Niger Delta

EDSIEC Chairman Assures Political Parties Of Credible LG Polls

Published

3 years ago

March 30, 2022

The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has assured political parties of free, fair and credible local government election scheduled to hold on April 19.
Speaking at a meeting with members of the political parties in the state on Monday, Chairman of EDSIEC, retired Justice James Oyomire, gave detailed measures already put in place to ensure a smooth conduct of the election.
“l welcome you to this meeting arranged to familiarise you with members of the newly constituted EDSIEC members.
“It is to formally inform you that in line with the Edo State local government law 2022 as amended, the commission has resolved to conduct local government election into vacant offices of chairman, vice- chairman and councilors in the 18 local government areas in the state.
“Our task as a commission is to get the state ready for the election, sensitise stakeholders and the public on the conduct of the election.
“We are to announce the date for the election, put appropriate personnel in place, procure the election materials and distribute them to the 4,519 polling units in the 182 wards,” he said.
Oyomire promised the political parties a level playing field and equal opportunities in all the commission’s activities and appealed to them to shun politics of bitterness as election was not a do or die affair.
“I assure you of our cooperation, this commission is fully ready to conduct free fair and credible election in the 18 local government council.
Also speaking, the state chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mr Joseph Omorogbe, commended the commission’s efforts towards the conduct of the election.
“This election is a much-awaited and we must remove all vigour and prepare for a successful election.
“I know that there are divergent views about the election, considering the short notice for the election but we will participate in the process because local government is closer to the people,’’ Omorogbe said.
The chairman of the People Democratic Party in Edo, Mr Tony Aziegbemi, expressed the readiness of his political party to participate in the election.
Aziegbemi called on the electorate to come out and vote, as their votes would count.
Meanwhile,the chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Mr Bishop Akhalamhe, has raised concerns over the short notice for the election.
“We are not against the conduct of the local government elections, but the three weeks’ notice for the election is too short.
“We will go back, meet with our members and come out with a position as to whether we will participate in the election or not.
The political parties present at the meeting include, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action Peoples Party (APP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Others are Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Young Progressives Party (YPP) among others while the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not attend.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.