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Tag: Godswill Akpabio

  • Ijaw Youths tackle Akpabio over comment on inauguration of NDDC board

    Ijaw Youths tackle Akpabio over comment on inauguration of NDDC board

    Ijaw Youths from the nine states of the Niger Delta region have described as deceitful and diversionary the comments attributed to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, over the possible constitution of a substantive board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in April 2021 after the forensic audit of the commission.

    Akpabio is reportedly said to have made the comment on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the interim report of the commission from the forensic auditors.

    A statement by the National Spokesman of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Mr Ebilade Erekefe, on Friday insisted that the appointment of a sole administrator which had triggered protests in the region was ordered by a Court and not the Federal Government.

    Erekefe, while reacting to Akpabio’s statement, described the claim on the possible constitution of a substantive board as a deceitful way to divert the attention of the people of the Niger Delta region from agitation against the appointment of a sole administrator and shutting down the headquarters of the commission.

    According to him, the statement is the only reason that will stop the protest is for President Muahammadu Buhari to do the right thing by appointing the substantive board in NDDC that will carry out it6 functions properly.

    “We are calling on every well-meaning Ijaw youths not to be distracted by the statement of Peter Igbifa, which does not reflect the decision of council, while he has refused to react to the allegation of buying the position of the Sole Administrator of the NDDC with N3.5 billion from some aides of President Buhari.

    “The announcement made by Femi Adesina on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari is a clear indication that the sole administrator was concocted by the Federal Government on the financial prompting of the minister,” he said in the statement.

    “We also want to put on record that since the agitation and anger is being expressed by stakeholders from the region, we have noticed a desperate the attempt by the embattled Sole Administrator, Mr Okon Akwa Effiong and his god father, to be desperately spending money to divide the youths of the region and their leadership, including the IYC.

    “We are resolute and demand the immediate constitution of the board. If it is the court that ordered such, why are they desperately spending the NDDC fund to buy conscience and divide the region?

    “The only reason that will stop the protest is for President Muahammadu Buhari to do the right thing by appointing the substantive board in NDDC that will carry out it functions properly.

    “We are calling on every well-meaning Ijaw youths not to be distracted by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, which does not address the decision of Council on the issue of an immediate constitution of a substantive NDDC board.”

    He also dismissed the claim by Akpabio on the protests by Ijaw Youths in Abuja and some parts of the Niger Delta region.

    “The protests are borne out of genuine desires of the Ijaw youths to demand for a substantive board that will facilitate development in the Niger Delta region.

    “It is a people-driven and people-oriented protest that cannot be cancelled by anybody who has never been a part of the ongoing protests in the region.

    “The protest will go on according to plans as all structures of council have been fully notified for the shut down and they are all ready and waiting for the signal,” he lamented.

  • NDDC: Group kicks over alleged plot by Akpabio to appoint sole administrator

    NDDC: Group kicks over alleged plot by Akpabio to appoint sole administrator

    …petitions NASS leadership

    …NDDC a massive flop – Rep. Chinda

    An Abuja based Civil Society organization, Act for Positive Transformation Initiatives has raised alarm over ‘plot by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio to appoint a sole administrator for the running of the controversial Niger Development Commission (NDDC).

    The group in a letter dated December 4, 2020 and addressed to the presidency, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, as well as the House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, stressed the urgent need to stop Sen. Akpobio from finally drowning the NDDC through the illegal appointment of a sole administration.

    The letter signed by its Head, Directorate of Research, Strategy & Planning, Kolawole Johnson, and entitled: ‘Sen Godswill Akpabio Must be Stopped from Sinking the Niger Delta Development Commission Further’, the CSO reads:

    “There is an urgent need to alert the government, the National Assembly and the general public on the latest sinister plot of the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Sen Godswill Akpabio, to plunge the Niger Delta Development Commission into another round of crisis for his selfish interest by appointing a sole administrator to run the commission against the laws setting up the interventionist agency.

    “Reports of a certain court order ‘sacking’ the present Interim Management Committee members of the NDDC surfaced in the media on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020. It is curious to note that the said order ‘restraining the IMC members from performing the functions of the board’ of NDDC was given on the 27th day of October, 2020 but kept under wraps for over one month, only to be let out few days to the next hearing date.

