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Tag: NDDC

  • NDDC Forensic Audit Report: 12,128 abandoned projects untraceable to any contractor

    NDDC Forensic Audit Report: 12,128 abandoned projects untraceable to any contractor

    After almost two years, the forensic audit report of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC was submitted on Tuesday as it reveals that 12,128
    abandoned projects could not be traced to any contractor.
    In a bid to uncover the massive infractions in the interventionist agency, President Muhammdu Buhari had directed the supervisory ministry to conduct the forensic audit of the NDDC projects since it was created in year 2000.
    Niger Delta Affairs Minister Godswill Akpabio, moments after receiving the audit report, assured that President Muhamamadu Buhari will act swiftly on the document.
    He said the government will study the final report to point out salient areas that will guide the president in taking further action.
    This is coming few days after expiration of the July ending dateline earlier announced by the Minister for the submission of the forensic report.
    The Minister maintained that the report would definitely be a turning point for the Niger Delta region, adding that it will enhance the socio-economic status of the region.
    Akpabio also expressed gratitude for the timely completion of the Forensic audit report, which would be submitted to the President, adding the security team exhibited high level of discipline, candour and brilliant comportment knowing that the exercise would not be successful without security assistance.
    The Minister reiterated Buhari’s directive for a holistic examination and review of the operations of the NDDC, which culminated in the inauguration of forensic auditor and subsequently the security team for the forensic auditors to salvage NDDC and the entire Niger Delta region.
  • NDDC: Unending Forensic Audit Designed To Frustrate Board Reconstitution – Johnson

    NDDC: Unending Forensic Audit Designed To Frustrate Board Reconstitution – Johnson

    …says auditors working in deplorable condition
    …as source alleges Rita Lori’s suit is to ensure perpetuity

    Despite the expiration of the July timeline for the reconstitution of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the law suit filed by Rita Lori against the termination of the audit process, a critical stakeholder from the region, Mr Kolawole Johnson, has said that the unending forensic audit was a ploy designed to further perpetuate illegality that has become the norm in the government interventionist agency.

    Sources observing the unfolding scenario alleged that the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio must have influenced Rita Lori, a popular Niger Deltan to file the said suit for alleged pecuniary gains since she was never a part of the NDDC management.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG recalls that a suit was recently filed asking the court to compel the federal government to allow the forensic team ample time to conclude its job without a board put in place.

    Mr. Kolawole Johnson, who is also the Head, Directorate of Research, Strategy & Planning at Act for Positive Transformation Initiatives, in a chat stated that prolonging the audit process helps to serve the purpose of those who have turned themselves into “feudal lords” and “toll masters” of the commission since there won’t be any board to check their unfettered access to the available resources.

    “We exposed the scheme of this forensic drama long ago, our exposition is dated back to April, 2020 but those who should have known better became willing tools in the hands of the self-appointed toll masters. We know the so-called forensic audit was long turned a shrewd tool to perpetuate illegalities and ensure the resources of the people are cornered for the benefits of the feudal lords and the very few they need to sustain the odious,” he said.

    The popular activist noted that the auditors have been deliberately deprived, neglected and denied necessary tools and resources to conclude their job based on facts made available during a recent tour of the region.

    “Less than three months ago, when we embarked on tour alongside some other organizations who graciously foot the bills, the situation of the auditors was appalling, that of the security officials posted to protect them was pitiable, no payment for months. We got useful information and data from the field that give credence to the deliberate schemes to prolong the exercise in addition to some intel.

    “We have always been busting their plans from inception, you can bear witness to that. We only decided to withdraw from the media while gathering evidences and documents for definite future use because this government has clearly shown it is not ready to fight corruption,” he added.

    He said his group was well aware of the strategy to employ Rita Lori to go to court just as it revealed previous plots by the minister to perpetrate illegalities that have held the commission hostage till this moment.

    “After all said and done, Rita Lori became the tool of escape. It is certainly not a virtuous strategy but not an entirely weak one.

