MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator, Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.

LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama, Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.

He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”

By: Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

4 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.