Niger Delta

Ex-IYC President Lampoons Atiku’s Presidential Ambition … Declares It Negative Impact On N’Delta

Published

2 months ago

July 11, 2025

Former President of the umbrella Ijaw Youths body, the Ijaw Youths Council (Worldwide), Engr. Udengs Eradiri, has urged former Nigeria’s Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to forgo his presidential ambition come 2027.

The ex-youth leader and former Labour Party’s (LP) Governorship candidate in the 2023 governorship election in the state made this known recently while speaking with newsmen.

He described Atiku as a serial failure, noting that the erstwhile Vice President’s bids to occupy the nation’s seat of power has done untold damage to the development of the Niger Delta region.

“Atiku’s ambition has destroyed the reputation of some of the respected leaders of the Niger Delta region. Moreso his ambition is insensitive, desperate and is threatening the peace of the country”, he said.

While explaining how Atiku’s Presidential ambition had negatively impacted the Niger Delta region, Eradiri stressed that the late former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, was humiliated, suffered and died because of his relationship with Atiku.

The Tide learnt that the former IYC President once served as Commissioner for Youths and later Environment in Bayelsa.

“Remember that the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori ‘s political alliance with Atiku was part of the reason he was thrown into jail.

“Atiku was part of those who teleguided the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, gave him deceptive assurances that worsened his ordeal.

“At the buildup to the 2023 election, Atiku’s inordinate ambition and his desperation plunged Delta State into huge debts as he used former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to bankroll his campaigns in exchange for Vice-presidential ticket.

“His ambition destroyed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and attempted to destabilise the country by ignoring the zoning arrangement of the presidency between the north and the south.

“Atiku demonstrated the highest level of desperation, unreasonableness and lack of patriotism in 2023 when he cornered the Presidential ticket of the PDP to retain power in the North despite former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years in office.

“I want to call on Alhaji Abubakar to demonstrate statesmanship by jettisoning his ambition to be President of Nigeria. This call is not political, it’s borne out of unbiased assessment of the damage his ambition has caused the people of the Niger Delta”, Eradiri added.

He alleged that till date, Delta State was still indebted financially because of former governor Okowa’s association with Atiku’s ambition, saying that 2027 was still the turn of Southern Nigeria to retain power after the North had done two terms, but that Atiku was still insisting on becoming the President and today opposition has been alienated because of Atiku.

“The PDP is in tatters today because of Atiku. Therefore, it is clear that Atiku’s ambition is bringing untold hardship especially for us in the Niger Delta. It’s creating the problem that is destabilising the Nigerian polity.

“Every society needs a virile opposition for the ruling party to sit up. But Atiku’s ambition has dealt a deadly blow on PDP, which many people relied upon to provide this opposition.

“The country would be more peaceful and the rising tension will also be toned down if Atiku supports the South to complete their tenure”, the ex-IYC President said.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

4 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

4 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

4 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.