    “Of course, just like we busted the schemes surrounding the death of the former member of the Interim Committee, the covid lies that led to the closure of the headquarters, the plan to bring a Sole Administrator way ahead of implementation, we knew about this Rita Lori plan before it was hatched, but what is the point talking when those empowered to act are actively involved? You only hear noise when sharing formular is not respected but the day of reckoning beckons,” Mr Johnson assured.

    A top source reacting to the failed July timeline and the lawsuit, another stakeholder who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that the forensic audit team the minister claimed will submit its final report by 31st July, became a forgotten date and issue.

    According to him, Rita Lori is at it, to cover up the forensic audit report on NDDC and Akpabio, it’s not unlikely the instigator of the role Rita Lori is currently playing. To me, is the Script of Akpabio, to perpetuate the Interim Administration in NDDC.”

    “But I’m still sure God’s verdict is supreme to any plan he Akpabio has for the Niger Delta region and NDDC.

    “She (Rita Lori) is not part of the Interim Administration, my brother.
    But how they co-opted her or conscripted her to do their bidding by asking the Court to compel the FG and Minister to ensure forensic audit continues without a board, is the mystery.

    “No ruling yet. But the goal of using her to file the suit, is to forestall the submission of the promised forensic final report, which to my own mind, is not ready, since he Akpabio does not want the Board in place, to allow for his Interim Administration continue in perpetuity”, the source stated.

    Recently, Akpabio at a meeting with Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo and other stakeholders in the region promised to submit approved list of board members to the National Assembly following the conclusion of the forensic audit exercise instituted by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The inability of the FG to fulfill promises to constitute a board as an interim management completely negates the Act establishing the commission has made agitators in the region to issue threats of attacks on oil installations if the government failed to constitute a new board for the NDDC at the deadline initially promised which was last day of July.

  • NDDC: Time to restore legality – Osagie

    NDDC: Time to restore legality – Osagie

    By Samson R. Osagie, Ph.D

    By virtue of Section 1 of the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment etc) Act No.6 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, the Niger-Delta Development Commission (hereinafter referred to as the “NDDC”) was established for the nine oil producing states of Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.

    The Commission according to Section 2 of the Act is to be administered by a Governing Board to be made up of a Chairman, one person from each of the oil producing states, a Managing Director and two Executive Directors, one person each from the North West, North East and North Central geopolitical zones, a representative of oil producing companies in the Niger-Delta, a representative each from the Federal Ministries of Finance and Environment.

    The functions of NDDC as provided in Section 7 of the Act includes formulating policies, guidelines and implementing same for the overall development of the Oil producing states of the commission, particularly the Niger-Delta region. In otherwords, the Commission was established by law to provide overall development for the states where the nation’s main foreign exchange earners (oil and gas) are been exploited, through the provision of infrastructures and services that will impact positively on the economic growth and advancement of the affected states in particular.

    Since inception, the Commission has been faced with an avalanche of challenges militating against the realization of its mandate. Amongst such challenges are inadequate funding, corruption, execution of low standard projects, and so on and so forth.As a result of the humongous problems facing the NDDC and impeding its achievements, the President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, after a meeting with the Governors of the NDDC States on October 16, 2019, ordered a forensic audit of the Commission. This was highly welcomed by all stakeholders in the region. In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina the President said “what is on the ground in the South South region does not justify the huge resources that have been made available to the organization (NDDC)… “I try to follow the Act setting up these institutions, especially the NDDC, with the amount that the FG has religiously allocated to the NDDC, we will like to see the results on ground, those that are responsible for that have to explain certain issues…” (Emphasis nine).

    Earlier on August 15, 2019, the President had appointed a 16 man governing board to oversee the affairs of the Commission in line with the Act. The Senate screened and confirmed the members of the Governing board and made the appropriate returns to the President.The President had on January 27, 2020 informed the Senate of his order of a forensic audit of the commission and the need for the newly appointed/confirmed board to hold on until the audit is completed. In the interim, he appointed an Interim Management Committee to oversee the affairs of the commission.

