Niger Delta

Emmanuel Flays Neglect Of Elderly Over Witch-Craft

Published

4 years ago

October 29, 2021

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel has condemned the rising “elderly-witch” syndrome where the aged are abandoned and dubbed as witches by the younger generation in the state.
Emmanuel said this in Uyo while speaking as the guest of honour at the birthday thanksgiving and book presentation by Mkpisong Ememobong Essien, who celebrated his 80th birthday
According to the governor, such acts of abandoning the elderly under the pretext of witchcraft can only deny the welfare and care they rightly deserve.
“It is disheartening to see some children dub their aged parents as witches. The same parents who took care of them all through their youthful age.”, the governor lamented.
Emmanuel, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, chided youngsters who have failed in their responsibilities of fending for their aged parents and the elderly around them.
He urged members of the society to take a cue from the children of Mkpisong Ememobong Essien, who have proved themselves as role models in the care for their aged parents as demonstrated in the luxurious 80th birthday celebration for their father.
He congratulated Mkpisong Ememobong Essien on his 80th birthday, describing him as one of those strong pillars behind the birth of Akwa Ibom State and the progenitor of the Akwa Ibom Elderly Citizens Assembly, a group that has championed the cause of the elderly in the society.
The celebrant, Mkpisong Ememobong Essien, who is the father of the state commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, expressed thanks to God for keeping him alive to see his children and grandchildren.
He also exhibited great joy and happiness for the large crowd of friends and people that turned up to celebrate with him as he marked his 80th birthday.
Speaking, one of the sons of Mkpisong Ememobong Essien, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong expressed thanks to God for the life of their father who within his years on earth had been an evangelist, preacher, counsellor, psychologist, disciplinarian, and mentor to so many.
He said the strict disciplined life of their father made them what they were today and gave a resounding ovation to his father, Mkpisong Ememobong Essien, as he clocked 80 and wished him many fruitful years in good health.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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.