Niger Delta

Uncertainty Trails C’ River PDP Primaries

Published

15 years ago

January 12, 2011

The just concluded primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State to elect aspirants, for the State House of Assembly under the party’s umbrella have been described as successful despite obvious hitches.

Mr. Abu Eyo, the State Publicity Secretary of the party, who disclosed this to correspondents in an interview at the party’s secretariat in Calabar, said all the 25 seats in the State House of Assembly were contested for and flag bearers emerged to represent the party in the 2011 elections.

However, as at the time of filling this report, materials for the federal constituencies in the state were yet to arrive the party headquarters for the primaries, while those for the three senatorial districts were also shrouded in uncertainties for the primaries the next day.

Eyo further stated that generally free and peaceful polls were expected for the said primaries, adding that some of the challenges identified in the state primaries have been fully addressed to calm frayed nerves.

A break down from the party secretariat shows that the eight federal constituencies are Obanliku, Obudu and Bekwarra, Ogoja Yala, Boki/Ikom, Etung/Obubra, Yakurr/Abi, Biase/Akamkpa, Odukpani/Calabar Municipality and Calabar South, Akpabuyo/Bakassi.

At the Akpabuyo/Bakassi Federal Constituency, the incumbent, Hon. Essen Ayi, defeated the Deputy Speaker of the State House, Oqua Edem while Daniel Asaquo (Dasuki) defeated the immediate past chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Mr Mattew Olory, in Biase/Akamkpa Federal Contituency.

The primaries in Etung/Obubra was deadlocked as aspirants from Obubra protested the holding of the event in Etung Local Government Headquarters instead of Obubra, which is a more senior LGA in the state.

Other results were yet to be received as at press time due to the difficult terrain of the state.

Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke had before the primaries appealed for aspirants and their supporters to conduct themselves in the most peaceful manner, saying that PDP in Cross River is one family.

In another development, Imoke has described as malicious and unfounded news reports in some national dailies, to the effect he and five other state governors in the country contributed five hundred million naira each in support of the Goodluck-Sambo Campaign organisation.

Senator Imoke said Nigerians should not be misled into believing such sensational news report which is geared toward creating bad blood and unnecessary distraction among the electorate, who are genuinely warming up to participate actively in the forthcoming round of elections in the country.

The Governor thus called on the authorities to investigate the source of what he called “malicious information”.

He advised journalists and media establishments to continue with its strategic role of moulding opinion than being used for mischief and other parochial sentiments.

Niger Delta

NPC Unveils Digital Registration System In Delta

Published

7 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The National Population Commission (NPC), on Friday, launched the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (eCRVS) in Delta State, designed to strengthen data generation and vital statistics management.

The Tide’s source reports that the system was launched by the Delta Federal Commissioner, Mrs. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, at a news briefing in Asaba.

Brume-Ataguba recalled that President Bola Tinubu formally launched the eCRVS in November 2023 as part of the efforts to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration process.

She said the initiative followed resolutions reached at the Sixth Session of the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Addis Ababa in 2022.

According to her, African ministers urged member states to automate civil registration processes and implement the UN Legal Identity Agenda.

“Nigeria responded by developing an electronic, technology-driven system to enhance data generation and improve civil statistics nationwide,” Brume-Ataguba said.

She said NPC, in collaboration with UNICEF, produced an eCRVS Operational Readiness Assessment Report to guide implementation.

She explained that the partnership aims to establish a fully digital civil registration system that converts records of vital events into reliable statistics for effective planning and decision-making.

Brume-Ataguba described the initiative as a complete shift from paper-based documentation to a modern digital platform aligned with international best practices.

She said the system would transform the way births and deaths were recorded, tracked and analysed across the country.

“This process marks a complete departure from the traditional paper-based recording of vital events to a state-of-the-art digital solution that conforms to international best practices.

“This eCRVS promises to revolutionise how vital events are recorded, tracked and analysed in the country.

“This will ensure commitments, and a sustained national, international financial and political investment for birth registration within the CVRS in Nigeria, ” Brume-Ataguba said.

She also said the launch demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening civil registration data capture and processing.

She further said improved vital statistics would support national development planning and help Nigeria achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brume-Ataguba continued that the state-level launch was necessary to sensitise the media and the public on the significance of the digital registration system.

She described the media as a vital partner in informing and educating citizens about the importance of registering vital events electronically.

She further assured residents that competent ICT personnel were available at the state level to address technical challenges and provide support.

The NPC commissioner emphasised that the eCRVS would overhaul the registration of births and deaths in the country and lay a solid foundation for efficient civil statistics management.

She urged stakeholders to collaborate with the commission to realise its goal of providing accurate and timely vital registration data.

She announced that the current phase of the e-CRVS programme would be concluded in March.

In her remark, the NPC State Director, Mrs. Jane Odigwe, appealed to the Delta Government to support the implementation of the system in the state.

“Your partnership is vital in helping us to reach this goal,” Odigwe said.

She also urged parents to register their children, saying that a birth certificate is essential for access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.

She said that registering children today would secure their identity and future participation in Nigeria’s development.

“To every parent in Delta, I urge you to bring your children forward for birth registration.

“A birth certificate is not just a document but your child’s key to education, healthcare and global opportunities.

“By registering your child today, you are giving them a voice in Nigeria of tomorrow,” Odigwe said.

Niger Delta

Police Uncover Suspects’ Armoury … Recover Weapons In Delta

Published

7 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has recovered assorted weapons from a criminal hideout in the state.

Spokesman for the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this to newsmen, who on Friday in Warri, said the weapons were recovered on Thursday by the operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson.

He said the feat was achieved following a confession by a suspect handed over to the police team by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Orerokpe Division, for further interrogation.

Edafe said the suspect was alleged to be a member of a criminal syndicate terrorising commuters and residents on the Warri/Sapele Road.

“On February 19, acting on information obtained during interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to a concealed armoury located on the Sapele/Warri Road by the Adheje Community axis.

“A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of a locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size gun.

“Also recovered were a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, 10 live cartridges and a dagger,” he said.

Edafe stated that the investigation into the matter was ongoing.

He, however, quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Mr. Aina Adesola, to have reiterated the command’s resolve in dismantling criminal networks, and mopping up illegal firearms, among others, in the state.

Niger Delta

Police Caution On Lawless Protests On Court Matters In A’Ibom

Published

7 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has cautioned on threats of lawless protests by some members of the public over matters that are already before the courts.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, told newsmen in Uyo on Friday that illegal protests could undermine public peace and order.

“When matters are already in court, let’s follow legal and civil means to seek redress. That is how a civilised society works.

“Although we recognise the constitutional rights of citizens to lawful expression and peaceful assembly, illegal protests are not allowed,” he said.

Azare said the Command would not tolerate threats or acts of nude protests, unlawful occupation of public or private facilities, and disruption of government, economic or social activities.

He said anyone found culpable of engaging in acts or threats of illegal protests would be prosecuted in line with the law.

“As a Command, we are committed to the maintenance of law and order, we are also committed to protecting lives and property”, he stated.