Niger Delta

Diri Inaugurates 2023 Census Committees

Published

3 years ago

March 17, 2023

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, midweek, inaugurated two committees to synergise with the National Population Commission (NPC) on the forthcoming national population census exercise.
They are, Publicity/Mobilisation Committee, which has the Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, as Chairman and the Logistics/Security Committee, with the Chief Security Co-ordinator of the State Community Safety Corps, Brig-Gen. Eric Angaye (rtd) as Chairman.
Governor Diri, who inaugurated the committees in Government House, Yenagoa, described population census as a critical ingredient for development, hence the need for the government to plan towards a hitch-free exercise in the state.
He said while a new date is expected from the NPC for the conduct of the exercise, the government would leave no stone unturned to get the exact population of the state.
“It is important that we know exactly who we are and how many we are. In modern times, accurate population figures is a critical ingredient for development. Even in our homes, it would be shameful for a father not to know the number of children he has. Therefore, population census is one activity that will continue as long as there is life.
“We are gathered to inaugurate two committees in respect of the forthcoming population census in our country, which was initially slated for March 29. We need to put our house in order while we await the Federal Government and its agency, the NPC, to come up with a new date.
“These committees are to work hand in gloves with the National Population Commission and all those who will be here to implement the Federal Government’s population policy across the country and in particular our state”, he said.
Other members of the Publicity/Mobilisation Committee are the Commissioners for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Youth and Sports, Information, Orientation and Strategy, and their Women, Children and Social Development counterpart.
Also in the committee are the Commissioners for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Special Duties for the three senatorial districts, as well as the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council and the Chief Historian and Archivist.
The committee on Logistics/Security also has the Commissioners for Transport, Special Duties (East, West and Central Senatorial Districts), and the Special Advisers on Security Matters.
Also in the committee are the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Commander of 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, and the Commander, Nigeria Naval Ship (NNS) Soroh.
Others are the State Director, Department of State Services, all Police Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and all Heads of Local Government.
Responding on behalf of the committees, the Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Ekeuwei, pledged their support, commitment and cooperation in ensuring that the census exercise in the state was properly conducted.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.