    “While motives remain a source of concern, ACT has, again, stumbled on a sinister plan by Senator Godswill Akpabio to surreptitiously bring in the present Acting Executive Director of Finance, Effiong Akwa, as a Sole Administrator of the Commission using the suspicious judgement to pave way.

    “If allowed, this singular step shall sink the Commission further and ruin the chances of rewriting the dark history of the Commission under the embattled minister whose only achievement thus far has been corruption and more corruption.

    “This is against the law. Over 187 Billion Naira has so far been squandered under the Minister without anything to show for it. In an unprecedented manner, monies are moved out of the coffers of the commission for non-existing jobs, contract scams etc”.

    It pointed out that Effiong, the Ag. Executive Director of Finance, was appointed in August in a controversial circumstance.

    “He was a Personal Assistant on Finance matters to a former MD of the Commission between 2013 and 2015, a period that was reportedly characterized by a mindless looting of resources of the Commission.

    “The Managing Director in question, Bassey Dan-Abia, a former Commissioner in Akpabio’s cabinet in Akwa Ibom state was nominated by same Godswill Akpabio to head the Commission. His tenure was heavily tainted with allegations of corruption.

    “That has become the hallmark of Senator Godswill Akpabio wherever he goes directly or indirectly. Another Akwa-Ibom man, Nsima U. Ekere, was also sworn-in as a substantive Managing Director few months after,” the group noted.

    The group recalled that, “the first memo written by Akpabio few hours after resumption of office as a Minister was for the take-over of the NDDC, directly demanding the powers of the President against the position of the law. Nevertheless, he had his way. It will be unthinkable to allow him hoodwink the nation into another round of his circus to further his impunity against the law setting up the NDDC. The only way forward is the immediate constitution of a substantive board answerable to the President and the people, not some Akpabio’s puppets turn personal stealing machine.”

    “We call on the President to reject any maneuvering for the extension of the tenure of the present corrupt management or any attempt by the Minister to bring in a Sole Administrator. It is not known to law.

    “There is no other better time for the National Assembly to rise in defense of its functions and our laws, the tax payers look forward to this institution for hope, if any”.

    House of Reps’ members from the Zone including the chairman, House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (APC, Ondo), contacted for comments did not immediately respond to messages sent to their mobile lines by this reporter.

    However, the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Caucus in the House, Hon. Kingsley Chinda (Rivers) said the interim management committee (IMC), as contrapted by the APC led federal government, was not known to law, and that its actions were voidable, just as he described the NDDC as “a huge dissapointment.”

    “Very early, I stated that the IMC was unknown to law & all their actions are voidable. I won’t speak on a report that is yet to be laid. NDDC is huge disappointment,” Chinda said via a text message.

  • NDDC: Akpabio in fresh trouble as EFCC adopts petition against him, Pondei

    NDDC: Akpabio in fresh trouble as EFCC adopts petition against him, Pondei

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced the probe of Godswill Akpabio, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and Daniel Pondei, the Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over corruption allegations of diversion of public funds.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Adebayo Adeniyi, Head, Economic Governance Section of the EFCC made this known in a letter, dated 14th August, 2020, addressed to Comrade Deji Adeyanju of the Foundation for True Freedom and Good Governance.

    Recall that both arms of the legislature, the Senate and the House of Representatives had initiated an investigation into what many have described as high level corruption that has bedevilled the regional interventionist agency under the watch of Akpabio as the minister in charge and Pondei as Acting MD.

    While many have said the National Assembly (NASS) made a mess of the investigation, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government had ordered a forensic audit of the agency, and the probe by the EFCC will add to the efforts to cleanse the NDDC of rot.

    In the letter to Foundation for True Freedom and Good Governance, the EFCC sought cooperation for the investigation of both Akpabio and Pondei, asking representatives of the foundation to attend an interview with the EFCC on Thursday for the adoption of their petition against the duo.

    The EFCC letter signed by the Commission’s Head, Economic Governance Section reads: “We write to acknowledge the receipt of your petition dated 3 August, 2020 in respect of the above subject and to inform you that investigation into the case has commenced.

    “In view of the above, you are kindly requested to attend an interview with the undersigned through O/C Team 6 on Thursday 20th August, 2020, at EFCC (Headquarters), Third floor, Plot 301/302, Institution and Research District, Jabi, Abuja by 10 am in order to adopt your petition.

