Niger Delta

Bayelsa Inaugurates 7th Assembly …Speaker, Deputy Retain Positions

Published

2 years ago

June 9, 2023

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly midweek inaugurated the 7th Assembly of the State at its complex in Amarata, Yenagoa, the State capital.
Presiding over the elections of principal officers, Clerk of the House, Mr Kent Adogu, in line with extant laws and procedures for election of principal officers of the Legislative Houses in Nigeria, called for nominations and secondments of nominations for the elections of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Following this, the outgoing Speaker of the 6th Assembly, Rt. Hon.Abraham Ingobere, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Michael Ogbere, were returned as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.
The Tide gathered that Ingobere, a fourth termer, representing Brass Constituency Three, had in the 5th and 6th Assemblies of the state previously served as Deputy Speaker to three former Speakers, making him the first Assembly member in the state to have been elected successively to this positions in consecutive tenures.
The Tide further learnt that the newly elected Deputy Speaker, Michael Ogbere, represents Ekeremor Constituency Three, and was Deputy Speaker too in the outgone 6th Assembly of the state.
In his inaugural address at the first plenary of the 7th Assembly, the Speaker commended new and returning members on their victories in the 2023 state Assembly polls.
He stated that while the 6th Assembly members executed their onerous tasks of representation, law-making and oversight with integrity and dedication, he believed members of the 7th Assembly would also want to surpass the 6th Assembly in executing the functions of their offices.
He noted also that under his leadership, the State Assembly would continue to synergize with the Executive and Judicial Arms of Government towards the development of the state.
In the same vein, the House also appointed one time Speaker and Leader of the outgone 6th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Bobou-Obolo as Leader of the 7th Assembly.
Others appointed to leadership portfolios were Honourables Amakoromo Waikuma, Deputy Minority Leader; Gabriel Michael Ogbara, Chief Whip; Irigha Brigidi was chosen as Minority Leader in place of the former Minority Leader in the 6th Assembly, Awudulu Douglas who was also re-elected as member of the 7th Assembly; while Timi Omubo-Agala retained his position as Minority Whip.
Also appointed as members of the House’s leadership were, Honourables Teddy Elemeforo (Deputy Whip), Sunday Bernard Kenebai (Deputy Leader), and George Braah, Deputy Minority Whip.

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.