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Niger Delta

Deputy Governor Appeals To IPOB, Others Over Sit-At-Home

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Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has called on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other separatist groups in the South-East to reconsider their stand in the interest of peace and economic wellbeing of the region.
He also urged the church, particularly clergymen to be more sincere and fervent in seeking the face of God concerning the security, economic and political woes currently bedeviling the country.
Ewhrudjakpo made the call while granting audience to a delegation from the Trinity Theological College (TTC), Umuahia, Abia State, in Government House, Yenagoa.
The Deputy Governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, pointed out that the sit-at-home order and other measures being employed by the various non-state actors had caused collosal damage to the South East economy and the country in general.
Expressing displeasure over the pains the situation is inflicting on ordinary citizens, especially in the South East, Senator Ewhrudjakpo appealed to all good spirited leaders across the country and beyond to come together and proffer solution to the crisis.
According to the Bayelsa Number two Man, God still answers prayers and uses people in addressing problems that ordinarily seem beyond human comprehension and solution.
He, therefore, stressed the need for the church to always stand in the gap in prayers for the world and its leaders, particularly in troubled regions where war, turmoil and terrorism are holding sway.
”We need to talk about our society, because in Nigeria people pretend and when you pretend over your problem, it becomes hydra-headed. If you don’t solve that problem, it becomes two and multiplies from there.
“Unfortunately what is happening in the South East, we think it is only affecting the people of that region. No, it is gradually affecting the whole country indirectly.
“When you shutdown three states economy every Monday consecutively, you are not helping the society. So, those behind it should reconsider their position. What do you actually gain by inflicting pains on your own people?
“So, we really want to task you because there is nothing that is impossible with God. Anything God cannot do is not on earth. That is why the things God has done in the past and things that He is yet to do, are very many.
“I really want us to pray because I believe that prayers have helped countries and if there are people ready to pray, there is a God who is always ready to answer. But we must pray fervently and sincerely”, he said.
While thanking the delegation, which mainly consisted of students of the College for the visit, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, enjoined them to take their training seriously, stressing that a lot of spiritual and intellectual discipline is always required for one to become a thorough-bred orthodox priest.
He reiterated his appeal to gospel preachers not to emphasize prosperity at the detriment of salvation of man in their messages, adding that the pulpit should be used to promote morality in the best interest of God and society.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Trinity Theological College, Umuahia, Rev. Chukwuka Ekejiuba, said the college was established in 1974 solely for the training of Anglican priests but it is now open to other denominations for learning purposes.
He expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa Deputy Governor for his open door policy and kind disposition towards them, and equally solicited the state government’s support to enable the College rehabilitate its dilapidated infrastructure as well as equip the information technology unit.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

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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.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

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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.
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C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

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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.
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