Niger Delta

Diri Assures Bayelsans Of Support For Two National Parks

Published

1 year ago

July 29, 2024

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said that the state government will collaborate with the National Parks Service following the upgrading of two forest reserves in the State to the status of national parks.
He stated this recently during a courtesy visit of the Conservator-General of Nigeria, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, to Government House, Yenagoa.
The Conservator-General disclosed that the Federal Government approved the upgrade after 13 years for the process, which started in 2011.
Goni said the upgraded reserves are the Apoi Forest in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and Edumanom Forest in the Ogbia and Nembe Local Government Areas of the state.
He expressed appreciation to those who worked hard to make the approval a reality, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, who reclassified the National Parks Service to a paramilitary organisation.
The national parks boss said the Federal Government has released a take-off grant of N500 million for the new parks, saying they are keen to get them running, just as he noted that both parks will employ 100 Bayelsans and solicited the support of the state government.
Responding, Governor Diri expressed delight over the upgrade of the forest reserves to national parks.
The State Chief Executive described the environment as very crucial to human existence, stating that his administration will support moves to preserve the environment and take it to its original state.
Governor Diri stressed that as a matter of deliberate policy, both the State and Federal Government must collaborate to preserve the environment, saying the upgrade of the forest reserves has rekindled the hope that the Federal Government was paying attention to environmental issues affecting the state.
The state’s helmsman also expressed appreciation to former President Jonathan for his role in transforming the national parks service to a paramilitary organisation.
He said Bayelsa was a peculiar state and due to its largely riverine nature, boats would also be procured to enable the parks function well.
“We are happy as a state that at the end of this long journey, we have two of our forests upgraded to national parks. So we appreciate the President of the Federal Republic and all those who have made it possible.
“We know that the environment is part and parcel of human living and our environment has been devastated with the discovery of oil and gas”.

By: 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.