Niger Delta

Ndoma-Egba Cautions Ayade Against Fractionalisation Of APC

Published

4 years ago

June 4, 2021

The former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, has charged the Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, to work towards making the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the State cohesive, advising that he should keep the peace and unity among party men intact.
He said that it was the only way the party can win elections in 2023.
Ndoma-Egba gave the charge while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after an interactive session Ayade had with APC stakeholders at the Event Hall, Calabar Cultural Centre Complex.
The Leader of the 7th Senate warned on the dangers of allowing rancour and acrimony to thrive in the party, stressing that the unity and peace among party men remains sacrosanct.
Ndoma-Egba urged Governor Ayade to see himself now as APC leader in the state, and not to allow the party, which is now under his care, to toe the line of his former party.
The APC chieftain reminded party stakeholders how Cross River State was so weak and vulnerable to be in political opposition in Nigeria, lauding the state governor for taking that bold step to defect from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to the ruling APC.
While reiterating his support for Ayade and other party leaders in the State, Ndoma-Egba stressed that such overwhelming support places huge responsibility on the governor’s shoulders, to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring that he remains a consultative, inclusive, democratic, transparent and accountable leader, not just for the APC, but to the people of Cross River State as a whole.
Reacting to Ndoma-Egba’s advice, Governor Ayade assured the APC leaders and stakeholders in Cross River State that members will henceforth enjoy the status of a ruling party, and pledged to do everything within his reach to take both the state and party to enviable heights.
He said, “we, the APC in Cross River State, will sit down and agree as a family, such that not even one office will be lost to the opposition party.”

By: Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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

3 days 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.