Niger Delta

Council Seals 381 Pharmacies, Patent Shops In A’Ibom

Published

3 years ago

November 21, 2022

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed about 381 pharmacies and patent shops in Akwa Ibom State for various offences.
Director and Head of Enforcement Department, Mr Stephen Esumobi, made this known while addressing newsmen in Uyo.
Esumobi said the sealing of the pharmacies and patent shops followed an enforcement exercise by the council to ensure that they comply with the operational laws, rules of the council.
He said out of the 381 premises sealed, 52 were pharmacies while 329 were patent medicine shops.
“These premises were sealed for offences which include, operating without registration or renewal of premises certificates, unauthorized sale of medicines, abuse, and poor access control to the poison cupboard.
“Others are poor storage facilities and temperature control, stocking and sale of prescription and other ethical products by the patent medicine vendors”, he said.
He continued that at the end of the exercise, 727 premises were visited comprising of 559 patent medicine shops and 168 pharmacies.
Esumobi said during the enforcement, council visited Uyo and Ikono, Abak, Itu, Eket, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ikot Ekpene and Oron Local Government Areas.
“Pharmacies must have a full time Superintendent Pharmacist, who shall supervise all pharmaceutical activities within the premises.
“Personnel in charge of pharmaceutical premises must also have knowledge that is appropriate for the scope of pharmaceutical activity.
“All registered premises are expected to display their current premises certificates or evidence of registration conspicuously within the premises to enable members of the public to know the status of premises where they buy their medicine,” he said.
He said premises certificates are expected to be renewed on or before January 31 every year and it was an offence for any premises to operate without registration or renewal of their premises certificates.
He also said it was an offence for any stakeholder to operate a pharmaceutical business in a location that has not been approved by council.
He commended the State Ministry of Health, the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), newsmen and the police for their collaboration in the fight against sharp practice.

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.