Niger Delta

Group Writes Tinubu, Alleges Anti-Party Activities Against Lokpobiri

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2023

A group, the Bayelsa State APC Progressive Movement for Good Leadership and Governance, on Monday raised an alarm over what it alleged as anti-party activities of the Minister for State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpibiri.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu by the group by its President, Dr Ebipade Godknows, and Secretary, Mrs Evelyn Dogood, captioned, “Senator Heineken Lokpibiri, An APC member in the day and PDP member at night: a danger for the APC in Bayelsa”, the group stated that the Minister’s political gimmicks portend danger for the party as the November 11 governorship poll draws closer.
The letter reads in part: “ Two weeks to the Bayelsa State gubernatorial elections, it’s worrisome that nothing has been seen or heard as contributions from Mr Heineken Lokpibiri, the Honourable Minister for State, Petroleum Resources, to the election of Chief Timipre Sylva as the Governor of Bayelsa State.
“The anti-party activities of Heineken Lokpibiri are traced back to 2019 when he wanted the ticket to run for the governorship of the State, but couldn’t as it was given to Chief David Lyon.
“Since then, Lokpibiri has been fighting the party with so many litigations. Ordinarily, one would’ve thought that since he’s now holding such a major position as Minister for Petroleum (State), he’d use his position as Minister to better the chances of the party, but the reverse is the case, as Senator Lokpibiri has continued to work with the PDP.
“The consistent visit to the Bayelsa State Government House and frequent meetings with Governor Diri say it all, as it’s worrisome and he needs to be called to order”.
The group also alleged that the Minister took about N1billion from Governor Douye Diri to fight against the party in the court cases instituted by and against the party by the oppositions in and outside the State.
The APC Progressive Movement members also called on President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and the party’s National Chairman to call Lokpibiri to order to avoid any further danger his gimmicks pose for the party ahead of the forthcoming elections.
“All supporters of Senator Heineken Lokpibiri in the State are openly working for Governor Douye Diri. From reliable sources, we’re informed that Lokpibiri and his henchmen were working for the state governor with the promise by the Governor that if he wins the forthcoming poll, come 2027, he would make sure that Heineken Lokpibiri succeeds him”, the group added.

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.