Niger Delta

Dickson Releases N200m For NDU Accreditation

Published

8 years ago

May 5, 2017

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson has approved the immediate release of N200 million to enable the state-owned Niger Delta University, (NDU), Amassoma secure accreditation for some of its programmes which include Mathematics, computer Science, Law, Chemistry and Education.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, Rt Hon Talford Ongolo, the governor said the approval was made to upgrade the programmes at the university ahead of the visit of the accreditation teams tomorrow.
Governor Dickson, who ordered the release during a meeting with officials of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), NDU chapter, in Yenagoa, assured that, the government would do everything within its reach to ensure that NDU and other institutions do not suffer from accreditation related problems.
He expressed the government’s commitment to consolidating on the substantial investments made in the education sector, particularly at the NDU, as evident in the recent award of contracts for the Senate building and other facilities for the institution.
His words: “From the information that was given to us, some programmes, particularly mathematics, computer, law, chemistry and education will need further accreditation.”
”Various accreditation teams will be visiting the NDU from the 6th of May, 2017. Earlier on, the governor had made an approval of N221 million. But in view of the fact that the accreditation is very urgent and dear to the government, he has directed that N200 million be released immediately.”
Responding, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Dr. Stanley Ogoun, expressed gratitude to Governor Dickson for the approval, noting that the gesture would go a long way in improving the educational standards of the university.
While lauding the government for its foresight in setting up the NDU, Dr. Ogoun said the university has afforded Bayelsa students the opportunity to acquire higher education in their state.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, NDU, Prof. Samuel Edoumiekumo said after the upcoming accreditation, the university is expected to be rated higher than its current 53rd position in the country.
He commended Governor Dickson for his administration’s passion in improving the education sector and reminded the government òf its promise to provide staff quarters, noting that the university had already sourced for foreign private developers for the execution of the project.

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.