    “Your cooperation in this regards is highly solicited, please”.

  • BREAKING: Gbajabiamila gives Akpabio 48 hours to publish full details of lawmakers who got NDDC contracts

    BREAKING: Gbajabiamila gives Akpabio 48 hours to publish full details of lawmakers who got NDDC contracts

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has given the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio 48 hours to publish the full details of lawmakers who got contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Gbajabiamila gave the ultimatum on Tuesday during plenary while reacting to a point of order moved by the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu.

    Elumelu urged the House to invite the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Akpabio to mention those who got contracts from the NDDC.

    Reacting, Gbajabiamila said, “I’ve never once collected contracts from the NDDC and I know I can speak for many other members.

    “I hereby call on the minister to within 24-48 hours to publish the names, contracts, date and unveil the companies of the 60 per cent projects that were given to the National Assembly.

    “The Minister owes it to himself, committee, Niger Delta and the people of Nigeria to publish details of those who have been given contracts”.

    He further said failure by the Minister to provide the full details of the beneficiaries would leave the House with no other option than to invoke the full wrath of the law.

  • Contract scam: Akpabio narrates how NDDC spent N4.2b without his approval

    Contract scam: Akpabio narrates how NDDC spent N4.2b without his approval

    The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has narrated how management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) spent the sum of N4.2 billion without his approval.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Akpabio, who gave the narrative before a House of Representatives committee probing alleged corruption in the NDDC, said he does not have knowledge of any contract allegedly awarded to the Chairman, House of Representatives Committees on NDDC, Rep. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo.

    At the investigative hearing on the alleged N40 billion irregular expenditure in the NDDC, Akpabio said that he was yet to see contract documents made to Tunji-Ojo’s company.

    “I am not sure if NDDC awarded contract to the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee, Rep. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo.

    “For me to say that, I need to see that contracts were awarded to his company; may be the contract was awarded in the area where he comes from in Ondo,” he said.

    Recall that Tunji-Ojo was accused of executing contracts by the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC, and as a result of the allegation, Tunji-Ojo stepped aside as chairman of the committee to allow for a free and fair hearing and not to be a judge in his own case.

    The acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, had accused Tunji-Ojo of corrupt practices in the commission.

    On the rift with the former acting Managing Director of NDDC, Ms Joy Nunieh, Akpabio alleged that she was sacked for insubordination.

    On the forensic audit, Akpabio said that the forensic audit directed by President Muhammadu Buhari is ongoing and that the process had not been hijacked as alleged in some quarters.

    He explained that the NDDC draws its funds from two sources, the Federal Government and the oil companies.

    Akpabio recommended that the budgeting system for NDDC be changed so that it will reflect budget lines in the Appropriate Act.

    He also recommended some amendment to the NDDC Act to prevent the management from spending beyond its threshold by splitting big projects into small components.

    Akpabio said that management of the NDDC had spent N4.2 billion, which is beyond its threshold by splitting projects into small components of N49 million to evade the approval of the supervising minister.

    The minister said that no member of staff of the NDDC had been sacked under his watch, saying that even those on leave got COVID-19 allowance.

    Contrary to allegations claiming that the IMC had spent N81.5 billion between February to May, Akpabio said only N23 billion had been spent.

    The minister said that only three contracts had been approved since he was appointed as minister of the ministry.

    According to him, the contracts include the procurement of forensic auditors, purchase of official cars for NDDC and the award of emergency project on the control of COVID-19.

    He told the lawmakers that all contracts were approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC); except of the emergency COVID-19 project.

    Akpabio said that at the time of his appointment, there was no budget running and could not have compelled the then IMC to pay N10 billion for Christmas largess to all state.

    He said, prior to the implementation of the of the TSA account, the NDDC had over 300 accounts across commercial banks saying that with such systems, monies could get missing.

  • BREAKING: Drama as Akpabio drops bombshell on lawmakers in ongoing NDDC probe [VIDEO]

    BREAKING: Drama as Akpabio drops bombshell on lawmakers in ongoing NDDC probe [VIDEO]

    Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio at the ongoing probe of alleged contract scam in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said the biggest beneficiaries of contracts are lawmakers.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Akpabio said most of NDDC contracts were awarded to members of the National Assembly.

