Niger Delta

Police Arrest Opposition Party Chieftain In Akwa Ibom

Published

3 years ago

October 23, 2022

The police have arrested a chieftain of the opposition party, the Young Progressives Party (YPP), in Akwa Ibom State.
The YPP chieftain, Jack Udota, who is a former member of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, was arrested last Saturday in Eket by officers from Zone 6 of the Nigeria Police, Calabar.
Both the YPP and the police have confirmed the arrest.
Mr Udota was recently inaugurated as deputy chairman of the YPP campaign council for the Akwa Ibom South District, where a former Chief of Staff to Governor Udom Emmanuel, Ephraim Inyangeyen is the party candidate for 2023 senatorial election in the district.
Both Governor Emmanuel and Mr Inyangeyen hail from Onna Local Government Area in the district.
Mr Inyangeyen first served as commissioner for Works in Mr Emmanuel’s cabinet but was redeployed as Chief of Staff.
Governor Emmanuel later sacked him from his cabinet because of disagreement of over the latter’s senatorial ambition.
The spokesperson of the YPP campaign council in the district, Assam Abia, in a statement on Saturday, said Mr Udota was arrested on the orders of the Akwa Ibom State Government. s
Abia said, “Reasons behind his arrest at a time where he was recently inaugurated as the Deputy Chairman of our campaign council are not only mischievous but strange.
“Our preliminary investigation reveals that it is not unconnected with his recent political posture and influence as a member of the Young Progressives Party in Akwa Ibom State.
“We also view his arrest as a veil to weaken the strength of Mr Inyangeyen as his Senate ambition has curried wider acceptability across Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, within the past few weeks.
“We condemn in strong terms the manner in which he was whisked away as a common criminal and hereby call for his immediate and unconditional release”.
The police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom State, Odiko Macdon, has, however, said that Mr Udota’s arrest has no connection with politics.
Mr Macdon, a superintendent of police, said Mr Udota had a dispute with a complainant who reported the matter to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in Calabar.
The police spokesperson did not, however, disclose the name of the complainant or the nature of the dispute.
“The suspect was arrested by Police from Zone 6, Calabar, as a result of a petition to the AIG Zone 6.
“The Police does not do politics and should be distanced from same. The outcome of the investigation will be communicated,” Mr Macdon said.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

5 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

5 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

5 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.