Niger Delta

Delta Assembly Passes Passengers Welfare Scheme Bill

Published

3 years ago

July 15, 2022

Delta State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, passed the Passenger Welfare Scheme (Repeal) Bill, 2022.
The passage of the bill was sequel to a motion for the suspension of Order 12, Rules 79, 80, 81, 82, 83 of the House by the Majority Leader, Chief Ferguson Onwo, during plenary in Asaba.
The motion, seconded by the member representing Warri South I Constituency, Mr Augustine Uroye, was unanimously adopted by the assembly when put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori.
The Tide’s source reports that the executive bill had earlier been forwarded to the assembly for further legislation by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa through a letter read by the Speaker.
Okowa, in the letter, noted that the existing Passengers Welfare Law, 2002 was enacted by the then assembly to protect the welfare of passengers travelling within and outside the state.
“The essence of the law was to create an Insurance Trust Fund to indemnify passengers against road accident. By this, a proscribed fee was introduced and built into the transport fare of all passengers and afterwards, remitted to appointed consultant.
“There is no doubt that the intent and purpose of the law was for the good of the people. However, the implementation of the scheme, rather than protect them, created more hardship than benefits.
“As a government that is committed to the wellbeing of its citizens and the advice from the state Ministry of Justice, it has become imperative to abrogate the Passengers Welfare Law, 2002.
“It is in this connection that I appeal to the House of Assembly to consider the repeal of the Passengers Welfare Law, 2002,” Okowa stated.
In his remarks, the Speaker thanked his colleagues for the passage of the bill.
“The Delta State Government will continue to promote the welfare of the people of the state, and where implementation of any law creates hardship rather than benefit, government will not hesitate to correct it,” he said.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

6 days 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

6 days 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

6 days 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.