Niger Delta

Don Tasks Civil Servants On Using Votes Right

Published

3 years ago

August 23, 2023

A Professor of Political Science at the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Professor Ambily Etekpe, has charged civil servants in the State to use their position in government to correct the excesses of government.
Etekpe, who gave the charge, weekend, while speaking as Guest Lecturer at the Second Annual Lecture and Award Ceremonies in Yenagoa, organised by the Bayelsa State Chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), said the civil servants form the gamut of all successive administrations.
In his lecture, titled, ‘’The Role of Civil Servants Towards the Advancement of the Democratic Process in Nigeria: the 2023 Bayelsa Guber Election in Perspective”, Etekpe charged civil servants to “checkmate the excesses of irresponsible governance through the exercise of their periodic franchise”.
He re-emphasised the need for accountability and trust on the part of the occupant of public offices, calling on Civil Servants to muster the courage to demand for good governance while exercising their suffrage in the forthcoming, November 11th, 2023 governorship polls in the state.
“The bane of our development and holding government accountable in Nigeria, as it were, are some of the provisions contained in the 1999 constitution (as amended) of this country.
“The Federal Government has given to itself alone well over 60 powers in what’s called the “exclusive legislative list” and has again empowered itself alongside the state to legislate on about 30 other areas called the “concurrent list”.
“So, if you put the two lists together, the Federal Government alone has given itself powers in about 100 sections of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“So, that’s why some of us were advocating for political and economic restructuring of this country to reduce the powers of the national government and devolve more to the states and citizens so that at least we can begin the processes of our development”, he said.
The guest lecturer, who also frowned at the cost of electioneering campaigns, in which serving public office holders, especially Governors or Presidents were bidding for a new tenure upon the completion of an exiting one, called for the amendment of the extant laws to outlaw second term.
He alleged that there was high spate of distraction and abysmal performance in some parts of the nation upon the election of incumbent public office holders for a fresh, new term.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion and Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Hon. Stanley Braboke, stated that the theme of the 2023 annual lecture explores the roles all civil servants in the State are to play in ensuring the social, economic and political growth of the State and nation at large.
He restated that the theme clearly explains how civil servants can be actively involved in deciding the fate of the State during the 2023 Governorship polls, come November.
The Commissioner charged Civil Servants to exercise their franchise during the governorship polls, which, according to him, is in line with the Public Service rules of the federation, noting that their active participation in voting at the polls would determine to a certain level the candidate that can fast-track the development of the socio-economic and political fortunes of the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the State Chapter of the TUC, Comrade Julius Laye, highlighted the importance of the civil servants to the development of the state in particular and nation as a whole.
Laye said Civil syervants were the engine room of successive governments, hence the reason for the theme of the lecture, which, he said, was chosen to continually inform, enlighten and educate members of the TUC, and the entire public service sector of the onerous task of enthroning responsible and accountable leadership through the ballot in the forthcoming governorship polls.
Meanwhile, in his keynote address for the event, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Eng. Simbi Wabote, represented by the Deputy Manager, Capacity Building Division of the board, Eng. Mofe Megbele, commended the TUC for the invite extended to board.
He stated that with the fast approaching 2023 Bayelsa State governorship polls, the role of civil servants in ensuring accountability and responsible governance is of paramount importance, noting also that their contributions go beyond administrative functions.
Wabote restated that the roles of the civil servants encompasses the essence of the democratic principles, begining from electoral preparations through safeguarding the integrity of the public service.
“It is through their impartiality, diligence, and dedication that we can ensure a free and fair electoral process that is transparent, credible, and reflective of the will of the people of this State.
“I’d like to enjoin all Civil Servants in the state, and indeed everyone to work together for a peaceful and successful governorship election come November, 2023″, he said.
Highpoints of the event were the presentation of a “Distinguished Leadership award” to the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, and presentation of various categories of similar awards to other deserving individuals and institutions.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

Niger Delta

C’River Bans VIOs From Road Operations

Published

3 days ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

The Cross River State Government has banned the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from road operations across the state.

The State Governor, Bassey Out, who made the announcement in Calabar on Saturday, restricted activities of the VIO to office duties.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Linus Obogo, the directive followed protests by commercial bus drivers and tricycle operators over high tickets, excessive fines and alleged harassment by enforcement teams.

The Governor, who made other announcements in the sector, said the measures were approved after a meeting with key transport stakeholders.

According to the statement, other announcements made was the reduction of daily ticket fee from N850 to N500, while the penalty for failure to purchase the ticket had also been reduced to N10,000.

“All traffic-related fines be slashed by 50 per cent and must be paid only into designated Cross River State Government accounts.

“Daily ticket for tricycle riders have been reduced from N1,200 to N500. However, every activity of commercial tricycle operators ends at 6 p.m. daily, night operations are permanently banned,” Otu asserted.

He said the review was aimed to ease the burden on drivers and restore order in the state’s transport system.

Speaking further, the Governor said the Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA) would now focus on vehicle registration and sale of tickets at approved rates.

