A’Ibom Seeks End To Local Engineers, Craftsmen Discrimination

Published

10 months ago

December 4, 2024

The Akwa Ibom State Government says local engineers and craftsmen in the state must be given the enabling environment to creditably perform their professional duties.

Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah, stated this at a town-hall meeting organised by the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) in Uyo, yesterday.

The meeting had the theme: “Systematic and Proactive Investigation into Discrimination of Local Engineers and Craftsmen by Foreign Construction Companies”.

Represented by Mr Idoreinyin Orok, Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Uwah said the meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to brainstorm on the matter.

He said the State Government had taken critical steps towards promoting local content and creating the environment for local professionals to participate in construction works.

Uwah urged the participants to utilise the opportunity provided by the meeting to identify the cause of the discrimination.

“This event is timely, it will provide avenue to identify the root causes of the challenges, and to find practical and enforceable solutions.

“We need to create an enabling environment where local professionals can thrive by contributing their skills and ingenuity to the development of the state”, he said.

Uwah said the Akwa Ibom Government, would collaborate with the PCC and other relevant bodies to ensure that the rights of local engineers and craftsmen were protected.

“As a state, we are committed to upholding the principles of local content in every sector, particularly in construction and engineering.

“Our motive is to ensure that our talents are not only recognised but prioritised”, Uwah said.

Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Uyo Branch, Mr. Emem Ezekiel, described the discrimination against local engineers and craftsmen as unfair.

He said it was grossly unfair not to recognise and appreciate the skills and expertise of Nigerian engineers and craftsmen.

Ezekiel expressed worries that different levels of government in the country did not consider local firms worthy of being awarded contracts.

The NSE Chairman said the challenges faced by local engineers and craftsmen were not mere professional imperatives but a moral and economic necessity.

Ezekiel said the contributions of local professionals to the development of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria as a whole could be over-emphasised.

He stated that local engineers and craftsmen had proven their mettle over time by delivering projects that rivaled those handled by foreign contractors.

Earlier, the PCC Federal Commissioner, Mr. Ubong Uwah, said the town-hall meeting was to assemble stakeholders to discuss the issue critically with a view to finding solutions.

“We are here to explore ways of ensuring equal participation of local engineers and craftsmen in contract implementation in Akwa Ibom.

“Participants are to discuss the challenges faced by local engineers and craftsmen that affect their participation in contract implementation.

“Let’s use the meeting to seek solutions by identifying strategies to promote equal opportunities for them.

“We should also outline ways of establishing partnerships by fostering collaborations between local engineers, craftsmen, contractors, and government agencies”, he said.

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.

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.

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.