Niger Delta

D’Gov Tasks LG Chairmen On Health Officers’ Supervision

Published

6 months ago

March 21, 2025

Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has identified inadequate investment in primary healthcare as a major factor responsible for the inefficiency, stunted growth and development of the country’s health system.

He stated this at a meeting with some stakeholders of the health sector including the state commissioner for health, local government chairmen and heads of department of primary healthcare in the eight council areas at Government House, Yenagoa.

The Deputy Governor, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, noted that secondary and tertiary health institutions were being overburdened due to suboptimal performance of the primary healthcare system in Nigeria.

He stated that most of the health concerns handled by general and specialist hospitals such as malaria, typhoid fever and mild diarrhea are issues that fall within the operational remit of health centres, which are under the control of local government areas.

“As you are aware, primary healthcare is the bedrock of the health system. In fact, in other parts of the world, primary healthcare is the gatekeeper. If you want to have a successful healthcare, you don’t toy with primary healthcare.

“It is called the gatekeeper of the health system because usually everyone going into the health system needs to start from primary healthcare.

“But, unfortunately, in Nigeria here, instead of starting from the primary healthcare system, people just jump straight to the tertiary health system.

“And so, our tertiary health institutions that are supposed to be providing specialized healthcare, are now heavily burdened with primary healthcare issues”, he said.

The Deputy Governor said for the country to make appreciable progress in the health sector, governments at all levels and development partners must prioritize investment in the primary healthcare, particularly in manpower development.

He, however, noted that Bayelsa made a leap forward in the primary health sector in recent years through partnership with the GAVI intervention programme which would be rounded off this month.

Amongst other suggestions, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who advocated the provision of a what he called “Rural Posting Allowance” to health workers serving in remote communities as motivation, charged all council chairmen to effectively supervise health personnel in their domains.

He also directed the chairmen to co-opt the heads of the health department into their monthly Finance and General Purpose Committee (F&GPC) meetings where approvals are made to authorize the expenditure of the councils.

In his contribution, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, commended the Deputy Governor for playing a central role in the state’s partnership with GAVI, UNICEF and other international partners in the provision of health services in the state.

Prof. Brisibe, underscored the importance of the Bayelsa Health Law being championed by the Deputy Governor, and called on government to mobilise more funds for routine immunization and other primary healthcare activities.

In their separate remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Health, Dr. Churson Obosi, and the Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. William Appah, identified inadequate manpower, community participation, sensitization and absenteeism as major issues to address in the health sector.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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

3 days 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.