Niger Delta

A’Ibom NLC Endorses Planned Strike By Teachers

Published

14 years ago

January 18, 2012

The Akwa Ibom chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said in Uyo recently that it endorsed a planned indefinite strike by primary school teachers in the state over non-payment of salaries.

Its Chairman, Mr Unyime Usoro lamented that the teachers were, among others, owed arrears of the N18,000 minimum wage, which other civil servants had been paid since September.

Our Correspondent reports that the teachers, under the aegis of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) have served the state government a seven-day notice of the strike .

“The other grievances are non-payment of October and November salaries, leave grant for 2011 and non-release of subvention to school heads,” Usoro said.

“We have had meetings with the leadership of NUT in the state on the issue and we have brought the matters to the attention of the Head of Service and Accountant-General of the state.

“Unfortunately, nobody in government circle has come out to address the issues. It is becoming recurrent; the teachers are always treated last, making them feel like second class citizens. It is humiliating,” Usoro stressed.

Speaking to newsmen via telephone, the state NUT Secretary, Mr Sam Umo-Inyang, said that the teachers would not go back on their position except the state government met all their demands.

In a reaction, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour and Productivity, Mr Ime Umoh, told newsmen that the delay in the payment of the October salary for the teachers arose from mistakes spotted in the payment vouchers.

“As I speak to you now, government has released money for payment of October salaries alongside the leave grants.

“The arrears of N18, 000 minimum wage will be paid along with the November salaries; you know we had delay in payment of statutory allocations caused by the disagreement at the Federal Allocation Account Committee,” Umoh said.

On the non-release of subventions to the schools, Umoh said he had met with the state Commissioner for Education over the issue and that the release would be made soon.

“This government is labour-friendly and so, we cannot afford to have any strike,” Umoh said.

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.