Niger Delta

2023: PDP Receives APC Defectors

Published

3 years ago

January 25, 2023

The Bayelsa State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday received thousands of defectors from the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Receiving the defectors led by ex-members of the National Assembly, Honourables Warman Ogoriba, former member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma Federal Constituency; Henry Ofongo, former member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, and Sodaguo Festus-Omoni, former member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency, the party’s national Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu commended them for their bold steps.
Ayu accused the APC for having unleashed untold poverty and hardship on Nigerians, while also noting that the PDP remains the best and only alternative that can rescue the nation from the harsh socio-economic realities the APC-led Federal Government has meted out to Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, region and religion.
Meanwhile, former Vice President, and PDP’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has again promised to restructure Nigeria if elected President in the forthcoming February, 2023 polls.
Atiku noted that the issues of security, national unity and cohesion, as well as job and employment creation, economic growth and others form the fulcrum of his electioneering campaign.
He noted that prior to the ascension into office of the APC-led Federal Government in 2015, Nigeria was the best and largest economy in Africa, alleging, however, that today the APC has mismanaged all facets of the nation’s national life and polity, calling on Bayelsans to cast their votes for him and all other PDP candidates in the forthcoming elections to rescue the nation.
“There’s no way the Niger Delta region would produce the bulk of the wealth of this nation and shouldn’t have a fair share of their resources. We’ll restructure this country for equity and justice when elected to give all Nigerians a sense of belonging.
“There’re five things that form the core of our electioneering campaign. They’re, unification of the country, job creation and employment generation, economic growth, security, devolution of power and restructuring.
“I’ve even appointed one of your own, former Governor and now Senator, Henry Seriake Dickson as Technical Adviser on restructuring”, Atiku said.
Also speaking, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri described the state as synonymous with the PDP, stressing that from 1999 to date, the state has been governed by the Peoples Democratic Party.
Diri reassured the presidential candidate of the state’s preparedness to give him, the party and all candidate of the PDP in the state landslide victory, describing the APC as non-existing party in the state.
“You’ve seen. The difference is clear, it’s seven-up. Bayelsa is for PDP and PDP is for Bayelsa. We don’t know or have any other party in this state.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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.