Niger Delta

Okowa Orders Probe On Paris Club Refund Spending

Published

8 years ago

October 13, 2017

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has directed the Auditor-General of the state to constitute a panel to audit the usage of the state’s share of the Paris Club refund.
Okowa gave the directive in Asaba while declaring open a two-day Annual Audit Forum for Stakeholders organised by the state in conjunction with the State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) project.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Chief David Edevbie, said the audit was necessary to ensure accountability and transparency.
He described the theme of the workshop, “Emerging Trends in Transparent and Accountable Conduct of Government Business: The Imperative of Accurate Book Keeping,’’ as timely.
He urged auditors in the state to examine the challenges of public financial management, particularly as it related to their roles.
Okowa charged them to remain committed to the tenets of their profession and be “goalkeepers” who must not be persuaded or induced to indulge in inexplicable practices.
“Owing to the national economic recession, government at all levels is facing a severe financial challenge which calls for discipline, efficient planning and prudent management of public finances.
“This workshop will help in providing realistic solution for proper book keeping and financial management especially in the public sector.
“There is no doubt that the financial management system in the country is weak because of the existence of certain enchants which create a variety of loopholes for inappropriate practices.
“As a state, we see public sector financial management as an essential part of good governance which has helped in the elimination of wastage as well as blocking of leakages.
“ We have also ensured that public expenditure is kept within revenue limit, placing emphasis on judicious spending as well as reducing costs,” Okowa said.
Earlier, the auditor-general, Mr Chukwudi Amudo, commended the governor for his support for the growth of the audit institution in the state.
Amudo said that the workshop, the second in the series, was aimed at building upon the maiden one.
“This second edition of the workshop seeks to provide platform for discussing the emerging trend in transparent and accountable conduct of government business,” he said.

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.