Niger Delta

Reps Assure On Federal Roads Rehabilitation

Published

8 years ago

February 8, 2017

The House of Representatives Committee on Works, has described federal roads in Cross River State as major economic corridors that service the needs of not only the State and Cross Riverians, but also the entire country.
Chairman of the committee, Hon Tobi Okechukwu, who disclosed this during a recent courtesy call on the Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, in Calabar, reasoned that to this end, the committee would ensure that substantial appropriation was made to rehabilitate such roads in the state.
Explaining that his committee was in the state in fulfillment of its constitutional responsibility of oversight functions, Okechukwu remarked that “it is based on this that we said prior to the 2017 appropriation, it will be good to go round to have a knowledge-based input of the budget process.” According to him, having toured some of the projects handled by the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing in the state, “we have also seen the challenges therein, from Obubra to Ikom, the entire stretch, there are a number of hiccups and there hasn’t been substantial appropriation made in that respect. That defect will be cured by the 2017 budget to ensure that Cross River State has fair assessment, fair evaluation and necessarily fair input on whatever appropriation law we make.” On the Ugep section of the Calabar-Ikom highway which the Ministry of Works has given notice of termination of contract to the company handling the rehabilitation, PICOLLO BRUNELLI, the Committee chairman intimated that, “we will ensure that procurement processes are undertaken to ensure that it comes into place, and that the contract gets on stream again,” pointing out that, “with the challenge we have, even if you complete the other section handled by CCECC and Sermatech, if there is a missing link, it would not make sense. Describing the Cross River State governor, Prof Ben Ayade, as infrastructure-friendly, he commended the present administration in the state for opening up all sections of the state through the vision of the superhighway, as well as various intervention works on the federal roads in the state.
Aware of the pressure from citizens to government with business. It takes seven to eight hours in pains to travel from Calabar to Ogoja. God forbid if you have a woman that is pregnant, you will have your heart on your hands passing through such tortuous situation.”
On the proposed 260km superhighway aimed at cushioning the effect of the pains suffered by commuters using the various federal roads in the state, Ayade called on the lawmakers to “try and see if you can also chip in something for us, for it is an expensive project.”
Reasoning that the entire nation stands to benefit immensely from the proposed superhighway when completed, Ayade said it will serve as an evacuation corridor for the proposed deep seaport, act as a source for goods going to Northern Nigeria and Chad, as well as help in the evacuation of food items from the state.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.

Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.

According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.

He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.

“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.

Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.

The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.

The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.

Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.

He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.

“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.

The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.

The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.

The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.

Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.

He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.

“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.

Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.

“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.

Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.

Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.

“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.

The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.

It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.

Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.

He, however, said while several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.

“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.

‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.

In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.

Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.