Niger Delta

Bayelsa APC Guber Aspirant Urges Unity, Healthy Competition

Published

2 years ago

April 10, 2023

Ahead of the April 14 Bayelsa State Governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a frontline aspirant, Barr. Festus Daumiebi, has urged fellow aspirants to promote the spirit of healthy competition among supporters.
Daumiebi, who was speaking against the backdrop of smear campaigns aimed at undercutting the virtue of other aspirants, noted that as an opposition party in the State, members of the APC cannot afford the luxury of running down each other through negative media fireworks.
He added that rather, it is the time for members to show the world the beauty in their ability to act with decorum and moderation.
In a statement, shortly after receiving his Certificate of Clearance from the Bayelsa State Gubernatorial Screening Committee of the party in Abuja, Daumiebi said he was competing on the basis of competence to enthrone a new state where everyone will be proud of.
Noting that the party primary is a family exercise from which only one person will emerge at the end of the day, he said, “agreed that in the vortex of the political industry, throwing dirt at another is expected, the ugly development if not well managed may tear the party down the middle in Bayelsa State.
“As an opposition party in the State, members of the All Progressives Congress cannot afford the luxury of running down each other or tossing hot coal under the seat of one another to whip up bad press rather, this is the time for members to show the world the beauty in their ability to act with decorum and moderation.
“It is in human nature that competing interests are bound to occur and Party faithful can disagree, but no one has the right to bring down the roof or create a division for the opposition to exploit.
“Everyone should have the overall big picture in sight. After the primary, there is victory to be achieved at the general election and the Party can only triumph if members form a united front.
“I am competing on the basis of competence to enthrone a new Bayelsa where everyone will be proud of. The party primary is a family exercise from which only one person will emerge at the end of the day”.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.