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Niger Delta

‘We’re Ready To Partner Judiciary, Others On NBA House Project’

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The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has said the state was willing to partner the Judiciary and the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) in making them better and more productive.
He stated this in Yenagoa,the state capital at the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Law House and research centre of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa branch.
Ewhrudjakpo noted that as a lawyer himself he was aware of the onerous job of a lawyer,saying that for any legal practitioner to be grounded in the profession,research was inevitable.
He lauded the Yenagoa branch of the Bar for the team spirit on the commencement of the project, promising that he would be personally making monthly contributions to ensure the Completion of the project.
“I commend the Yenagoa branch of the NBA for kick-starting this project. It’s good that as a body we’ve commenced the processes of having a house of our own where we can be carrying out our activities as a profession.Other times we’ve had our law weeks and other activities of the NBA in places that doesn’t belong to us as a profession. And so we must remember that as a tenant whenever your landlord is coming to take his rent from you,even you the tenant wouldn’t be at rest.
“This Law House as we’re made to understand would have a research centre where Lawyers can come and acquire additional knowledge to what they already know. And it would also be a place where as Lawyers we can also use for our activities as a profession. It’s a good project that all hands must contribute towards its success”, he said.
Also speaking,the Chief Judge of the state,Justice Kate Abiri reiterated her commitment and that of the entire state Judiciary towards the timely completion of the project,noting that the project was dear to her heart,just as she lauded the NBA for the initiating the project.
“As Judges and members of the Judiciary,we’re all going to play our various roles to see that this project is completed on time. Every Judge, Magistrates and chairmen of the customary courts of the state would all give their support. No matter how small it’s, we would be part of those whose names would be written down in gold when this Law House is completed”, she said.
In their separate good will messages,the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General,DiriyaiDambo,SAN and a presidential Aspirant in the forthcoming election of the Nigerian Bar Association,Chief Joe Gadzama,SAN commended the Yenagoa branch of the NBA for the initiative,adding that the project was apt, just as the SANs made donations and as well pledged their continuous support towards the completion of the project.
Meanwhile,the chairman of the Yenagoa branch of the Nigerian Bar Association,Barr. UkumbirioweiSaiyou,has lauded the chief Judge of the state and other Judges of the state Judiciary for their cordial relationship with the bar.
Saiyou added that the groundbreaking ceremony of the NBA house was partly made possible by the commitment of the state Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri whom he described as mother of the NBA and state judiciary in ensuring that the project becomes a reality, appealing to lawyers and the entire body of benchers to make their free will donations towards the realization and completion of the project in a record time.

By: AriweraIbibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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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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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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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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