Niger Delta

Lamido Blasts APC, Says Nigeria Sick

Published

7 years ago

March 9, 2018

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Alhaji Sule Lamido has blasted the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) for poor performance over the past three years.
Speaking in Calabar last Wednesday while paying courtesy visit to Governor Ben Ayade, Alhaji Lamido regretted that Nigeria now had more injuries than before.
“In 1999 we won, we had stable economy, stable development but along the line, some people who said they are more Nigerians than others came around and formed All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said.
“The formation of APC was not based on genuine concern for Nigeria. It was based on lust for power and also to harass Nigerians.
“APC was elected by defaults, blackmail and threat. APC was fraudulent”, he alleged, adding that in the North, “we were seen as infidel. Three years of APC governance, we have not only had Boko Haram problem but hunger Haram, harassment and killing.
“We also had recession. We had more killings in Hausa communities, Benue, Rivers, Zamfara and others under APC government”.
On corruption, he said those who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join APC were saints while those that remained were considered to be thieves.
On economy, he said for sixteen years PDP incurred debt of N9 trillion but in the three years of APC they incurred N20 trillion.
“For sixteen years, we incurred debt of N9 trillion but in the three years of APC they incurred N20 trillion.
“This country belongs to all of us, but today Nigeria is sick, Nigeria has been hijacked, Nigeria is ruled with fear, intimidation and blackmail, if you talk, they go after you.
“But thank God, today we are all willing to run away from this kind of governance. I am here to share with you this common concern”, Lamido said.
“Are we more united, more serious and are we more prosperous? Are we happier? We are not, that is the simple truth, the trust we have among ourselves is gone.
“APC lacks the capacity to govern Nigeria, there is killing all over, we have to wake up because we are having global embarrassment.
“Today, we have killing, nepotism, high handedness, corruption, so if this trend continues into 2019 and APC remain beyond that, this country will seize to exist,” he said.
The Presidential aspirant told Governor Ben Ayade, “We have to decide on how to restore these past glory, restore our common unity.”
“We have to remove these people, because APC has no idea to rule this country and they are bankrupt. The APC is using our projects to showcase themselves, our airport, our rails our road etc, we have to remove these people, they are liars” he emphasized.
In a remark, Governor Ben Ayade regretted that Federal Government was not treating his people well, stressing “Our state does not benefit from NDDC projects; and we plead with the Federal Government to look into the plight of the people.”

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

2 hours 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 hours 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 hours 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.