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Reside In Your Domain, Diri Tells New Caretaker LG Chairmen …Says Bayelsa Deserves 30 Councils

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2 years ago

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Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has charged new caretaker committee chairmen of councils and their Rural Development Authority (RDA) counterparts in the state to reside in their local government headquarters.
Governor Diri gave the directive on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of the eight councils and 32 RDA chairmen at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa.
The oaths of allegiance and office were administered by the state Chief Registrar, Amaebi Oruka.
The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, stressed that the government will frown at any council chairman that flouted the directive on residency.
He also directed the new chairmen and their RDA counterparts to appoint only five Supervisory Councilors and that they are only entitled to three personal aides.
Governor Diri equally reminded them that the embargo on employment was still in force and that loans from banks and private sources were prohibited.
He urged the National Assembly to consider creating more local government areas for the state, stating that Bayelsa deserves at least 30 constitutionally.
He said: “All caretaker committee chairmen and Rural Development Authority chairpersons are to reside in their local government headquarters and daily work there. Any travel outside the local government must be with the permission from my office.
“For the eight local government chairmen, you are to appoint five supervisory counselors. You are entitled to three special assistants only. And they are personal assistant, chief security officer and protocol officer.
“There is still embargo on employment at all levels of staff be it temporary or casual employment. There is also a complete ban on all forms of borrowing, including loans from the bank and private sources.
“For emphasis, the issue of residency is very serious. We have had council chairmen that resided in Yenagoa. But we will no longer tolerate any chairman of council that makes Yenagoa his home rather than residing in the headquarters of the council or development authority.
“Bayelsa State currently has eight local government councils as enshrined and recognized by the 1999 constitution as amended. I therefore like to call on all members of the National Assembly from the state to make effort to ensure our 24 RDAs are recognized as local government councils.
“Local government councils should actually be the creation of the people of a particular state, depending on their resources. I do believe and know that if we control our resources in Bayelsa, we can create the number of local governments that will benefit our people.”
The new caretaker committee chairmen are Alabo Hanson Karima (Brass), Chief. Belemu Nemine (Ekeremor), Inemo Oruebimiekumo (Kolokuma/Opokuma ) and Chief Samuel Kalaguo (Nembe)
Others are Chief Ibu Williams Mizodome (Ogbia), Richman Samuel Ebipade (Sagbama), Lucky Okodeh (Souther Ijaw), and Mr. Tobi Andy (Yenagoa).
Among the newly appointed 32 RDA chairpersons were seven women.
The eight new caretaker local government chairmen in Bayelsa State taking the oath of office inside the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday.

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

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6 days ago

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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

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6 days ago

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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

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6 days ago

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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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