Niger Delta

Diri Decries FG’s Neglect Of Flood Victims In Bayelsa

Published

3 years ago

November 1, 2022

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has again urged the Federal Government to support the state to cushion the effect of the devastating floods.
He said considering Bayelsa’s contribution to the nation’s economy, the response of the Federal Government to the flood situation in the state was not commensurate and fair.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the Governor made the remark while declaring open a three-day solemn assembly of fasting and prayers ahead of the state’s annual Thanksgiving Day today.
While bemoaning the level of destruction caused by the natural disaster across communities in the state, the Governor noted that it would cost the government hundreds of billions of naira to rehabilitate damaged road infrastructure in the state.
He also stated that people of the state have been rendered homeless and traumatised with their livelihoods gone.
”We are still calling on the Federal Government to come to our aid. What it will cost us to repair broken down roads amount to hundreds of billions of naira.
“This is a solemn period. As a government and people, we are suffocating. This is the state where the golden egg is laid. The Federal Government quickly intervenes in disasters that are not up to half of what we are experiencing now”, he said.
Diri emphasised that the state was yet to receive relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and cautioned against playing politics with the lives of people that are in great distress.
“Let us not play politics with the lives of people that are already traumatised and dying. Houses are giving way. Our infrastructure is gone. As I speak, what the State Emergency Management Agency has received from NEMA are mosquito nets and some guinea brocade materials. Food items that are being distributed in the state were procured by the Bayelsa government”, he added.
In the same vein, the State Governor expressed appreciation to those that have supported the state as it grapples with the raging floods.
Governor Diri, who spoke during the State Executive Council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, said the support received so far has helped the state in its recovery process.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, assured that funds and items received will be published in line with the transparent posture of the administration.
The Governor said he was grateful to the Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, for visiting the State and pledging to support victims of the flood.
He also expressed gratitude to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his philanthropy and empathy shown to people of the state.
Abubakar, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, was also in Bayelsa to visit victims of the flood and donated the sum of N55 million.
Similarly, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who visited one of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp at Igbogene with members of his cabinet on Wednesday, also donated N100 million on behalf of his state government.
Others are Dr. Azibapu Eruani, an illustrious son of the state, who pledged during his visit to support victims of the flood with food items worth N350 million, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who wrote a letter commiserating with the state and donating the sum of N50 million to tackle the floods.
The Governor also appreciated the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Oladayo Amao, for the support of the Nigerian Air Force.
“We procured some items and because the road into our state has been cut off, we approached the Air Force and they obliged to airlift what we bought from Abuja to PH and to Yenagoa”, Governor Diri said.
On the Thanksgiving Day, Diri said there was no better time to offer thanksgiving to God as the flood disaster in the state could have been worse.
Diri, who urged the people to participate in the thanksgiving service today, commended the immediate past Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, for setting aside a special day backed by law for Bayelsans to gather to thank God.
In his sermon titled: “The Good Shepherd,” Catholic Bishop of the Bomadi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Hyacinth Egbebo, described God as a care-giver that expresses utmost concern for His people.
According to him, God is the sustainer of the universe and people should draw closer for Him to supply all their needs.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

4 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

4 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

4 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.