Niger Delta
Diri Gives Stewardship On Infrastructure Development
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said the numerous infrastructure projects his administration had embarked on were beginning to dispel the narrative that the state’s terrain was difficult to develop.
The Tide learnt that infrastructure projects being executed under the Governor Diri’s administration range from big-ticket to access and internal road projects, bridges across creeks and rivers, and physical structures across the state.
The Governor stated this during the week while on tour of ongoing projects in the New Yenagoa City and at the Okaka Housing Estate, in all Yenagoa, the state capital.
The Bayelsa Chief Executive, who stated that his administration was building a new planned city, called on citizens of the state residing outside the oil rich state not to believe the narrative that its terrain was difficult to develop.
He noted that the new legislators and the commissioners quarters in the New Yenagoa City were signature projects of his administration and expressed satisfaction with the level of work done.
Diri expressed happiness that he was was part of the history of those who developed Bayelsa.
“This legislators quarters is one of the major signature projects we are going to commission during our anniversary in February. We’re building a new Bayelsa city; a planned city in Yenagoa.
“Those that said our terrain is difficult and cannot be subdued, I’m happy that we’re subduing it and now dispelling that belief, particularly for those who are outside Bayelsa State.
“This is not a terrain that is too difficult for anybody to develop. I’m happy that we’re putting the records straight about the history of developing this terrain”, he said.
Governor Diri also noted that the administration had embarked on several massive projects by judiciously utilising the state’s monthly allocations without borrowing a dime.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Moses Teibowei, assured that the new House of Assembly quarters would be completed for inauguration during the anniversary celebration in February.
“My target is the last day of January. I am very sure that this project will be delivered because we work on Saturday and Sunday”, the Commissioner said.
Speaking on the Okaka Housing Estate, Diri stressed that the one-bedroom housing unit project was initiated during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan when he was governor of the state.
He said the project was abandoned for a long time but his administration decided to complete the buildings and would also embark on new housing projects for all Bayelsans.
Also speaking, Managing Director of the Bayelsa State Housing and Property Development Authority, Rt Hon Tonye Isenah, said the agency had completed 48 units of one-bedroom flats out of the 192 flats, saying that the project was being executed through direct labour.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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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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