Niger Delta
Diri Rejects S’South PDP Congress … Calls For Unity
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has dismissed reports of a congress held in Calabar. He said the national leadership rejected it and would set a new date.
Diri made this known last Monday during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Executive Council (SEC) meeting at the party’s secretariat in Yenagoa.
He said, “Our party is thriving in Bayelsa State. We remain the party to beat. PDP has never lost here. If you seek relevance, you should join PDP.
“PDP in Bayelsa is united and cannot be weakened. This party produced a Nigerian President from our state. It has also produced governors and federal legislators.
“This party is strong at the state level and will remain so. Let us ignore rumours. Some aim to divide us, but they will not succeed.
He clarified that no zonal congress took place in the South-South. The national leadership, in consultation with zonal leaders, would determine a new date at the right time.
The Governor assured that the PDP in Bayelsa remained intact and was the best platform for politicians aiming to achieve their ambitions.
Diri reiterated that PDP had produced key office holders, including a former Nigerian president, and remained dominant in Bayelsa politics.
He urged members to stay united and avoid distractions, emphasising the need for collective efforts to strengthen the party in the state.
Diri further explained that the South-South zonal congress, initially scheduled for February 22, was postponed by the National Working Committee.
He revealed that the decision followed a request from the four South-South governors, who informed the party’s leadership that the date was unsuitable.
Meanwhile, the people of Ogbia Local Government have apologised to the Governor and the party for the actions of the suspended Zonal Legal Adviser, George Turnah.
Speaking at the meeting, Ogbia Constituency 3 representative, Gabriel Ogbara, said the apology was necessary, as betrayal was not in the character of Ogbia people.
Ogbara described Turnah’s actions as regrettable and pleaded for forgiveness, reaffirming Ogbia’s loyalty to the party and its leadership.
The motion was moved by Oforji Oboku, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, and seconded by the State Assembly Leader, Monday Obolo.
Earlier, State PDP Chairman, Solomon Agwana, praised Diri’s administration, citing its numerous development projects across Bayelsa as evidence of good governance.
Agwana commended the Governor for fostering unity within the party and urged continued support for the administration to ensure further development in the state.
State PDP Secretary, Gesiye Isowo, also lauded Diri’s achievements, stating that his performance had made future election campaigns easier, given the many completed projects.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, and Ogbia Federal Constituency representative, Rep. Mitema Obordor.
Also present were former Deputy Governors, Rear Adm. Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd.), and Werinipre Seibarugu, alongside PDP South-South Zonal Secretary, Prof. Felix Omemu. Ofu7
Local government chairmen and other key party stakeholders also participated in the meeting.
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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.
