Niger Delta

Oborevwori Signs Delta’s N979.2bn Appropriation Bill Into Law

Published

10 months ago

December 9, 2024

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has assented to the state’s 2025 Appropriation Bill of N979,228,818,719.
Governor Oborevwori, who signed the Bill into law, midweek, in Asaba, raised the prospects of enhanced overall development of the state.
The approved budget is made up of N630.461 billion as capital expenditure, while N349.767 billion is for recurrent expenditure.
While signing the budget tagged “Budget of Fiscal Consolidation” into law, Governor Oborevwori said the 2025 budget was geared towards consolidating on the many projects of his administration.
He said: “It is with immense joy that I have assented to this law christened ‘Budget of Fiscal Consolidation’ 20 days after its presentation to the Delta State House of Assembly.
“My joy is also for its prompt passage after going through the necessary legislative procedures. The increase in capital and decrease in recurrent expenditure over the 2024 estimates also gives me joy.
“We are now imbibing the culture where our budgetary estimates meet global best practices. A prompt passage and assent to this bill allows us to conveniently implement projects during the 2025 dry season.
“The budget has been drafted in such a manner that it will impact positively in the promotion and preservation of public trust and our well being.
“This reaffirms our commitment in advancing Delta State through the prompt and qualitative service delivery as enshrined in our MORE Agenda”.
On the Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Establishment Amendment Law 2024, Governor Oborevwori said: “Before now, with the name University of Science and Technology, we cannot accredit all courses. But now, assenting to the bill, the name is now Southern Delta University, Ozoro.
“The change in name will enable the accreditation of more courses and increase the intake of students into the university”.
Other bills assented to are the Delta State Structures and Signage and Advertisement Bill 2024; Delta State Human Trafficking Prohibition Law 2024; Special Cases Court Amendment Law 2024 and the Delta State Protection of Persons with Disability Law 2023.
The Governor, while thanking the State Legislature for the speedy passage of the bills, assured Deltans of more infrastructural and human capital development in the 2025 fiscal year.
He added: “As the year 2024 winds up, let me express my appreciation for the support I have received from all arms of the Government. It is my sincere expectation that we will sustain this collaboration and synergy in 2025.
“I also want to appreciate Deltans for the love and support they have shown to this administration, for the peace we are enjoying and for the progress that we have achieved.

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.