Niger Delta
Commissioner Restates Position On Infrastructure Projects Completion
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, ESV. Moses Teibowei, has restated the position of the State Government on the provision of infrastructure across the state.
Speaking with Journalists shortly after receiving an award of excellence bestowed on him by the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Bayelsa State Branch, at the inauguration ceremony of the 12th branch chairman and executive members recently in Yenagoa, the state capital, the Commissioner said the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, was recommitted towards completing all ongoing and inherited projects so as to fast track the development of the state.
He enjoined Bayelsans to savour, protect and make good use of commissioned projects in their domains, noting also that works on the third phase of the Igbogene-Etegwe-Onopa Glory Drive road is in progress.
Teibowei, who also spoke on other ongoing projects being executed by the “Prosperity Administration” through his Ministry, hinted that the Akaba–Okodi Road, the Nembe-Brass Road projects and others have all reached an appreciable pace.
The Commissioner reiterated government’s resolve to continue impacting lives in the state through the provision of basic infrastructure, stressing that Governor Diri from inception of office has prioritized connecting the communities of the state with roads.
He thanked the NSE for founding him, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Barr Johnson Dangana, and other notable individuals, worthy of the awards, emphasizing that the Ministry under his stewardship will continue to partner the NSE to deliver for the state better and qualitative jobs.
“Work on the Akaba-Okodi Road, the Nembe-Brass Road projects and others are ongoing in ernest. In the New Yenagoa City we’re constructing so many internal roads. The Glory-Drive Road is in the 3rd phase now, and we’re assiduously working to complete it.
“As a Commissioner who is an ESV., my profession is just like engineering, and so the Ministry under my stewardship will continue to partner the NSE for the rapid infrastructural transformation of this state”, he said.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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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.
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.
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.