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Niger Delta

Bayelsa Govt Worried Over Criticisms

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The Government of
Governor Seriake Dickson, piqued by uncomplimentary comments, especially from public servants in the state against his administration has warned that the law guiding civil servants in the state would be applied on them.
Dickson gave the warning in a special government announcement signed by the state Head of Service, Mrs Fraizar Okuru while announcing the suspension of Chief Nengimote James, the Chairman of the state branch of Civil Liberty Organisation. (CLO) and also an administrative officer with the state Ministry of Youth Development.
“Mr Nengimote James, an Admin. Officer with the State Ministry of Youth Development took it upon himself to make adverse comments against the state government on a local radio station”.
During the said interview, James was alleged to have criticised the government over the approval giving to it by the state government, House of Assembly to borrow 60m euros., an actions considered as “serious case of misconduct and punishable under Public Service Rule  030402 (g,o,s and w).”
The statement warned that “civil servants in the state to guard against acts that are totally against the ethics and norms of the service”.
“For the umpteenth time, servants who wish to play politics, are advised in their own interest to honorably resigned from the service as the two cannot go together”, the statement added.
Meanwhile, CLO national headquarters has warned against harassment and intimidation of  its members in Bayelsa State by the Hon Seriake Dickson’s government as well as the violation of their fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter and UN Declaration on human rights among other human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.
“The attacks on the CLO, Bayelsa State, were sparked off by the questions raised on the proposed loan of 66 million Euros from Poland by the Dickson regime. The CLO had, in a Communique issued at the end of its state meeting on October 1, 2013, queried the rationale behind the proposed loan by the Dickson’s government.
The loan, according to the government, is being sought to build a Maritime Academy in the state. But CLO argues that the stakeholders for whom the loan was being secured were not involved. CLO also reminded Dickson of his promise to the people during his electioneering campaigns when he declared that his administration would not borrow but would save funds internally from where he would provide the state with infrastructural development.
The statement reaclled that the immediate past secretary of the CLO in the state, Comrade Morris Allagoa, received strange phone calls some days ago from somebody who identified himself as Agbalala.
“ The caller asked him for a meeting at 9 pm but when Allagoa declined, he never called again. Investigations carried out by the CLO allege that Agbalala is the Chief Security Officer to Governor Dickson. CLO is visibly worried about these unprovoked attacks on human rights defenders in a civil rule earned by them by characters most of who were supporters of the draconian regimes of the dark years.”.
The statement which was  signed the Country Director, Mr Ibuchukwu O. Ezike “warn all the state actors and actresses in Nigeria to be very careful how they recklessly and willfully repress the rights of the citizens with impunity not minding the gross corruption and abuse of the due process and rule of law.

Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Emmanuel Chindah (middle), in a handshake with a guest during the 2013 World Food Day celebration in Port Harcourt last Wednesday. With them are Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Alex and other dignitaries. Photo: Prince Obinna Dele

Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Emmanuel Chindah (middle), in a handshake with a guest during the 2013 World Food Day celebration in Port Harcourt last Wednesday. With them are Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Alex and other dignitaries. Photo: Prince Obinna Dele

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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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.
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Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

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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.
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C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

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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.
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