Niger Delta

VC Pledges To Complete Abandoned Projects

Published

3 years ago

July 12, 2022

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has promised to complete projects abandoned by previous administrations in the institution.
Obi made the promise on Monday, when she led the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai (rtd.), and other council members on an inspection of ongoing projects in the institution.
She said a majority of the abandoned projects would be completed during her tenure, with the support of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
“When I took over as the VC, I promised that we were not going to be in a hurry to start new projects but very anxious to complete the abandoned ones.
“As you can see, the Law Faculty building is a classical example. It was abandoned 10 years ago and today we have completed it.
“As soon as school resumes, Law students are expected to move into this new facility with modern classrooms, beautiful office spaces for lecturers and non-academic staff, good water system and a recreational space.
“Moreso, under my administration, we have built many new pavilions with classroom infrastructures that are up to standard.
“We hope that with the support of TETFund, we will gradually complete all abandoned projects that we inherited,” Obi said.
She, thereafter, handed over the keys to the Faculty of Law building to the Dean, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, to enable them to move in.
In a remark, the Pro-Chancellor said some of the abandoned projects had become an eyesore.
He expressed delight that one year down the line of the administration, there had been tremendous improvement in infrastructure development.
He said the university was committed to working with the Ministry of Education, TETFund and contractors toward ensuring timely completion of the projects.
“We want to make sure that UNICAL becomes the first choice for parents to send their wards and children,” he said.
Other projects that were inspected included the completed old audit building, hall 2 annex, Department of Mass Communication, Engineering Workshop, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Education and students’ hostel, amongst others.

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.