Niger Delta

Akwa Ibom Gov Tasks Corps Members Against Social Vices

Published

2 years ago

February 21, 2024

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno has urged corps members deployed to the state to shun vices that have tendency of truncating the lives of the youth, during their service year.
Eno said this during the official opening/swearing-in ceremony for 2024 Batch A Stream 1 corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai, Akwa Ibom State.
The governor, represented by Mr Monday Uko, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, said that they should stay away from use of hard drugs and cult activities, to avoid destroying their future.
“You should concern yourselves with those virtues that will stand you out as outstanding individuals in this camp and throughout the service year,” Eno said.
He assured corps members that the state government had taken necessary measures to ensure the safety of their lives and property.
The governor said that he was aware of the needs of the camp, assuring the corps members of improved facilities during their stay.
Eno called on corps members to take the orientation course seriously and internalise the lessons, being as an integral part of the service year.
Earlier in her remarks, the state coordinator of NYSC in Akwa Ibom, Mrs Chinyere Ekwe, informed the corps members that the orientation course was designed to instil the spirit of perseverance, discipline and resilience to adequately overcome the challenges of the service year.
Ekwe disclosed that 1, 846 corps members, comprising 975 male and 871 female, were deployed to the state for the mandatory one year service.
She urged the corps members to take the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously, as it was packaged to provide them with veritable platform to overcome challenges of unemployment.
She commended the state government for their unflinching support to the development of facilities in the orientation camp for the welfare of corps members.
She, however, reminded the state government of the NYSC Camp was in dire need of renovation as it lacked light, not being connected to the national grid, and needed perimeter fence to ensure adequate security of the camp facilities.
The state coordinator admonished the corps members to be of exemplary conduct and internalise the ideals of national service as enshrined in the oath of allegiance.
The Tide source reports that highpoint of the event was the administration of Oath of Allegiance on the corps members by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom, Justice Ekaete Obot, represented by Justice Nkereuwem Obot.

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.