Niger Delta

Bayelsa Community Denies Existence Of Parallel Acting Monarch

Published

2 years ago

March 8, 2024

Chairman, Council of Chiefs and Acting Paramount Ruler of Otuaba community of Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Chief Appolos Otuma has said there is no existing parallel acting paramount ruler for the community as claimed in some quarters.
To this end, he said the community was recommited to a peaceful election of a substantive monarch.
He stated this yesterday while granting audience to newsmen on a fact finding tour of communities experiencing interregnum with a view to knowing the causes and implications of the absence of paramount rulers in such communities.
Otuma revealed that he had been acting as monarch of the community upon the incapacitation of the community’s paramount ruler, saying that it became necessary that upon the demise and interment of the former monarch, HRH Samuel Ibhe two years ago, the community under his reign work assiduously to install a new royal father.
The royal father who also described the alleged existence of a parallel Community Development Committee(CDC) executive in the community noted that there was nothing as such, saying that the one and only existing CDC is the one known to him and the community council of Chiefs and elders.
He stated that as chairman, Council of Chiefs of the community, all the elders, family chiefs and compound chiefs of the community unanimously nominated him to be Acting paramount ruler, but that certain persons in the community who derive pleasure in the disunity of the community have since been fanning the embers of acrimony.
“As soon as the community is able to conduct election for the installation of a substantive paramount ruler, which we think will soon be conducted, I’ll stop acting as one.
There’s no existing parallel Acting paramount ruler for this community. Upon the incapacitation of the former paramount ruler of the community whom God has since called back home two years ago, I’ve been speaking on his behalf as Acting paramount ruler, Otuaba community.
“Some persons who felt they can be used by non-natives and intruders to cause disaffection and disunity in this community are the ones who have been fanning the embers of disagreement and acrimony in the guise of parallel Acting paramount ruler and CDC executive”, he said.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

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.