Niger Delta

Imoke Reappoints Former Guber Aspirant Commissioner

Published

11 years ago

March 20, 2015

The former Cross River S
tate Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and erstwhile gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Patrick Ugbe, has resumed duties as the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development.
Ugbe’s resumption followed his recent recall and subsequent swearing-in by the State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke in Calabar.
Speaking at an inaugural meeting with management staff of the Ministry and Sports Commission, Mr. Ugbe thanked them for the support given to him in his quest for higher office and the warm reception accorded him on his resumption.
Ugbe said his aspiration to clench the highest office in the state was done with his firm belief that power comes from God and assured that the experience gained was immeasurable and would be brought to bear on current and future assignments.
The Commissioner said there was yet a lot of grounds to be covered by the ministry and urged staff to continue to work as a team to surmount the challenges ahead. He observed that though the time was short, it was possible to still achieve results.
Addressing the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Egwu Egeh, who has just retired from the service of the Cross River State Government, Mr. Ugbe commended him for a successful and rewarding service to his father-land and praised him for serving out his 35 years without a stain.
He wished Egbeh the best during his retirement and prayed God to continue to keep and bless him and his family.
Making his valedictory speech, the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mr. Egeh, said his 35 years in service which began when he was 19 years has ended and praised God for His faithfulness.
Mr. Egeh thanked staff and especially the commissioner for his brotherly love and support and appealed to all staff to give the same cooperation to Mr. Ugbe.
Recalling the achievements recorded by the ministry, the out-going permanent secretary noted that unity had been the secret of the success of all their endeavours and called on staff to imbibe that virtue as a way of life.
It would be recalled that, Mr. Patrick Ugbe resigned from office as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development on September 30, 2014 to aspire for the office of Governor of the State.
Ugbe, who was among others that did not make it through the primaries, were recalled recently after the House of Assembly had confirmed them for re-appointments.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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.