Niger Delta

Ayade Is Regretting Joining APC – Secondus

Published

4 years ago

June 16, 2021

The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has said the Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, was regretting defecting to the All Progressives Congress, saying he was giving him ‘quit notice.’
Secondus, who stated this in Calabar, explained that his visit to the state was to commission the PDP new state Secretariat located along Mary Slessor Avenue, inaugurate the State Caretaker Committee and welcome former governor Donald Duke back to the fold.
He was flanked by the governors of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel, Sokoto Tambuwal Waziri, Deputy governor of Zamfara state, Mahdi Aliyu Muhammed, former Senate president Bukola Saraki, former governors Liyel Imoke, Peter Obi, Donald Duke, National and State Assemblies members, and many other leaders of the party.
Secondus said the State remained a PDP state despite the defection of Ben Ayade from the party, stressing that the ‘food on the table’ policy of the Ayade-led administration was a mirage as many Cross Riverians were suffering in abject poverty and deprivations.
According to him, while the Cross River State governor was committing a political suicide by joining the APC, “the PDP would soon receive some Governors of the APC into its fold.” He, however, did not mention names of governors he was referring to.
Hear him, “We are hereby giving Gov Ayade quit notice. Ayade has been governor for six years and hunger is killing Cross Riverians and he is talking of ‘food on the table.’
“Former Senate President, Saraki is reconciling our party men and women and I must let you know that while Ayade is moving, other APC governors are indicating interest to defect from the party of bloodshed. We are taking back what belonged to us in 2023 and I know Ayade must now be regretting.
“In Nigeria, it is only PDP States that are delivering dividends of democracy, today, governor Udom is representing both Akwa Ibom and Cross River States in terms of performance, Gov Tambuwal is doing well, Zamfara is doing well and all other PDP States.
“We are coming to reclaim and reposition Nigeria, we have the experience and we are determined to restructure the country. We will restore the dignity of our country. we will restore the dignity of our people, the dignity of our youth.”
Reacting to the ban on Twitter by Abuja, the PDP National Chairman said, “Nobody can stop Nigerian youths from having a voice including on social media, whether, Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. We are coming to restore the freedom of Nigerians especially the youths.”
Tambuwal, who doubles as Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, in his remarks, said “we are determined to take back Cross River State. You have seen the destruction of lives and property APC is unleashing on Nigeria. You have seen the avoidable bloodshed going on but by the grace of God, we will reposition the country and give our people the leadership and freedom they deserve.”

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.