Niger Delta

Diri Tasks N’ Delta Group On Non-Partisanship

Published

3 years ago

December 30, 2022

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) not to dabble into partisan politics, but remain focused on protecting the collective interest of the Niger Delta region.
He stated this when the PANDEF Executive led by its Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa, recently.
The governor commended the efforts of leaders and other stakeholders of PANDEF, particularly elder statesman, Edwin Clark, for showing leadership over the years on issues concerning the region.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, Diri acknowledged that PANDEF had made commendable efforts towards the growth and development of the region.
”PANDEF is an apolitical body. I advise that it remains so in order for its integrity to be intact.
“PANDEF is a voice in the Niger Delta in Nigeria, and it is contributing to the growth and development of our region. We appreciate the leaders because of the role they play in stabilising the Niger Delta and the Nigerian state.
“We also appreciate our elder statesman, Pa Edwin Clark, who has given leadership to PANDEF.
“Our leaders have been at the forefront of our struggles and agitations, raising the issues from time to time. So far, we have not achieved our desired goals, but we must continue to agitate for what rightly belongs to us”, Governor Diri said.
The Bayelsa’s Chief Executive also assured PANDEF of his administration’s continued support and directed the Ministry of Lands and Housing to provide a befitting accommodation for the body’s headquarters in Bayelsa.
“The Niger Delta should have a voice working for us at the national level. The forum needs to have synergy with governors.
“We used to have the BRACED (Bayelsa Rivers Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta) Commission, which is comatose, but God willing we will bring it back on stream”, Governor Diri added.
Earlier, the PANDEF National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, commended the Governor on his administration’s impactful infrastructural development strides and for supporting Bayelsans, particularly during the floods.
Ibok-Essien, who said a 16-point agenda was presented to President Muhammadu Buhari, also highlighted a number of issues bedeviling the Niger Delta region, saying they include, the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), National Water Bill, true federalism, and oil pollution.
A minute silence was observed in honour of the former PANDEF national chairman, late Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd) and the late Deputy National Chairman, Chief Francis Doukpola, respectively.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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.