He noted that enforcement officers must operate only in proper uniforms and with verifiable identification.

He directed the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) to restrict its activities to statutory traffic management duties.

In addition, the Governor announced that “commercial bus drivers and tricycle riders will no longer purchase tickets on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

“These directives will take effect from March 9, and I urge all residents and transport operators to cooperate with relevant authorities.”

Speaking to The Tide’s source, some commercial drivers said the statement did not address some activities of TRAMRA such as the illegal “no parking order” for drivers who only pick and drop passengers.

For Johnson Ade, a commercial driver, there should be an official release stating the traffic infractions in the state and the fine for each of them.

He said slashing the fines by 50 per cent was ambiguous, adding that the amounts to be paid for each crime should be clearly stated to prevent criminal elements who posed as government traffic regulatory officials from abusing the directive.

On his part, Mr. Sunday Dennis, Metropolitan Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), said they would convene a meeting immediately to critically look at the governor’s statement.

It would be recalled that series of protests by commercial bus drivers and tricycle operators had led to the suspension of all forms of transport tickets in the state by the government.

Niger Delta

A’Ibom Community Seeks Govt Recognition For Elected Village Head

Published

3 days ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

Some indigenes of Mbiabong Ikpe Village, in Ikpe Annang Clan, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have called on the State Government to recognize Chief Samuel James Udo as the authentic Village Head of the community by according him a Certificate of Recognition.

According to them, the call is necessitated by the fact that Chief Udo has won the first and second election processes on 1st May, 2021 and 15th July 2025.

The indigenes said in addition to his emergence after the two election processes, Chief Udo’s emergence has been confirmed by Chief Akpan Akpa Inyang (Okuku Ikpa Isong Annang), who has handed him (Udo) to “UDAK” as stipulated by the custom and tradition of Annang Land.

They said Udo’s emergence marked the end of every struggle by individuals or groups of persons on the issue of headship of Mbiabong Ikpe Village, Ikpe Annang Land, in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

According to them, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, should call for the recognition of the Village Head-elect of Mbiabong Ikpe Village in accordance with the Traditional Rulers Council Law of Akwa Ibom State, CAP 134.

This, they said, is because he has been duly and rightly selected by the kingmakers as the village Head-elect and have satisfied all requirements in the extant law for the said selection.

“We are informing the Akwa Ibom State Government of the development, because any imposition of any other name to the Governor will not be accepted by the community”, they said.

Meanwhile, they have alleged that some “enemies of progress are causing problem over the Chieftaincy issue after the winner has emerged and accepted by the entire Kingmakers.”

When contacted the Village Head-elect, Chief Samuel James Udo, advised the people not to cause any crises, saying that their mandate will not be denied.

“I will continue to respect the law. My people are law abiding citizens and God will surely stand for true justice and the certificate will be given to me, not through fighting, causing unrest, or violence, but by our faith in God, and the belief that the relevant authorities will do the needful”, he said.

By: Christopher Tom, Uyo

Niger Delta

Delta Unveils World Book Day Festival

Published

3 days ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

The Delta State government on Saturday unveiled the LightRay! Distortion World Book Day Festival.

The festival, themed “That Which Bends, Transcends,” is a major celebration of literature, storytelling, and cultural advocacy in the state.

It was unveiled at the office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Mininim Oseji, in Asaba.

The event was organised by LightRay! Media, in partnership with the Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA) and Unchained Vibes Africa.

Founder and President of the media group, Ejiro Umukoro, described the event as the first large-scale literary festival in the state.

She explained that the initiative aims to engage both marginalised and privileged communities in dialogue on resilience, hope, and social change through literature.

Highlighting the transformative power of storytelling, Umukoro said literature can inspire action, reshape perspectives, and drive social change within communities.

According to her, the festival builds on the impact of the Distortion novel series produced by LightRay! Media, which explores themes of human resilience, personal agency, and renewal.

She noted that the book has supported social awareness campaigns and legislative advocacy, contributing to the abolition of the Osu caste system in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo.

“The novel has also received literary recognition, including the TYB Young Adult Literature Prize in 2024,” she added.

Umukoro further revealed that the Delta Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has approved Distortion as a recommended literature text for students.

She expressed concern over the poor condition of public libraries across the state, noting that many remain inactive or non-functional.

”Urban libraries also struggle with outdated collections, inadequate infrastructure, and limited professional staffing”, she said.

Umukoro urged stakeholders to rebuild libraries, strengthen reading communities, and equip facilities with modern learning resources.

“The three-month festival will feature competitions, workshops, creative showcases, and professional development programmes, Umukoro said.

The Permanent Secretary in the office of the Head of Service, Mr. Wilson Chukwuka, commended the initiative.

The leader of the National Association of Seadogs, Mr. Michael Nwaidei, said the project aligns with efforts to encourage critical thinking and knowledge acquisition among young people.

Nwaidei was represented by a member of the association, Mr. Uche Egbuche.

The Tide’s source reports that guests, educators, creatives, and literary enthusiasts from across the state and diaspora communities attended the festival.