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Niger Delta

Police Decry Pension Scheme, Parades Man With 375 AK-47

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4 years ago

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The Nigeria Police retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) have again demanded to be exited from the scheme, saying it denies them access to their benefits and entitlements.
In a press statement on their behalf made available to newsmen in Calabar and signed by the sixteen State chairmen of branches including CP Abayomi Akeremale, (Rtd.), Chairman of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter and Rtd. CSP Uwem Uyoh, Chairman of Akwa Ibom State chapter, regretted that “they have been coerced into a system that has robbed them of their entitlements which their counterparts in other security agencies are still enjoying.”
They gave instances of the maltreatment of retirees; “an instance is the denial of the 300% annual basic salary and the 80% monthly basic salary as gratuity and monthly pension, respectively on retirement.
“The gratuity has been replaced with what is craftily described as lump sum which is far below 25% of annual salary of a retiree after 35 years of meritorious service and a monthly pension of what is less than 20% of the last monthly basic salary of the retiree.
“Whereas, military and other intelligence community personnel who are not contributing to their retirement benefits are paid 300% of their last annual salary and 80% of their last monthly salary as their gratuity and pension respectively.”
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Cross River State Police Commissioner, Aminu Alhasaan, last weekend, paraded one Godwin Ubung with 375 AK 47 live ammunition.
In his maiden media briefing at the State Police Headquarters, Diamond Hill, Calabar, CP Alhasaan said the Obanlikwu Division of the police, in northern Cross River, carried out the arrest, and described the operation as a major breakthrough.
“Barely 24 hours of my assumption, was a major breakthrough recorded. On 11/8/2021 at about 0530hrs, surveillance patrol team, led by the DPO Obanliku Division, intercepted one Ubung Godwin “m’ of Bebuabie Village and one Christopher Udie ‘m’ of Betukwel village in Obudu LGA with unregistered motorcycle.
“On sighting the police, the said Christopher took to his heels abandoning his accomplice with the motorcycle while Ubung Godwin ‘m’ was arrested and the following items were recovered in his possession namely: One chain of GPMG live ammunition. Three Hundred and seventy-five (375) AK47 live ammunition.
“The suspect is being investigated to establish the source and mission of this illegal act, and also to bring all the culprits involved to book.”
The new CP also solicited the cooperation of all Cross Riverians, stakeholders, community youths, leaders, religious and traditional leaders to ensure insecurity is reduced to the barest minimum in the state.
“Furthermore, I want to reiterate my resolve to align with the vision and mission of the Inspector General of Police among which includes respect for fundamental human rights, policing in line with the international best practices, zero tolerance of crime/criminality
and his initiative of Operation Restore Peace (RP) in our respective area of responsibility (AOR) at all times,” he stated.
In an interview with Journalists, the suspect denied being the owner of the ammunition, saying his cousin, who ran away on sighting the police, was the owner.

By: Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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1 week ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.
Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.
According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.
He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.
He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.
“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.
Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.
The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.
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Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

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1 week ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.
The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.
Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.
He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.
“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.
The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.
The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.
The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.
Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.
He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.
“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.
Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.
“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.
Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.
Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.
“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.
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Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

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1 week ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.
The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.
It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.
Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced  the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.
He, however, said while  several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.
“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.
‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.
In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.
Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.
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