Niger Delta

Investigate Benin Airport Attack, Edo Urges RG

Published

10 months ago

July 24, 2024

Edo State Government has called on the Federal Government to set up a panel to unravel the cause of the shooting that claimed the life of a police officer at Benin Airport gate.
The Tide’s source recalls that a police officer attached to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Monday Okpebholo, was on Thursday shot dead during a clash at the exit gate of the Benin airport.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, told newsmen on Friday in Benin that the State Commissioner of Police was a witness to what happened at the Benin Airport.
“Shaibu got judgment and flew to Benin with his friends and before entering Benin he mobilised armed thugs to wait for him at the Benin Airport.
“And on arrival, they unleashed mayhem on the innocent people of Edo state and in the process a police officer was killed and many others were injured.
“The State Commissioner of Police had intelligence report and went to the airport to caution him not to allow his boys to assemble at the airport or anywhere in the state he defied the advice.
“We had appealed the judgment reinstating him as the deputy governor and filled for stay of execution immediately we got Certified True Copy (CTC); and he was shown the restraining order from the court.
“The CP should be arresting him, because, as it stands today, he is not the Deputy Governor and has no immunity.
“We are now calling on the Federal Government and the Inspector General of Police to look into the crisis.
“The whole thing happened in the presence of the commissioner of police and he is one of the witnesses”, he said.
Nehikhare disclosed that the state government would no longer fold its arms and watch thugs cause mayhem the state.
He said efforts were being made to ensure that the violence did not degenerate further, adding that the government was resolute that election would be free and fair in the state.
According to him, the opposition party wants to draw the attention of the Federal government and create the impression of anarchy and call for state of emergency.
He called on the residents of the state to remain calm, adding that government was working round the clock to ensure a peaceful state ahead of the September 21 governorship election.
In his reaction, the reinstated Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, denied the allegations, stressing that he would never sponsor an attack against himself.
“What happened yesterday was an assassination attempt on my life.
“When I was impeached, Shaibu that you know would have protested on the street of Benin but I decided that I do not want to take people to the street and get them killed.
“So, I decided to use the court to prove that the impeachment was unlawful; but unfortunately, what I tried to avoid by not protesting still happened yesterday.
“And I feel sad about it because am a peaceful person.
“This fight is not about me, but one that is targeted at restoring dignity and respect to the office of the deputy governor”, he said.
He said he never envisaged that he and the governor would be on the path they were currently.
“I thank God that I never betrayed him”, he said.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

10 hours 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

10 hours 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

10 hours 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.