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Niger Delta

C’River Guber Poll: PDP Heads To Supreme Court

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1 year ago

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, says it will contest Wednesday’s Appeal Court judgment that affirmed Governor Bassey Otu as winner of the March 18 governorship election in the State.
The party’s decision to challenge Otu’s electoral victory is contained in a statement issued by its state Publicity Secretary, Mr Mike Ojisi, and made available to newsmen in Calabar on yesterday.
While urging PDP supporters to remain calm, Ojisi noted that verdict of the appellate court did not reflect the full conviction of the party’s position on the processes leading to the election.
“While we are saddened by this temporary setback, we are, however, glad that there is still room at the Supreme Court and this is the beauty of our judicial system and democracy.
“We kindly appeal to our teeming supporters and party faithfuls to remain calm, as we are still committed to seeking legal opinions and exhausting all legal means toward reclaiming our mandate”, he said.
The Tide’s source reports that the Appeal Court sitting in Lagos had, on Wednesday, affirmed the tribunal judgment which upheld Otu’s victory after dismissing the PDP candidate, Prof. Sandy Onor’s petition for lack of merit.
Meanwhile, the Governor, who had earlier called for an end to further litigation on the matter, however, said that he remained unshaken by the petition against his electoral victory in the March 18 governorship poll.
Speaking on the Appeal Court judgment, Otu said he believed that the people of the state overwhelmingly gave him their mandate.
He said it was time for all, irrespective of political party affiliations, to join hands with him to move the state forward.
The Governor said the affirmation of his victory by the court had given him an added impetus to serve the state and move it forward with his “People First” agenda.
“The ruling of the Court of Appeal is a welcome development and it affirms that we were overwhelmingly voted in by the people on March 18, 2023.
“This judgment should bring an end to litigation on the outcome of the governorship election.

“For those in the opposition, especially my brother, Prof. Sandy Onor, I once again offer you a hand of friendship.

“Come and join my administration so that together, we can move our state forward and bring about dividends of democracy.

“My administration is fully re-energised to deliver on the ‘People First’ mandate, which is on track to reposition our state for effective and responsive governance”, he said.

Otu solicited for the support and patience of the people of the state, as his administration had continued to navigate the challenging times toward achieving the Cross River of his dream.

“Let me reassure all our citizens that we are working round the clock to ensure that we deliver the best governance to our people.

“It is important also to note that reparations are in top gear for a robust and successful Calabar festival, while we continue to address other socio-economic and developmental issues”, he said.

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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1 week ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.
Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.
According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.
He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.
He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.
“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.
Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.
The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.
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Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

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1 week ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.
The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.
Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.
He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.
“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.
The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.
The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.
The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.
Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.
He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.
“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.
Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.
“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.
Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.
Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.
“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.
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C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

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1 week ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.
The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.
It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.
Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced  the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.
He, however, said while  several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.
“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.
‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.
In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.
Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.
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