Niger Delta

ASUU Strike: Educationist Blames FG

Published

3 years ago

May 6, 2022

An educationist and leader of Champions For Christ Ministry, Asaba, Delta State, Rev. Samuel Akpan-Isong, has blamed the Federal Government for failing to resolve the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, two months after it started.
In an interview with The Tide’s source, in Asaba, Akpan-Isong said Nigerian leaders are not committed to the Nigeria project because they send their children to foreign institutions.
The priest accused leaders of not being interested in resolving ASUU crisis because they don’t have children in Nigerian schools.
“They are only interested in winning elections and thereafter ignore the development of the nation”, he said.
He described as very pathetic the fact that ASUU had been on strike and children had not been in school, yet leaders were talking about elections.
“I will like to submit that if anyone wants to be a leader in this country, his educational pursuit and that of his children should be here. His investment and wealth should be in Nigeria.
“Those leaders doing contrary and sending their children to foreign schools do not have faith in Nigeria and as such I do not see them as leaders”, he stated.
There was tension in parts of Benin City on Wednesday as students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and the state-owned Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU) took to the streets to demand an end to the ongoing strike.
The students, in a peaceful protest, urged President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to meet the demands of ASUU, saying the strike by the varsity lecturers was affecting their studies.
Speaking for the protesters, Foster Amadin, President, Students Union Government, UNIBEN, said the strike was frustrating the dreams of Nigerian students.
“We have stayed at home for over 79 days. The truth is we are not for ASUU neither are we fighting for or against anybody, all we know and all we want is to go back to our classes.”
Idiahi Thomas, an official of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), berated the Federal Government team involved in ASUU negotiation, saying: “As it is, Nigerian students are at home while leaders are busy purchasing forms for over a N100m; an amount presidents of other countries cannot earn constitutionally throughout their tenures”, he said.

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.