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Tag: Bayelsa State

  • Bayelsa: Police, NDLEA clash in Yenagoa

    Bayelsa: Police, NDLEA clash in Yenagoa

    Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Policemen at the Ekeki Police Division on Thursday clashed over attempts to arrest a suspected drug dealer.

    The clash caused panic and pandemonium at the Ekeki Police Division in Yenagoa as the confrontation ensued between the Police and the NDLEA.

    It was learnt that some NDLEA operatives were in the area to arrest a woman suspected to be a drug peddler and had even made entry in the police records before carrying out their assignment.

    A resident at Ekeki told a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Correspondent that as the NDLEA squad were carrying out their operation, the policemen from the Ekeki Police Division obstructed the NDLEA operatives and it resulted to an altercation.

    In the resulting confrontation, several gunshots were fired which scared residents.

    Two operating vehicles of the NDLEA with tyres deflated by gunshots in the process by the police to prevent the NDLEA operatives from taking the suspect away were sighted.

    When contacted, NDLEA spokesman, Mr Howells Obah, said that the operatives of the agency complied with standard operational procedure in carrying out the raid on the suspected drug dealer.

    “Our men went for operation behind Ekeki Police Division. Our man made an entry in the police station as required but we learnt the suspect is a wife of a Policeman and enjoyed protection.

    “They shot two of our vehicles and we are trying to see how we can take them out, and we are making efforts to keep the situation from escalating further.” Obah said.

    DSP Musa Mohammed, the Bayelsa  Police command Public Relations Officer confirmed the incident and said he was hurrying to the scene to find out what happened.

    “I am going there now to find out what happened,” Mohammed said by phone.

  • We’re turning Yenagoa into a modern city – Gov Diri

    We’re turning Yenagoa into a modern city – Gov Diri

    Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has said his administration’s urban renewal programme will transform Yenagoa, the state capital, into a modern city.

    Diri stated this against the backdrop of the recent relocation of inter-state commercial transporters to the new state-owned transport terminal at Igbogene.

    Speaking on Wednesday during the state executive council meeting in, Yenagoa, the governor said centralised motor parks were features of modern cities, which Yenagoa was gradually turning into.

    He warned against touting around the vicinity of the terminal, saying that all travellers were expected to go into the terminal for booking and boarding of vehicles.

    Diri also stressed that the relocation would curb crime as passengers coming into the state would now be monitored.

    He said: “I visited the new terminal and saw its beauty. This is what every modern society does.

    “For those who play politics and are still criticising, I am very sorry for them. Bayelsans are however, happy with what we have done.

    “It is only those who do not know what a modern society looks like that make derogatory statements about me and the government.

    “For the first time in our state, we are seeing what a city is like. We want to actually turn Yenagoa into a modern city. We want to bring Yenagoa to a better place.

    “I am happy that the terminal is bubbling. Nobody should act like agbero (tout) in that place. That park is a model with everything provided.

    “For those who want to come into Bayelsa to commit crime, we have stopped them with the movement to the new terminal,” he said.

    Commenting on the peaceful and crime-free Yuletide period, the governor commended the security agencies for their collaborative efforts that ensured the state was secured throughout the festive season.

    He also noted that there was a boost in tourism and entertainment during the period, and particularly commended dancehall music star, Enetimi Odon (popularly called Timaya) for giving back to the state through his annual Timaya Day concert held on January 1.

    Diri observed that the event attracted a huge crowd of mostly youths and that the show had great tourism potential for the state.

    “In the whole of these festivities, what I consider as the final lap was the January 1 Timaya Day that had to do with youths of our state.

    “Instructively, there was no incident of crime. I was there. The youths were well behaved and they became security by themselves.

    “From what I saw, I believe there is hope for this country and for our state. We all need to do what is right,” he said.

    Commenting on an ugly incident at Agbere in Sagbama Local Government Area, Diri thanked the leadership of the community for maintaining the peace and for not taking the laws into their hands.

    He assured that ongoing investigation would unravel those behind the dastardly murder of a chief in the community.

    Meanwhile, mix reactions have greeted the relocation of all the motor parks in Yenagoa, the state capital to a central terminal at Igbogene because of its distance from the city centre

  • 8 police officers, 1 civilian rescued from ‘grip of death’ in Bayelsa

    8 police officers, 1 civilian rescued from ‘grip of death’ in Bayelsa

    The Nigerian Navy says its personnel deployed around Agbura community in Bayelsa, have rescued nine passengers comprising eight policemen and one civilian.