    There has been a lot of tension among member states of the commission not about the ordered forensic audit of the commission, but about the administration of the commission first by an Interim Management Team and then now by a Sole Administrator. The argument has been that such a corporate governance arrangement was not within the contemplation of the Law establishing the Commission. While Mr. Presidents desire to unveil and unmasked the maladministration of the commission is and remains a welcome development, Mr. Presidents respect for the Law setting up the institution should be manifest in the management of the organization especially as the forensic audit is taking an unduly longer period than appointed by him and to the discomfort of the people of the region and all other stakeholders

    It was therefore gratifying to know that the President at a meeting with Leaders of the Ijaw National Congress on 24 June, 2021, promised that as soon as the forensic report is submitted, the board of the NDDC will be inaugurated. In a statement issued after the meeting by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu the President said “I want to assure you that as soon as the forensic audit is submitted and accepted, the NDDC board will be inaugurated”.The President’s position has been given additional vent by the Minister of the Niger Delta Sen. Godswill Akpabio, CON, when he hinted on June 23, 2021, that the forensic audit will be concluded and report submitted by the end of July, 2021 and the issue of the governing board of the commission will be addressed.

    It is in the light of the foregoing that it has become imperative to appeal to the President to ensure that the process of the audit is concluded so that the NDDC does not continue to be run in clear violation of the Law establishing it.

    The time to restore legality is now and Mr. President is urged to do so. Since January 2019, when the legally constituted board of the NDDC was dissolved, the commission has been run and managed in clear violation of the Law. This is not good for the administration’s record of observance of the rule of law and it is submitted that the President ought to end this aberration now and allows the Governing board of the commission already appointed and confirmed by the National Assembly to assume the responsibilities of managing the commission in strict compliance with extant Laws, regulations and very importantly to be guided by the outcomes of the forensic audit on the commissions activities from 2001 to 2019.

    It is therefore hoped that the new board, when inaugurated like Caesars wife will live above board and avoid the pitfalls of previous management so as to make a remarkable difference in the utilization of the resources of the commission for the benefit of the member states of the commission and the nation at Large

     

    Dr. Osagie is a Lawyer, Governance and development expert.

  • Niger Delta youth leaders summon emergency meeting over NDDC forensic audit report

    Niger Delta youth leaders summon emergency meeting over NDDC forensic audit report

    The leadership of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council, led by Comrade Terry Obieh, has summoned an emergency meeting over the conclusion and submission of a forensic audit report of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The meeting is also expected to discuss the constitution of the substantive Board of the NDDC.

    In a statement, signed by Comrade Terry Obieh, and made available to newsmen, the meeting will be attended by Presidents of various Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youths organizations.

    The meeting is slated for August 13 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered a forensic audit of the NDDC on October 2019 to probe alleged financial misappropriation.

    In June, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, had assured that the report would be ready in July, after which the substantive board will be constituted.

  • Buhari orders Niger Delta Ministry, NDDC to complete ongoing projects

    Buhari orders Niger Delta Ministry, NDDC to complete ongoing projects

    President Muhammadu Buhari has given the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) a matching order to complete all ongoing projects in the Niger Delta.

    The directive, according to the NDDC Interim Administrator, Mike Akwa, was conveyed to the commission by the Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Godswill Akpabio.

    Akwa spoke when he visited the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Nyakudo Ndaeyo, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    Akwa, in a statement yesterday by the Director, NDDC’s Corporate Affairs, Dr. Ibitoye Abosede, also said the 1,000-bed hostel at the permanent site of the UNIUYO would be completed and inaugurated in the next two weeks.

    He explained that the NDDC’s commitment to the completion of the hostel project was in line with the presidential directive.

    Akwa said: “The 1,000-bed students hostel being built will be a first of its kind in the region. It will have 500-bed spaces for male undergraduates and 500-bed spaces for female undergraduates and will include recreational spaces as well.”

    The NDDC boss observed that in an era of COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary to assist universities to properly and comfortably accommodate students in order to ensure sufficient provision for social distancing in the hostels.