    “We all know that most of the contracts in NDDC are given out to members of the National Assembly,” Akpabio said.

    He was then interrupted by the members of the committee probing the rot in the NDDC who asked him to give clarifications on other issues.

    Press play to watch video attached below:

  • NDDC: Don’t sweep former MD’s allegations under the carpet – Reps

    NDDC: Don’t sweep former MD’s allegations under the carpet – Reps

    …insist Akpabio can’t investigate himself

    …he should step aside for a thorough probe

    …2 immediate past MD’s of NDDC should appear before reps panel

    …there is need for the commission to return to presidency

    By Emman Ovuakporie

    Some members of the House of Representatives on Sunday said the allegations raised by the former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Joy Nunieh should not be swept under the carpet.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that apparently peeved by the weighty allegations raised by the immediate past MD of the government agency, some lawmakers feel it’s appropriate to further probe into the matter.

    Recall that last Friday, Nunieh spoke to the press and vividly gave account of how the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio has been running the commission as a sole administrator, arm twisting directors to do his bidding.

    Akpabio in a national television programme also bared his mind advising the former MD to go and seek medical aid as she was not fired because of corruption but insubordination.

    Some lawmakers that spoke to TNG under the condition of anonymity were unanimous in their verdict demanding for a further probe of the allegations raised by Nunieh.

    One of such lawmakers from the South South geo-political zone simply told TNG that “Akpabio should step aside so that a proper probe can be conducted because he can’t be a Judge in his own matter.

    “Akpabio should submit himself for investigation and there is no way we can allow all these allegations raised against him to be swept under the carpet.

    Another lawmaker from the South West geo-political zone said ” this matter has gone beyond mere semantics, the Minister can’t wave aside these accusations with a wave of the hand as he can’t audit himself rather he should step aside for an independent probe into the affairs of the commission.

    “The issues raised against him by an MD he single handedly appointed can’t be thrown into archival dustbin just like that, no way,” he insisted.

    A lawmaker from the North Central geo-political zone of the country in his reaction asked that the last two immediate past MDs of the commission must appear before the House panel alongside directors of the commission.

    “What Joi really said should not be swept under the carpet, it calls for concern and should be thoroughly investigated.

    “The House committee on NDDC through the motion passed by the House invited the NDDC for an investigative hearing of the activities of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) within one year.

    “It is also on a good note that the committee spent 82billion naira in 6months. Durng COVID, more than 40billion got paid out. While we are supporting the forensic to go on, it must not go on a snail speed.

    “It must not go on a snail speed and our worry is, can you investigate yourself. Akpabio is the minister regulating NDDC and he is also the chairman of presidential monitoring team, he has also been accused of a lot of things. He also handpicked the audit committee, there is a sharp conflict of interest.

    “We are worried wondering why the NDDC will not go back under presidency according to the Act, it shouldn’t be under that ministry. So what we are now is saying that Akpabio should even step down for a thorough investigation and that he should face the House committee for the investigation, they shouldn’t shy away.

    “We are also of the opinion that the last two immediate past MDs of NDDC should be involved, should be invited while we take account of Nunieh seriously. If she lied she would be made to suffer for lying. The bottom line is that Akpabio should submit himself for investigation. NDDC books should be made open then the truth will come out.

    “It wasn’t even the president that removed Nunieh, it was Abba Kyari and Akpabio that removed her because she refused to play ball, that is the truth.

  • T. Y. Danjuma visits Aso Villa, keeps mum after meeting with Buhari

    T. Y. Danjuma visits Aso Villa, keeps mum after meeting with Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed doors with retired Gen. T. Y. Danjuma at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The agenda of the meeting between the President and the visiting elder statesman, whose last visit to the State House was over three years ago, was unknown.

    Danjuma also did not speak to State House correspondents on the outcome of his meeting with the President.

    However, it was gathered that the President and Danjuma may have deliberated on domestic and sub-regional issues bordering on security and socio-economic development in the country.

    The President also met with the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio. Akpabio also declined comment on the outcome of his meeting with the president.

  • FG to complete 9,000 abandoned N/Delta projects – Akpabio

    The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, says the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the completion of about 9,000 abandoned projects across the Niger Delta region.

