Niger Delta

‘Amakpe Refinery Requires N3bn For Completion’

Published

14 years ago

September 7, 2011

The Management of Amakpe Refinery in Eket, Akwa Ibom, says about N3.14 billion was required to complete the project and begin operation.

Chief Usua Amanam, the Chief Executive Officer, said that the amount included funds that would be used to procure initial stock of crude oil for the first three months of operation.

Amanam, who spoke in an interview with newsmen in Eket, disclosed that all fabrication on the refinery had been completed and ready for installation.

He explained that the project suffered setbacks when the Akwa Ibom Government withdrew part of its equity capital, reducing its stake in the refinery from about N1.5 billion to about 981.5 million.

He explained that the partial divestment by the state government slowed down work on the project and resulted in accumulated interests on the loan capital standing at N58.9 million per quarter.

He, however, said that the Akwa-Ibom government still held 25 percent equity in the $51.9 million (about N7.83 billion) refinery project.

Amanam reiterated that the management of the refinery was committed to the completion and subsequent commencement of refining activities at the 12,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) capacity facility, in spite of funding challenges.

He said that when completed, the refinery would create more than 1,000 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs in the state.

“The facility will also help in the development of associated downstream petrochemical projects that will further enhance the economy of the state,” he added.

He appealed to the state government to have a rethink on its divestment from the project, saying the action was capable of discouraging private investors to inject additional capital into the project.

Amanam said that a consortium of Nigerian banks led by Sterling Bank and Bank of Industry had accepted to finance the completion of the refinery.

Gov. Godswill Akpabio, had at a business forum in the United States, in August, charged promoters of the refinery to complete the project or refund the state government’s investment in it.

The refinery project is on the public-private partnership model between the state and private entrepreneurs from the state and financial institutions.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.