    He assured that NDDC would assist universities in the Niger Delta to ensure that their students had their studies in comfort.

    ”We are committed to doing whatever has to be done within our capacity to ensure that we add value to the educational system in the Niger Delta”, he said, adding that the project had reached 95 percent completion.

    In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIUYO, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, thanked the NDDC for assisting the university to ease the pressure of accommodation by building the hostel.

    He said: “We need to pull out our students from the surrounding villages where they currently reside and host them in a conducive environment fit for learning.”

  • NDDC boss vows to restore Niger Delta Ecosystem

    NDDC boss vows to restore Niger Delta Ecosystem

    The Interim Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Effiong Akwa, has assured that the Commission will work with relevant stakeholders to ensure the restoration of the ecosystem for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta region.

    Akwa, who spoke during a special programme in commemoration of this year’s World Environment Day at the Arena Event Centre in Port Harcourt, stated that the degradation of the ecosystem had become a global challenge.

    The NDDC Chief Executive Officer, who was represented by his Special Adviser Technical, Engr. Ubong James said that the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic had reminded mankind of the harm that could be inflicted on nature by reckless abuse of what we consume and how important it was to protect the environment.

    Akwa said: “It is expected that by the year 2050, 95 per cent of the earth’s land will be degraded if nothing is done to restore the ecosystem. If we are to reverse this ecological crisis and restore the ecosystem for the future generation, we must begin now by bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality and turn pledges into immediate action.”

    The NDDC boss further stated that the Commission had a mandate to proffer a lasting solution to the socio-economic difficulties in the Niger Delta region and turn it into “a region that is economically regenerative and politically peaceful.”

    He assured that the NDDC Directorate of Environment Protection and Control would always ensure that its activities were carried out in an environmentally friendly manner, stating: “The Commission carries out sensitization activities such as awareness campaign, identification of oil spill sites, heavy metal locations and potential erosion sites.

    “Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, is essentially conducted in most of our major projects before they are awarded and executed. This is in line with the EIA Act of 1992 supervised by the Federal Ministry of Environment.”

    Earlier in a welcome address, the NDDC Director, Environment Protection and Control, Engr. Onuoha Obeka observed that ecosystem restoration simply meant preventing, halting and reversing the damage caused by environmental degradation.

    He said that this year’s World Environment Day kicked off the UN decade on Ecosystem Restoration; a global mission to revive billions of hectares from forests to farmlands, noting: “Only with healthy ecosystems can we enhance people’s livelihoods, counter climate change and stop the collapse of biodiversity.”

    Obeka affirmed that it would require collaborative efforts of government institutions, corporate organisations, individuals and communities to make a reasonable impact in halting the rapid loss and conserving the existing ecosystem.

    He said that massive education and awareness creation was essential to complement laudable plans such as the one created by UNDP through the Global Environment Facility (EGF) for the restoration of biodiversity in the Niger Delta.

    Obeka commended the Federal Government initiative on the Ogoni Cleanup and urged Niger Deltans to join hands to preserve our environment in every way possible.

    According to him, “this will include planning environmentally sustainable project implementation, engaging in afforestation projects, such as green field, mangrove forest restoration, shoreline protection and land reclamation, biodiversity conservation, stoppage of oil spills and gas flaring, regulating artisanal refinery activities as a means of curbing the black soot menace, clean water, sanitation, carbon sequestration to stem the tide of greenhouse gas emission etc.”

    Presenting a technical paper on “Ecosystem Restoration: The Way Forward for the Niger Delta Region,” a lecturer in the Department of Fisheries, University of Port Harcourt, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, said that the task of restoring the ecosystem entailed a multi-stakeholder initiative.

    He called on the NDDC to sponsor scholars in ecological engineering to help in carrying out studies that would inform appropriate laws and policies for the protection of the environment.

