Niger Delta

MDAs In A’Ibom Bemoan Non-Funding

Published

2 years ago

October 25, 2023

Akwa Ibom State Ministries , Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government have raised an alarm over their inability to access funds for effective functioning in the State.
The Tide’s investigation revealed that most of the Ministries in the State are gradually going moribund as some of them could not afford petrol and other consumables to facilitate their operations.
When our correspondent visited the State Secretariat on Thursday, it was observed that Ministries and other agencies suffered total blackout.
Speaking with our correspondent, one of the civil servants, who pleaded anonymity, lamented the situation and attributed it to neglect on the part of government, in terms of servicing government parastatals.
“For five months now, all memos and requests for funds are turned down by Commissioners.
“The commissioners also complained of paucity of funds. The governor has not approved funds for any Ministry in the State. All categories of civil servants are complaining”, the source stated.
The Tide recalls that the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly recently passed supplementary budget of N150billion, which has been signed into law by Governor Umo Eno .
Meanwhile, the state government just concluded a one-week retreat for Cabinet members at Eko Hotels, Lagos.
Eno, while briefing newsmen at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, shortly on arrival from Lagos, explained that the retreat was organised to ensure effective implementation of the ARISE Agenda blueprint and delivering tangible sectoral developments as enshrined in the policy thrust of his administration.
His words, “ARISE AGENDA: Mapping The Future, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, afforded the team opportunity to distill the ARISE Agenda concept into an executable governance roadmap that will yield dividends for Akwa Ibom people”.
Eno expressed hope on his team’s readiness to deliver in accordance with set timelines to realise expected results.
“This is the first, I call it team building. If you have a team, you put them together. Even Jesus did it. Take them out, talk with them”.

By: Christopher Tom, Uyo

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.