    The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Adams-Aliu said its personnel also recovered three rifles belonging to the policemen during the search and rescue operation.

    Adams-Aliu said the police officers were drowned while enroute Yenagoa, when their speed boat hit a submerged wreck and capsized.

    According to him, first aid was administered to those injured and were subsequently transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, for further medical treatment.

    He said the submerged wreckage that caused the incident was noted and marked to prevent further occurrences.

    “The recovered weapons were documented and secured awaiting proper handing and taking over to the Nigerian Police Force Bayelsa State Command.

    “This successful rescue operation underscores the synergy and collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and security agencies.

    “The Nigerian navy remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring safety on the nation’s waterways and fostering collaboration with other security stakeholders to enhance national security.

    “The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, reiterates the navy’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians within the maritime domain.

    “The CNS also commended the swift response and professionalism of the personnel involved in this operation,” he said.

  • Bayelsa’s Commissioner for Women Affairs is dead

    Bayelsa’s Commissioner for Women Affairs is dead

    Bayelsa’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Elizabeth Bidei, has been confirmed dead by the state government.

    Bidei, who was also a member of the Bayelsa’s Executive Council, died on Monday, Dec. 30.

    The state government confirmed her passing in a statement on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai.

    “Our hearts grieved with the bereaved family, especially with the widower, Chief Jackson Bidei and the children.

    “Our prayers are with the family at this depressing moment of grave bereavement. Our sincerest sympathies and prayers are with her loved ones at this difficult time.

    “May they all find comfort in the knowledge that Mrs Bidei’s life and work profoundly impacted our state and its people,” Koku-Obiyai said.

    She added that as the state government mourned the deceased, the State Executive Council would dearly miss her.

    Koku-Obiyai said Bidei’s passion as a dedicated public servant and a loyal party person, who worked tirelessly to promote the welfare and empowerment of women in Bayelsa, would also be missed.

    According to her, Bidei’s commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others will keep her memories engrained in many minds.

    “As a member of the State Executive Council, who played a crucial role in shaping policies and programmes that benefited the people of Bayelsa, her death has denied our state of her inspiring contribution.

    “It has also created a difficult vacuum to fill,” she said.

    The Commissioner said that Bidei would be remembered as a kind and compassionate individual who always placed the needs of others ahead of her own.

    “It is our conviction that her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the many initiatives she championed during her lifetime.

    “The governor and the entire government of Bayelsa are saddened by her loss and will miss her wise counsel and dedication to our collective efforts to build a better and prosperous future for our state.

    “We will always remember her as a true servant of the people and a champion of women’s empowerment,” Koku-Obiyai said.

    Bidei’s cause of death has, however, not been revealed.

  • 4-month blackout: Bayelsa govt seeks alternative electricity

    4-month blackout: Bayelsa govt seeks alternative electricity

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Port Harcourt Region, has announced the restoration of electricity to most parts of Bayelsa following a four-month blackout. The region covers Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Imo, and Rivers states.

    The General Manager of TCN’s Port Harcourt Region, Emmanuel Anyaegbulem, made this known during a news conference on Monday in Port Harcourt, while outlining the company’s achievements in 2024. He explained that the blackout was caused by criminals who vandalised about 20 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132 Kilovolt (KV) electricity lines on July 29.

    “The 132KV line is the only transmission line that supply electricity to Bayelsa state. The repairs of the collapsed towers presented a significant challenge for us, considering that the blackout lasted from July 29 until November 30, when we restored the lines,” Anyaegbulem said.

    He further noted that it cost about N13 million to construct a single transmission tower.

    “Once vandals cut off the brackets that holds a tower, the structure becomes vulnerable to the slightest breeze. After the criminals vandalised the tower, it collapsed and caused the failure of about 20 other transmission towers between Ahoada in Rivers state and Yenagoa in Bayelsa state.

    “We are delighted to have erected and restrung the 20 damaged 132KV towers after four months of hardship endured by the residents,” he added.

