Niger Delta

MOSIEND Hails Fubara, NDDC’s Support For Okilo’s 16th Anniversary Ceremony

Published

1 year ago

August 21, 2024

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his supports towards the successful hosting of late Chief Melford Obiene Okilo 16th Memorial Anniversary ceremony.

Okilo was the first elected civilian Governor of old Rivers State.

MOSIEND also commended the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku, for the significant role he played towards the success of the programme.

The group said that the Melford Okilo Foundation, members of his family and the entire Izon Nation are proud of Governor Fubara and Dr Ogbuku for their contributions towards the successful hosting of the anniversary.

MOSIEND, in a statement signed by its National President, Dr. Kennedy Tonjo-West, who doubles as Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the anniversary, also expressed gratitude to the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo; traditional leaders and other stakeholders who made the event colourful.

West, in the statement, also thanked former President Goodluck Jonathan, and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and his wife, Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Dr Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jerki V; former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Ada George, former Ijaw National Congress President, Prof Atuboyedia Obianime, and Ann Kio Briggs for their support to the Chief Melford Okilo Endowment Fund.

MOSIEND commended Ogbia Brotherhood, Ijaw Youth Council and other socio-cultural organisations who worked tirelessly to see that the event held successfully without any hitches.

The statement prayed God Almighty to reward every one of them accordingly; saying that, for coming to celebrate the selfless and worthy legacies of late Chief Okilo, they have already laid the foundation for others to celebrate with them.

Chinedu Wosu

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.