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Niger Delta

Soku Oil Wells: RSG Celebrates Court Victory

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5 years ago

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The ruling, last Monday, by a Federal High Court in Abuja that Rivers State owns the disputed Soku Oil Wells/Fields located in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, against the claims by Bayelsa State, opened the curtain for several critical events in Government House, Port Harcourt, last week.
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, in his reaction to the victory, expressed happiness that justice has, at last, been done.
He said: “ We are happy for what happened today. We don’t believe in fighting. We believe in following due process.
“ Thank God the Federal High Court has affirmed and they should pay us our money which they have collected. The revenue derivation should continue to be paid into Rivers State coffers. We are happy.”
He reiterated the determination of his administration to continue the fight towards ensuring the protection of whatever that is the interest of the state.
Soku Council of Chiefs, political leaders, women groups, and youth leaders celebrated the victory and commended Gov Wike for leading the state to victory .
Another major event in Brick House in the week under review , was the presentation of the  2020 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly for consideration and passage into law.
The Governor presented a proposal of N530, 813, 357, 619.00. for the year 2020.
The budget which is christened: “ Budget of Reassurance, Profound Impact for Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity “ , has N156, 659, 436, 569.00 as Recurrent Expenditure while the Capital Expenditure is N374, 153, 920, 743.00, making up nearly 70 per cent of the budget.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi Ibani, said that budget is critical to the development process and assured the Governor that the Assembly will diligently consider and pass the budget.
The Speaker commended Governor Wike for his commitment to the development of the state and promised continued cooperation of the House.
Another major ethnic group in Rivers State,  the Ogoni Ethnic Nationality paid a solidarity visit to Governor Wike last Monday in Government House.
The Gbenemene Tai and Chairman, Supreme Council of Ogoni Council of  Traditional Rulers, King Godwin Giniwa, lauded the Governor for his support to the Ogonis and pledged unflinching support of Ogonis to his administration.
The Governor, while addressing the delegation, used the opportunity to declare his position on the next Governor of the state.
Wike explained that he has not promised any ethnic group in the state, the position  of governor, noting  that only God has the capacity to make the next governor and not him or any man.
He equally explained the decision of the state government to acquire the Shell interest in the OML11 and expressed disappointment that the Ogonis allow criminals to speak for them on the issue.
Another major event last week in Government House was the courtesy visit by the World Health Organisation, Country Representative for Nigeria, Dr Peter Lasuba.
Governor Wike disclosed that he increased budgetary allocation for the health sector in 2020 because of his administration’s strong commitment to universal health coverage in the state.
He announced that the Contributary Health Insurance Scheme of Rivers State will now be compulsory.
The Country Representative,  Dr Peter Lasuba commended the Rivers State Governor for the huge investments of his administration in the health sector and for supporting the organisation.
The State Chief Executive , last Thursday, commissioned the first branch of Globus Bank in Port Harcourt, with a charge to the management to consider employment of qualified Rivers people in the bank so as to earn the support of the state government.

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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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.
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C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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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.
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