    Anyaegbulam also disclosed that police officers attached to TCN had  arrested about 10 suspects caught vandalising the company’s facilities in the region in 2024. He said that out of the 10 suspects arrested, four had already been convicted by the courts, while six remained in police custody.

    In spite of these challenges, the general manager stated that the company achieved significant milestones during the outgoing year.

    “This includes the installation of a 100 Megavolt-Amperes (MVA) power transmission transformer at the Port Harcourt main transmission substation, as well as the rehabilitation of the 132/33KV switch yard. We also took delivery of a 150MVA 330/33KV power transformer at TCN’s Adjabo transmission substation within the Port Harcourt main transmission substation.

    “Other achievements include the upgrade of the Itu 132/33KV transmission substation with the addition of a 60MVA transformer, three outgoing feeders, digital control panels, circuit breakers, isolators among others, he said.

    Anyaegbulem reiterated the company’s commitment to providing electricity to Distribution Companies (DisCos) to enable them to ensure uninterrupted power supply to customers.

    Bayelsa intensify effort at establishing 60,000MW turbine

    Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State government has said it is intensifying efforts to establish  independent power plants to ensure stable power supply in the state.

    Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the state acting governor. stated this on Monday in a meeting with the leadership of Imiringi Community and some stakeholders of Ogbia Local Government, including the Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Owaba in Yenagoa.

    He said government was partnering some Chinese investors to site a power plant by the existing gas turbine belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) at Elebele.

    Ewhrudjakpo said that efforts were also underway to refurbish the state-owned Imiringi gas turbine in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa.

    He said: “when the turbine comes on stream, it is expected to supply electricity to Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas.

    “While the second plant would serve Kolokuma/Opokuma, Sagbama and Ekeremor LGAs, to do away with the current total dependence on the national grid.

    “Subsequently, government will provide a third power plant to generate and distribute electricity to Nembe, Brass and Southern Ijaw councils in line with the Douye Diri-led administration’s A.S.S.U.R.E.D Agenda in the power sector.

    “We are working hard to see how we can get independent power. We are working with some investors to get another power plant by the Elebele Gas Turbine that belongs to the Local Content which will generate about 60,000 Mega Watts.

    “And the plant at Imiringi, when refurbished will supply electricity to Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas to resolve the problem of epileptic power from the national grid.”

    He offered an unreserved apology to the people of Imiringi over the power ministry’s attempt to move out the turbine transformers for refurbishment without properly notifying the community.

    This, he attributed to communication gap between the Elebele community and government, stating that government’s intention was to take out the transformers to refurbish them and bring them back to improve power supply in the state.

    “Government’s intention was to take the transformers out for refurbishment and see how we can start the gas turbine but our intention was misunderstood.

    “We take full responsibility for the communication gap, because of the exigencies of government, we could not adequately inform the community of government’s intention to take out the facility for refurbishment.

    “On behalf of the government, we apologize for the mix up which almost cost a near fracas.”

    Speaking on behalf government officials from Ogbia, the Chief Whip of the Bayelsa House of Assembly and member representing Ogbia Constituency 2, Hon. Gabriel Ogbara, thanked the Acting governor for his prompt intervention in he matter.

    In his remarks, spokesman of the Imiringi Community and retired Director in the Ministry of Environment, Chief Naru Okpu, expressed gratitude to the acting governor for convening the meeting.

    He described the Kolo Creek gas turbines as one of the legacies of the late Chief Melford Okilo and expressed confidence in the present administration’s commitment towards restoring electricity to the area.

  • Bill to establish Federal University in Bayelsa passes 2nd reading

    Bill to establish Federal University in Bayelsa passes 2nd reading

    The Senate has passed for second reading, a bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Science and Technology, Okorokorisei in Bayelsa.

    The institute, if established, will focus on teaching and research in science and technology.

    This followed the presentation of the general principles of the bill by the sponsor, Sen. Benson Friday (PDP-Bayelsa), at plenary on Tuesday.

    Friday, in his lead debate, said the university would serve not only Bayelsa people but be an institution of learning where people from all parts of the country could come and learn.

    He said the proposed university was for the training of young men and women and older Nigerians in science and technology, adding that education was a driver of modern economy.

    Friday said the university would also teach courses that are particularly relevant to each immediate area, especially Marine Engineering, Petroleum, and other fields of research.