    Akpabio made the disclosure when he briefed State House correspondents at the end of the Council meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

    The minister announced that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) would also be constructing nine housing estates in the region while about 1,600 people had been empowered in the last 100 days.

    “We briefed the council today of the number of people that have so far been empowered in the first hundred days of coming into office.

    “Over 1,600 Niger Deltans have been empowered with different skills, through the skills acquisition programme.

    “We are building one skills acquisition centre per state in the region and many of them are at 80 to 90 per cent completion levels.

    “Each encompasses about 38 buildings, so it’s almost like a technical college, with accommodation and other facilities.

    “We are also doing about nine housing estates in the region from the Ministry’s perspective, to also add value to the affordable housing of the federal government’s policy,’’ he said.

    According to him, the ministry is engaging the various communities in the Niger Delta region to ensure safety of lives and property and at the same time ensure the growth of the region.

    He said the ministry was carrying out remediation works in the affected states in the region.

    He revealed that the ministry was also supervising the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission for optimal result, saying the ministry was at the verge of concluding the due process to commence the forensic audit of the NDDC.

    “I also briefed the council about the preparedness for the forensic audit.

    “We have got the Bureau of Public Procurement’s ‘No Objection’ and we have also been able to get the concurrence of the Auditor-General of the Federation’s office and lead consultants have come on board.

    “`At the moment we are trying to bring out the forensic auditors. Each state of the Niger Delta is a lot, we have nine lots in that section and then the headquarters is also a lot, which makes it ten.

    “We have already set up centres in the ten locations for verification, evaluation and documentation of all IPCs and all award letters for contracts so that we’ll know the contingent and actual liabilities of the NDDC.

    “At the end of the exercise, the federal government hopes to have a bankable NDDC, where the balance sheet can go to the bank and be accepted and bring value in terms of industrialization to the region,’’ he said.

    The Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, who also spoke on the outcome of the meeting, said she presented ministerial deliverables of the FCT to the Council.

    She said: “We were able to shed more light on the assignment of creation of 5,000 affordable housing units in the federal capital territory.

    “This has gone a long way already because we have ensured, regulated and profiled investors already and have been able to secure land and make adequate provision for these 5,000 units.

    “We have 30 hectares of land in each area council, multiply by six that will give you about 180 hectares of land.’’

  • Ministerial screening: I will do my best in any ministry – Akpabio

    Ministerial screening: I will do my best in any ministry – Akpabio

    Sen. Godswill Akpabio, one of the ministerial nominees says he will do his best in any portfolio assigned to him by President Muhammadu Buhari.
    Akpabio, the nominee from Akwa Ibom, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen after his nomination was the Senate on Wednesday.
    The minister-designate expressed his readiness to work with the president in taking Nigeria to the next level in agriculture and industrialisation.
    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akpabio, Sen. George Akume and Rep. Emeka Nwajuiba, being members of the National Assembly at one time or the other, were excused from the usual questioning in the exercise which began on Wednesday.
    Akpabio who was the Minority Leader of the 8th Assembly between 2015 and 2019 said “I will do my best to help the president to take Nigeria to the next level.
    “By this, we are talking about minimising banditry, increasing our foreign direct investments and putting Nigeria on the threshold of industrialisation.
    “It is worrisome that many manufacturing companies have left the country. In Kano alone, more than 15 textile companies have left due to issue of decay in infrastructure.
    “We will close the doors of people exiting Nigeria and open doors to make people come in especially the investors.
    “I will work with the government on statistics so as to plan because a nation that fails to plan always plans to fail.
    “We must know the number of people coming out of our universities and the numbers of children that are being born in our hospitals, to enable us make proper plans.
    “As a minister, I’m ready to work and do my best in any ministry it pleases Mr President to assign me.
    “I will represent Nigerians very well now at a larger scale as a minister. I will not change. Whenever I find myself, I will leave the people better than I meet them,’’ he said.
    When asked about his opinion on the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, the former lawmaker said “it is important to note first that the place is an interventionist agency.
    “Peace is extremely important there for the benefit of the residents, companies doing businesses there and government at all levels.
    “I won’t engage myself in politically motivated projects that have no bearing on the lives of the people.’’
    On his current election petition before the tribunal, he said: “If the case in the tribunal goes well, it means APC has more senators.
    “However, it is not about me being a senator or minister. It is about the people we represent,’’ he said.