  • Buhari replies Niger Delta Avengers

    Buhari replies Niger Delta Avengers

    President Muhammadu Buhari has responded to Niger Delta Avengers, who resurfaced recently and threatened to bomb critical oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta region unless certain demands were met.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Buhari’s response to the Niger Delta Avengers was contained in a statement released on Sunday by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

    In the statement, Adesina opined that prior to Niger Delta Avengers issuing the threats, Buhari had already addressed the issues raised when he recently met with the leadership of the Niger Delta and Ijaw National Congress (INC) at the Presidential Villa.

    The statement reads: “The media was Sunday awash with threats and demands by a group, Niger Delta Avengers, to embark on economic sabotage through bombing of critical oil and gas installations unless certain demands, including development of the Niger Delta, and restructuring of the Federation, were met.

    “It is, however, curious that the threat was coming less than 48 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari met with the leadership of the Niger Delta and Ijaw National Congress (INC), at the Presidential Villa, and the germane issues had been responded to, especially call for restructuring of the Federation, and the inauguration of a Board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    “For clarity and record purposes, below is full text of the speech by President Buhari on Friday, June 25, 2021, which renders any sabre-rattling rather unnecessary:

    “I warmly welcome all the Elders of the Niger Delta and particularly the National Executive of the Ijaw National Congress, under the leadership of Professor Benjamin Okaba. I thank you for paying this courtesy visit not too long after your election in April, and swearing-in last May.

    “I also want to congratulate you all for your election and to add that a lot of responsibility is placed on your shoulders, especially coming from the fact that the Ijaw National Congress was almost without leadership for some time.

    “As the symbol of the collective voice of the Ijaw people, which is one of Nigeria’s main ethnic groups, the existence of a focused and people oriented leadership would go a long way in articulating the demands of the Ijaw people and making sure these demands are made part of the national discourse.

    “I particularly note your ten point demand to the Federal Government in your inaugural speech and assure you that this administration is frontally addressing them.

    “I am equally concerned about the rate of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta and as you are aware the HydroCarbon Pollution Remediation Project has started work with remediation efforts in Ogoni land and I have directed the Minister of Environment to ensure that the projects are implemented with a high percentage of local content and inclusion of the surrounding communities.

    “Similarly, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, under the same ministry of Environment is working to make sure that oil spills are reduced and new ones prevented. As you are also aware, all the responsible agencies of government have been directed to ensure that they enforce compliance by the International Oil Companies to international best practices.

    “In addressing your call for immediate restructuring, the National Assembly whose responsibility it is to ensure that our constitution responds to the call for a restructured Nigeria, has already concluded regional consultations and as soon as they finalise the process, necessary action would not be delayed on my part.

    “In the same vein, your call for creation of two additional states and more local government areas for the Ijaw people is a legislative matter, which should naturally be handled by the National Assembly and seeking concurrence at the state levels.

    “I completely agree with your call to allocate operational licenses for marginal fields to Ijaw people. However, like you know, the process of granting licenses is guided by laid down rules and regulations, most of which even favour local content and local contractors. I see no reason why they should not be granted such licenses if they qualify.

    “On the issue of fair and balanced appointments to reflect federal character principles, I re-affirm that this has always been my focus and would continue to be because I have always seen Nigeria as a country where everyone should be given equal opportunities.

    “A contentious issue that has been a subject of discourse amongst the Ijaw people of recent has been the need for the Niger Delta Development Commission to live up to its billing by delivering the required succour to the people of the region. Based on the mismanagement that had previously be-devilled the NDDC, a forensic audit was set up and the result is expected by the end of July, 2021.

    “I want to assure you that as soon as the forensic audit report is submitted and accepted, the NDDC Board would be inaugurated. However, I would like to implore you that the Ijaw National Congress should play a more active role in making sure that the mismanagement that occurred in the past is not repeated.

    “I am particularly happy to note your call for promoting ownership of modular refineries by the Ijaw people and I will urge you to interphase with your sons who are involved in the processes of establishing these refineries, especially the Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resources to actualize this quest.

    “Like you well know, completion of the East-West Road is top on my infrastructure agenda and I will look to its speedy conclusion. Again, the occasional disturbance by youths in some communities along the route to construction work would require your close attention and guidance.

