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Niger Delta

Commissioner Charges NDDC On Mega Projects

Published

12 years ago

on

Delta State Commissioner
for Special Duties, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Mr Chris Onogba, has stressed the need for the commission to embark on mega projects.
He said  the NDDC as an interventionist agency should embark on projects that states in the region cannot afford to execute.
Onogba said in Asaba that the NDDC should execute projects such as railway lines, power, roads and other mega infrastructure.
“The Niger Delta region will have fared better if the commission had, since inception, initiated and completed a railway project to connect Lagos and Calabar, for instance. “By now, the entire region would have developed to a larger extent, because it would have facilitated transportation and commerce in the region,’’ he said.
Onogba said that although the commission had executed many projects in the region, some of the projects ought to have been done by the affected state or local governments, adding that if the commission had restricted itself to mega projects, it would eliminate duplication of projects in the communities and ensure effective utilisation of resources.
“Rather than involve itself in building small healthcare centres, street lights, boreholes and the likes, NDDC should have engaged in bigger projects and leave the states and councils to handle smaller projects,’’ he emphasised.
The commissioner commended President Goodluck Jonathan for directing the new NDDC board to finish all ongoing projects before initiating new ones.
Onogba, who represents Delta in the Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta (BRACED) commission, said the NDDC was being repositioned for better performance, in accordance with the presidential directive.
“In 2014 and beyond, it is hoped that NDDC will actually be intervening in funding projects that states cannot fund,” he added.

Commercial tricycle operators protesting over alleged multiple taxation by Local Government Councils in Akwa Ibom State, yesterday.

Commercial tricycle operators protesting over alleged multiple taxation by Local Government Councils in Akwa Ibom State, yesterday.

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 12, 2025

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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.
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