Niger Delta

Bayelsa Boosts Transport Sector With 100 Tricycles …Physically Challenged Demand Welfare Package

Published

15 years ago

December 27, 2010

The Bayelsa State Government has created a boost in the transport sector by commissioning 100 tricycles to ease transportation in the state.

The tricycles are in addition to the fleet of 60 buses and 40 taxi cabs that were launched a few weeks ago during the state visit of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The move is part of the Bayelsa Stimulus Scheme (BSS) which is aimed at empowering the people and stimulating the local economy.

Speaking at the breief ceremony, Governor Timipre Sylva expressed his administration’s commitment to the BSS, explaining that the beauty of the transportation segment of the scheme is that in addition to alleviating poverty of the beneficiaries, the vehicles will also ease transportation.

Chief Sylva said that government plans to buy more buses, taxis, tricycles, and boats in order to resolve the transportation problem within and outside the state capital.

According to the governor, with the purchase of the tricycles, government intends to extend the benefits of the stimulus scheme to the nooks and crannies of the state, especially the local government headquarters.

The governor who disclosed that the scheme would also be extended to the waterways in due course, warned beneficiaries of the scheme to utilise the vehicles and tricycles judiciously.

Chairman of the Bayelsa Stimulus Scheme, Dr. Silva Opuala-Charles, said the essence of the scheme is to empower the people of the state. Opuala-Charles who is also the commissioner for Finance and Budget, noted that about one billion naira has been spent so far on the scheme which he said is a comprehensive programme involving micro credit scheme and the construction of houses and other welfare packages for civil servants.

Meanwhile, traffic along the busy Yenagoa/Mbiama road was brought to a halt last weekend, as physically challenged people numbering more than 500 blocked the Creek Haven Gate, the Bayelsa State Government Seat of power axis of the road demanding that they should be paid stipends to celebrate the Christmas and New Year season.

The protesters who lined up both sides of the road did not allow vehicles and motor-cycles to pass neither did they allow people acess to the Gvernment House.

However, after about two hours of protest, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Chief Richard Kpodor intervened and persuaded them to move into the nearby Peace Park for discussions.

At the Peace Park, the leader of the group, Mr Francis Christopher said they took the action in order to draw the attention of state government to their plights.

He said the association had earlier made a demand totalling three milion to the government as their stipend but they were surprised the amount was allegedly jacked up to N28 million by the Speical Adviser to the Governor, which made it possible for government to pay.

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.