Niger Delta

C’River Awards Road Contracts For 28 Communities

Published

14 years ago

May 23, 2011

The Cross River State Government has signed a contract for the construction of 474 kilometres of rural roads valued at N20.325 billion to cover 28 communities across the state under the Cross River-Rural Access and Mobility Project (CRRAMP).

The African Development Bank (ADB) shall contribute N7.016 billion, constituting 34.5 percent of the total civil works, while the remaining cost of N13.308 billion or 65.48 percent will be contributed by the Cross River State Government.

Eight contractors signed the contracts with the State Government and the proposed roads are located in Bakassi, Akpabuyo, Calabar Municipality, Odukpani, Akamkpa Obubra, Biase, Yakurr, Abi, Ikom, Etung, Boki Obudu, Obanliku, Yala, and Bekwarra Local Government Areas.

Speaking after the ceremony, Governor Liyel Imoke said it represented a major step in the administration’s desire of serving the people because of its potential of propelling economic growth and creation of wealth, which has been the government’s commitment on inception.

Imoke disclosed that the state saw the roads as a challenge and approached ADB and Federal Government who suggested that they should be laterite roads.

He said he insisted that the roads be asphalted in view of the fact that Cross River State is situated in a rain forest region, hence he opted the state to finance the additional cost of the civil works in order to give the rural populace a sense of belonging. The Bank, he said, had no option than to give no objection to its desire.

The Governor said one of the conditions of ADB was that funds be made available immediately and he lauded it for supporting the state to achieve its aim.

Imoke explained that the decision of government was not only to make funds available, but also ensure the economic wellbeing of the roads because of their potential to turn things around in the designated areas.

According to him, the state used international procedure as guidelines during the procurement process of the contract, which is an indication of transparency in the procurement exercise.

He expressed hope that the good relationship between ADB and the state will be strengthened.

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.