Niger Delta

Era Of Impunity In Road Contract Gone – Delta Commissioner

Published

2 years ago

November 17, 2023

The Delta State Government says the era of impunity among contractors handling some road projects in the state is over.
The State Commissioner for Works (Urban and Highway Roads), Mr Reuben Izeze, said this while inspecting damages done to a portion of the drainage system in the ongoing Ughelli-Asaba dualization project on Tuesday in Asaba.
The damages were caused by a firm handling internal road projects for the state government in the locality, Reginalo Nwachukwu Enterprise.
Izeze, who was upset over the development, stressed that any attempt to sabotage the vision of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori in delivering quality projects in the state, would be resisted.
He queried the contractor handling the nearby Kwakagbor community internal roads and flood control projects, opposite Summit Junction, Asaba, for encroaching into the Asaba-Ughelli expressway without proper clearance from the department in charge of Highway roads in the Ministry.
The Commissioner, therefore, directed the relevant officials in the ministry to interface with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the contractor handling the Ughelli-Asaba dualization project, to remedy the situation.
Izeze also noted that the firm that caused the damages has no capacity to address the problem on ground, stressing the importance of every project to the present administration.
“Let me make this unambiguously clear. The era of impunity is gone; it is gone for good. The covenant of Governor Oborevwori to the people of Delta State is ‘MORE’.
“It is a covenant that he made before God and the people of the State and that covenant must be fulfilled.
“For everything that this government pays for, we must extract value for every penny irrespective of whose ox is gored. The era of impunity is gone”, he warned.
On his part, Director, Urban Roads, State Ministry of Works, Mr Solomon Akpotohwo, who conducted the Commissioner round the project, explained that the contractor did not seek the ministry’s consent before tampering with an already finished project.
‘’The contractor did not seek the ministry’s consent before coming to the site to tamper with an already laid project, which is why the commissioner is angered.
“The affected portion is about 165 metre length of drainage on the Asaba/Ughelli dualisation to connect with the Kwe

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.