Niger Delta

Crisis Rocks Bayelsa Traditional Rulers’ Council

Published

15 years ago

December 28, 2009

All is not well with the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs as some members are calling for change of leadership.

The present leadership of the council headed by King Joshua Igbagara was constituted in 2002, by the administration of Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

Signs that trouble was brewing in the council became public during a function last week, when King Igbagara in a speech said a traditional ruler had been arrested for embezzling community funds.

He did not however give the name of the traditional ruler, nor elaborate on the issue but The Tide investigation revealed that the said traditional ruler was among those calling for him to step down having exhausted his tenure.

A group of 11 traditional rulers, led by His Majesty, King S. F. Amgbare has written to the state government on the need to appoint a new chairman and deputy for the council, contending that King Igbagara and his deputy King Jonathan Kubo have exhausted their tenure, and were, therefore occupying the seat illegally in the past five years.

According to them Cap C. A. Section 15 of the state chieftaincy law, provides that “the chairman shall hold office for one year and shall be eligible for reappointment for further term of one year and on no account shall a chairman of the council hold office for more than two consecutive terms at a time”.

Following this development, The Tide gathered that the agitating members have been meeting to strategise on how to make the governor appoint a new chairman for the council.

At one of the meetings, the royal fathers exclaimed a white paper which government had earlier issued on the matter, in which it was stated that the office of the chairman should be rotated among the senatorial zones in the state.

The issue which has factionalised the council is now generating bad blood among the traditional rulers, as accusations and counter-accusation trail the council.

The Tide gathered that a traditional ruler from the eastern senatorial axis of the state who is desperate to occupy the stool is the brain behind the crises.

As a result of the disagreement, activities at the council’s secretariat along Hospital road, Yenagoa has been grounded as the aggrieved royal fathers have vowed to frustrate further administration of its affairs by the Igbagara and Kubo team.

Efforts to reach King Igbagara and his deputy was not successful as none of the staff at the council could disclose their phone numbers, or agree to speak on the matter.

One of the staff who pleaded that his name should not be mentioned said that two previous occupants of the seat left in controversial circumstance, revealing that while one died, the other was struck down by stroke.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.