Niger Delta
Diri swears in 14 Commissioners, Revenue Chairman
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, on Monday, swore in 14 new commissioners and the newly-elected chairmen of the eight Local Government Areas in the state.
The Governor also swore in the chairman of the State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr Daniel Iniekezimene.
The Tide’s source reports that the ceremony took place inside the Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa.
Eight of the commissioners served during the first term of the Governor.
They are Biriyai Dambo (Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice), Moses Teibowei (Works and Infrastructure), Maxwell Ebibai (Finance), Dr Gentle Emelah (Education), Daniel Igali (Sports Development) and Preye Brodricks (Special Duties, Bayelsa East).
Others who returned but were re-deployed are Dr Ebieri Jones, who was assigned to Trade and Industry from Mineral Resources, and Flint George, who served as Commissioner, Special Duties, Bayelsa Central, but now assigned Budget and Economic Planning.
The rest of the commissioners are Mrs Ebiwou Koku-Obiyai (Labour and Productivity), Michael Magbisa (Special Duties, Bayelsa West), Elizabeth Bidei (Women Affairs), Peter Afagha (Mineral Resources), and Komuku Kharim (Power).
Diri said the ceremony marked a pivotal moment in the state’s journey as the administration begins its second term.
He said during the first tenure, the administration laid the groundwork for a prosperous Bayelsa across various sectors, but there was still much work to be done.
“As we embark on this journey, let us remember that our success will be judged not by individual accomplishments but by the collective impact we make.
“Your selection and election among a pool of highly qualified persons inspire confidence in your ability to serve with utmost commitment and distinction, fulfilling the aspirations of all Bayelsans”, Diri said.
He, therefore, charged them to initiate legacy projects and programmes in their various ministries to accelerate the development of the state.
The Governor admonished them to be prudent in financial management, ensure efficient utilisation of resources, and foster collaboration to achieve success.
He said the administration would come up with indicators for periodic evaluation of the performance of each commissioner.
Diri advised the commissioners to establish strong connection with people at the grassroots, understand their needs, and incorporate them into government policies.
To the council chairmen and their vice, the governor pledged to strengthen the local governments to foster development in communities.
“I want you to uphold the tenets of transparency, consultation and keep in touch with the people as you are the closest to the grassroots.
“Ensure that you live a peaceful and quiet life. We want to see peace and development in your local governments.
“We will not tamper with local government funds, rather we will assist you with your development, and l reiterate that local government chairmen should desist from obtaining loans with interest.
The new council chairmen are Lucky Febo (Brass), Isaac Oniye (Ekeremor), Tariye Isaac (Kolokuma/Opokuma ), David Alagoa (Nembe), Golden Jeremiah (Ogbia), Mrs Alice Tangi (Sagbama), Target Segibo (Southern Ijaw) and Boludisiye Ndiwari (Yenagoa).
To the revenue board chairman, Diri said the board must evolve strategies to enhance the state’s internally generated revenue.
“Our revenue falls short of expectations”, the Governor said, and challenged the board to block loopholes in the system and partner with relevant agencies to strengthen the tax system and revenue sources.
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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.
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.
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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