    “Furthermore, we have made considerable progress with the construction of the Bonny to Port Harcourt Bridge.

    “I am very happy with the recent affirmation of your belief in a United Nigeria and while I thank you for standing with me, I will also implore you to use your leverage in making sure that we keep working together to keep this country a united, indivisible entity, so that we can tackle our problems together and overcome our challenges together.

    “I would like now to commend Professor Okaba for your emphasis on supporting the fight against insecurity by developing internal control mechanisms as well as working with other institutions in the country to address our current security challenges.

    “While I thank you once more for this visit and I will continue to count on your support as we work towards resolving our current challenges.

    “God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • Final forensic audit report of NDDC ready by July – Akpabio

    Final forensic audit report of NDDC ready by July – Akpabio

    Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, says the final report of forensic audit of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will be ready by the end of July.

    Akpabio, who fielded questions from State House correspondents on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the final report would be submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for implementation.

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had in February 2020 approved the appointment of a lead consultant for the forensic audit of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The minister said that action had been expedited on the process of constitution of the board of NDDC.

    “We have fast tracked the process of constituting the board; but we insist that the most important thing is not just the development of the Niger Delta region but how to reposition NDDC to ensure optimal performance as against the practice in the past.

    “So, the forensic audit of NDDC is on course and it is progressing very well and I am happy with the progress made so far.

    “And I am very certain that by end of July which is just a month and a few weeks away that the final result will be given to the president for implementation.

    “And in terms of the composition of the board of the NDDC, that of course, we have fast tracked the process and the National Assembly will soon get the list.

    “But that is not as important as the forensic audit which we are finally given a deadline which is July, that it will end.’’

    He said that he was hopeful that the new board would use the recommendations of forensic audit to work and reposition the commission.

    The minister regretted that, in the past, the headquarters of the commission was not connected to the national grid for 10 years to 15 years.

    “And we have noticed the fact that even the headquarters building that was started over 20 years to 24 years ago, nobody was interested.

    “ I think they were pursuing projects that were probably beneficial to either the staff or the management and not necessarily things that benefited the region.’’

    Akpabio said that the East-West road was another major area of concentration which the NDDC itself should have taken interest in.

    He said that he worked on federal roads when he was the governor of Akwa Ibom State.

    “And to the glory of God, the president has refunded the money that most of the states used in intervening in federal roads which means it was a good gesture and the president has reciprocated it by the fact that the monies were refunded to those states.

    “So, I think, even NDDC should have intervened in East-West road to ensure its completion because of the economic importance of the road.

    “Just three days ago, we had a mishap where one of the bridges had a problem; the approach to the bridge, it caused so much traffic jam in Port Harcourt for hours and we had to move in.

    “To the glory of God, we have repaired the damaged section of the road and traffic is flowing and we working very hard to make sure that we complete that road come next year for the benefit of the Nigerians not just Niger Delta,’’ he said.

    He said that his recent visit to the Niger-Delta region was not as result of pressure from any quarters but for the sake of peace in the region.

    According to him, the region is very critical to the economy of the country.

    The minister said that he had and interactive session with stakeholders in the region for purpose of the economy of Nigerian economy as the impact of any unrest in the region would affect be adverse.

    He added that he had set the pace by his visit to the Niger Delta as his move was being emulated in dousing the agitations in the South-East.

    “And I think the example I set is what is being emulated now in the South-East—that there is need for those of us in government to go back home and interact with people at the grassroots.

    “And then, explain things to them; so that we can stop the restiveness that we are witnessing in many zones of the country.

    “So, my going to creeks to meet the traditional rulers and ex-agitators was in the interest of not just the security of the region but the peace of the region.

    “And by implication, to ensure that critical infrastructure that can affect the economy of the nation were not tampered with; I think it was a step in the right direction,’’ he said.

