Niger Delta

Bayelsa D’Gov, Others Want Harmonized Maritime Laws

Published

4 weeks ago

August 18, 2025

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and other stakeholders have stressed the need for awareness on maritime safety and security.

Coming under the aegis of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform, stakeholders from the states comprising Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, Ondo and Lagos, also called for the establishment of a workable community surveillance and intelligence sharing framework in all coastal security operations.

Presenting a 10-point communique at the end of its inaugural summit in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Chairman of the platform and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Ewhrudjakpo and other stakeholders also called on relevant authorities to expedite the harmonization of all maritime laws, including the Suppression of Privacy and Oher Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act to ensure better implementation.

The platform noted that such awareness will not only foster a culture of compliance with national and international laws, but also help the country to optimally harness its potential in the blue economy.

A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Mr. Doubara Atasi, said the Platform also advocated dedication of a percentage of revenue from maritime taxes and crude oil exports to coastal security funding.

The group also called for investments in maritime transport services to stimulate economic activities between coastal communities bordering the Atlantic Ocean and neighbouring countries.

“The need for a healthy maritime environment and effective maritime border governance to combat pollution, protect mangroves and prevent degradation that could lead to economic hardship and insecurity.

“Taking advantage of the African Integrated Border Governance Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Zone to boost cross-border trade between coastal communities and neighbouring countries.

“Integrate climate change resilience on Maritime Border policies; increase provision of social infrastructure in coastal communities; establishment of a cross-border platform for regular engagement between coastal communities and neighbouring countries”, the Platform stated.

Declaring the summit open, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst. Umo Eno, commended the deputy governors forming the Platform, noting that there are lots of challenges facing Nigeria’s coastal states, which must be addressed.

On his part, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, expressed optimism that the activities of the Platform will not only foster border governance, but also proffer solutions to disputes along coastal boundaries.

Others who spoke at the summit include the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Director-General of National Boundary Commission, Surv. Adamu Adaji; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogana; Prof. Enefiok Essien, all of who listed several benefits of effective management of the coastal border of the country.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.