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Chief Historian Canvasses Kolokuma As Central Ijaw Language

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The Bayelsa State Chief Historian and Archivist, Professor Temegha Olali, has advocated the adoption of the Kolokuma dialect of the Izon language as central language for the Izon speaking clans and communities.
He made this position known, Tuesday, in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, during the 3rd edition of a programme, tagged, “Bayelsa State and Izon nationality public lecture and symposium”, which held at the “Ijaw House”, headquarters of the Ijaw National Congress (INC).
Olali, who doubled as Guest Lecturer in the programme, described the Ijaw ethnic nationality as “special entity” with distinct tradition, customs and culture before the incursion of European marchants and missionaries to the territories original to the Ijaws.
He noted that though the Ijaws speak different dialects of the Izon language, these dialects were mutually intelligible.
“When we were in the old Rivers State, you’ll agree with me that the Kolokuma dialect of the Ijaw language was adopted as the Izon dialect for news broadcast on television and radio.
“Here in Bayelsa State, the State  Government is recommitted towards the adoption of the same Kolokuma dialect as a lingua franca for all Ijaw people. So, for me, I’m ready to learn this proposed common language.
“Nobody is forcing anybody from not speaking his native dialect in his community or clan. What Government is proposing was to unify us as Ijaws. There’s unity, love and greater understanding when an ethnic group or tribe speak a common language”, he said.
The Tide reports that the 3rd edition of the public lecture and symposium was themed: “The Ijaw Ethnic Nationality: The Land, the People, and the Culture (special emphasis on the original Socio-cultural, Political and Economic History)”.
The academic advised Ijaws, irrespective of clans and communities of origin, to see themselves as “brorhers” with a common destiny, noting also that the coastal origins of the Izon tribes was not accidental, but a divine arrangement  for their socio-economic well-being.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the occasion and former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Chief Blessing Ipigansi Izagara, described the Ijaw ethnic group as one of the earliest tribes from the beginning of creation.
He called on Ijaws to cherish their culture, customs and traditions, stressing that on no account should the Ijaws allow their language go into extinction.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

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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.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

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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.
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C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

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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.
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