    “Beyond those disciplines, the university will also produce graduates in diverse fields of Engineering, Medical Science, and Information Technology among others.

    “The university will award both first and postgraduate degrees, and contribute in developing the manpower required for building our nation’s economy,” he said.

    Friday said there was need to take advantage within the global economy to build the nation’s manpower base via establishment of the deserving universities.

    He said there was need to establish more universities to train, equip and give them a hope and a future.

    “That is why the proposed federal university of science and technology should be established.

    “Establishing this university will also draw young people out of the streets and get them engaged in activities that will brighten their future and the future of this society.

    “It is a weapon against youth restlessness and other biases that may arise in the future,” Friday said.

    Contributing, Sen. Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa), said the bill sought the need for additional investment in the nation’s education sector.

    He urged lawmakers to support the establishment of the institution, given the need for additional educational investment in the state.

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, shortly after the bill passed the second reading, referred it to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund for further legislative inputs.

    The bill is to be returned to plenary in four weeks.

  • After 4 months of blackout, Bayelsa finally gets power supply

    After 4 months of blackout, Bayelsa finally gets power supply

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it has  restored bulk power supply to  Bayelsa through the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV transmission line at 08:03am  on Tuesday.

    Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday. She said that the restoration followed the successful reconstruction of the collapsed towers and restringing of vandalised conductors by TCN contractors.

    Mbah said that a final inspection of work done, was conducted on Nov. 28,  by a team of TCN engineers, led by  Mr Emmanuel Akpa, Port-Harcourt Region General Manager.

    ”The team verified the integrity of the 20 newly erected towers Nos. 48–64 and 97–99 that were destroyed in a series of vandalism incidents on July 29 and Aug. 12.

    ”After confirming that all work met required standards, the line was cleared for energisation,”she said.

    Mbah said that on the other hand, discussions are underway with stakeholders in Bayelsa and Rivers to implement a comprehensive community engagement programme.

    According to her, this initiative seeks to educate local communities traversed by the transmission line on the consequences of vandalism and theft of power infrastructure.

    She said that additionally, the programme would  involve appointing community representatives to oversee the security of power equipment in their areas.

    “This approach aims to foster a sense of local ownership and accountability for the infrastructure. These efforts are part of broader measures to prevent future incidents of large-scale vandalism, which left Bayelsa  in total blackout since July 29.

    “The economic losses incurred by residents, as well as the significant financial burden on TCN to restore the towers, have been substantial. TCN appeals to the public to support the nationwide campaign against  vandalism of power infrastructure.

    “Collective action is essential to safeguarding the country’s electricity assets for sustainable development, ”she said.

  • Minimum wage: Bayelsa govt urges LGAs to improve IGR

    Minimum wage: Bayelsa govt urges LGAs to improve IGR

    The Bayelsa State Government has urged local government councils to shore up their Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) to meet the new minimum wage obligations.

    The State Deputy Governor, Sen Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the call on Friday in Yenogoa while granting audience to the executive committee of the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), local government branch.

    The advice is sequel to the announcement of N80,000 as minimum wage by Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa.

    Ewhrudjakpo assured local government pensioners of the state government’s commitment towards improving their welfare as it took steps to implement the N80,000 new minimum wage in the state.

    The deputy governor called on the councils to fashion out other sources of revenue rather than depend solely on monthly federal allocations.

    He noted that it would be difficult for councils in the state to pay and sustain the new minimum wage if they continued to completely depend on statutory allocations.

    Ewhrudjakpo said : “I have asked experts in that area to work out the new minimum wage to see what the local governments will be able to pay. I know that council workers will insist that they should be paid like their state counterparts.

    “But we should know that the state government and local governments do not have the same level or sources of funding. How many of our local governments are able to generate N100 million in the whole year? Just very few of them.

    “As I said earlier, the details of what is going to cost each local government area must be worked out first because if we are not careful, our local government areas will go bankrupt.

    “That is why I have told them to be very innovative and serious about generating revenue for the councils.

    “There is nothing that stops you from collecting little money from people selling in the market. Or, collect licences fee from boat, motorbike, keke operators. That’s not a crime. It is legitimate,”.

    Responding to the retirees’ requests, Ewhrudjakpo assured them that arrangements were underway to clear and pay pensioners who were inadvertently omitted in the payment of gratuities across the board last year.

