Niger Delta

Dickson Signs 2017 Appropriation Bill Into Law

Published

8 years ago

April 21, 2017

Bayelsa State Government is to spend a total of N24 billion as Cash on Transfer, (COT), Value Added Tax, VAT deductions and other financial consultancy services out of N243.2 billion the House of Assembly approved as appropriation bill.
Presenting the bill to State Governor for assent, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benson Konbowei said out of the N243.2 billion, total personnel expenditure, including gratuities and pensions came up to N52.5 billion.
He also noted that, consolidated revenue funds stood at N14 million, bringing the total to N66.7 billion, while N40.8 billion will cover overhead costs,
N88. 1 billion would be expended for capital expenditure while other aspects of capital project funds is N23 billion, bringing the total to over N111 billion.
Assenting to the two bills in Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Seriake Dickson said the budget, which is christened, “Budget of Repositioning for Consolidation” was aimed at completing various on-going projects in the state.
The governor, who noted that, the government appropriated N111 billion for capital projects alone, called on ministries, departments and agencies to ensure strict implementation of the budget and fast- track the processes of award of contracts, as his administration was committed to completing most of the projects and programmes this year.
Governor Dickson, explained that reccurrent expenditures such as salaries, pensions, gratuities and overhead would gulp the remaining balance of the budget estimate and assured that the government would conform strictly to the budget.
While commending workers in the state for their understanding and patience, he said the government was working out modalities for the payment of the back log of salary arrears owed workers, last year.
On the Educational Development Trust Fund, Governor Dickson explained that certain aspects of the law needed to be amended to include, elevation of the qualification of the secretary of the board to the level of a Director in the public service.
According to him, the secretary is expected to provide international liaison with the board as well as incorporate representatives of organized labour on the board.

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.