    He also promised to make some efforts to ensure that local government retirees have a share of the N7 billion the state government recently announced for the payment of outstanding gratuities.

    On the issue of upward review of monthly pensions to the retirees, the deputy governor said such review would be based on the capacity of the local governments which currently depended mainly on monthly federal allocations.

    He congratulated the executive committee members of the local government wing of the NUP on their recent inauguration, adding that government would look into their request for an operational vehicle, among others.

    Earlier in his presentation, the Chairman of the local government branch of the NUP in the state, Mr Noel Itade, said their visit was to introduce the new executive committee members to the deputy governor.

    Itade, who thanked the state government for approving N7 billion for gratuities, pleaded that local government pensioners who were omitted in the 2023 gratuity payment exercise be reconsidered for payment.

    He also called for an upward review of their pensions to reflect the present economic realities in the country, as the Federal Government had done for its retirees.

  • Bayelsa confirms receipt of N3bn from FG

    Bayelsa confirms receipt of N3bn from FG

    Bayelsa State Government has confirmed it received N3 billion flood prevention fund disbursed in August by the Federal Government to flood prone states.

    Mr Timiore Seipolou, Technical Adviser to Bayelsa Governor on Treasury and Accounts, disclosed this on Monday in Yenegoa while giving a breakdown of revenue profile of the state for August and September.

    Bayelsa is listed among the 21 states at risk of flooding by the National Emergency Management Agency’s 2024 Flood Alert.

    Highlights of the revenue figures showed that in August, Bayelsa earned more from exchange rate differential– the gains accruing due to sliding value or the naira in dollar denominated oil proceeds–than actual proceeds from oil.

    While Bayelsa’s oil derivation revenue was N 8.69 billion, 31 per cent; the state got N22.99 billion from exchange rate gains representing 46 per cent of the state’s revenue for August.

    According to Seipolou, statutory revenue from the Federation Accounts for the month under review stands at N 792.89 million

    He said the proceeds from Value Added Tax (VAT) 26 per cent of the revenue streams stood at N5.72 billion.

    The technical adviser said that Bayelsa earned N2.46 billion from internal sources, while the gross revenue from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) for August was N 28.36 billion.

    The figures indicate that the state spent a total of N6.56 billion for debt service obligations to commercial banks.

    He explained that cumulative revenue including proceeds from signature bonuses, revenue from sundry income from oil production came to N90.89 billion for the month under review.

    For the month of September, Seipolou noted that statutory revenue for Bayelsa was N 847.67 million.

    The state also raked in N10.75 billion, 36 per cent of revenue from exchange rate gains, while oil derivation revenue of N9.08 billion representing 30 per cent of total revenue that came to the coffers of the state.

    He said that proceeds from VAT were N5.58 billion, 19 per cent of total revenue, while Internally Generated Revenue for September stood at N2.58 billion.

  • Quack doctor arrested In Bayelsa

    Quack doctor arrested In Bayelsa

    An individual posing as a medical doctor, identified as Doubara Esamasuode, has been arrested by officers from Zone 16 of the Nigeria Police Force for practicing without a valid license in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, Emonena Gunn in a statement on Wednesday, characterized the arrest as a testament to the unwavering dedication to maintaining the rule of law and safeguarding public welfare.

    Before arrest, Esamasuode operated under the name of St. Maximilian Medical Centre, situated at Winners Junction in the Etegwe area of Yenagoa.

    His arrest was facilitated by reliable intelligence provided by the zone’s Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Paul Omata.

    During a search of the medical facility, authorities recovered various items, including injection syringes, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, photographs of his fraudulent graduation, hospital records, and 200 copies of ultrasound report images.

    The suspect, during interogation, admitted to multiple offences, including impersonating a medical doctor, running an unauthorized medical establishment, forgery, and identity theft.

    Reaffirming his commitment, the AIG said he will continue to ensure the safety and security of citizens within its jurisdiction and across the nation.

    “This parade serves as a testament to the ongoing work being done to maintain law and order and instil a sense of security within our environment,” the statement said, noting that the arrest would send a clear message that criminal activities will not be tolerated.

    The statement notes that the suspect would be charged in court after concluding the investigation.

    The police have called on the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by providing timely information that can aid in investigating and apprehending criminal elements.