  • The NDDC MD: Okumagba Is Our Choice, By Dan Amor

    The NDDC MD: Okumagba Is Our Choice, By Dan Amor

    By DAN AMOR

    Since President Muhammadu Buhari nominated Olorogun Bernard Okumagba from Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State as the Managing Director (designate) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), there has been jubilation all over the region by Niger Delta youths. This is due to the sterling leadership qualities and managerial acumen of the man. Despite the rantings of an unknown and faceless group saying that Okumagba was not from an oil producing community, the entire youths in the region are saying that Okumagba is a force to reckon with who is from oil producing area in Delta State.

    Those who recommended him to Mr. President in the first place did a thorough job. Okumagba whose mother is from Udu Kingdom of Delta State, is a team player whose capacity and wealth of experience ring a bell in the zone. From his father to the mother sides, he is from oil producing communities. Any attempt by fifth columnists or court jesters to call him somebody from a non-oil producing community is an attempt to hoodwink the Presidency and Nigerians at large or the general public.

    Professionally, Okumagba is a goal-getter whose corpus requires a large canvas. If the confirmation already done by the Senate could stand the test of time, Okumagba becoming the Managing Director of NDDC is already on the wing of popular acclaim. Also, if a fresh confirmation is sought after, placing him as the Chairman of the new NDDC board, is also on the crest of public opinion. All the youth groups in the Niger Delta are in his support. But Niger Deltans and Nigerians at large insist on the inauguration of the already confirm board by the Senate. Even those seeking the inauguration of the already confirmed board by the Senate are very correct. The President should go ahead to inaugurate the board members.

    The Niger Delta Youth Movement, the Akwa Ibom Peoples Movement, the Udu Youth, the Udu Local Government Council, the Delta South Peoples Coalition, etcetera, are all drumming support for Okumagba. They are insisting that the obscure letter written by a faceless group and signed by one Amachi Ogbonna, is taking rascality too far. The Delta South Peoples Coalition in a statement signed by its President, Ebikibina Johngold, Secretary, Mitsan Omatseye, Publicity Secretary, Ovie Oghenejobo, described the claim by Ogbonna and his cohort as giving a false narrative on the origin of Chief Okumagba. Both the paternal and maternal origins of Chief Okumagba are oil producing communities. Action Against South South Marginalization (AASSOM) chaired by Michael Egbe Bassey, Dan Amor as Executive Director and Comrade Duke Okporua America and Secretary, in its press statement, has said that Okumagba’s inauguration is an idea whose time has come. The Urhobo Youth Forum whose head office is at 43, Refinery Road, Warri, is also gunning for the inauguration of the already confirmed board. But the Itsekiri interest group is just fighting a war they know they will lose.

    For the AASSOM, it is mischievous for anyone to try to play up narrow interests, hiding behind lies and spurious and fallacious claims to disparage Okumagba who was instrumental to the success of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2019 general election in Delta State. “We commend the high professional qualities of Chief Okumagba and his avowed non-tribal disposition, which has seen his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2019 and confirmation by the Nigerian Senate in November 2019 as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) receive kudos from Niger Deltans”. Chief Bernard Okumagba attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from 1983 to 1987 where he graduated with a B.Sc degree in Accountancy (2nd Class Honours, Upper Division). Bernard also qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1991 and has been a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) for many years now.

    He started his working career at the international financial services firm, Arthur Andersen & Co (now KPMG) in 1988. He later worked in several banks, from 1991 to 2007. His banking career commenced at Oceanic Bank Plc in the Financial Control/Strategy as well as the Corporate Banking Divisions from 1991 to 1994. Thereafter, he worked in Crystal Bank, Fidelity Bank Plc, First Atlantic Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc from 1994 to 2007. He held server positions at these banks including Senior Manager, Corporate Banking Division; Head of Internal Control/Audit Division, Bank Chief Inspector and Principal Manager, Consumer and Commercial Banking Division, amongst others.

    He left United Bank for Africa Plc in August 2007 following his appointment as Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget. He served as Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget from August 2007 to November 2010, and was subsequently appointed Commissioner for Finance and served in that capacity from November 2010 to May 2011. He was reappointed Delta State Commissioner of Finance in July 2011 and held this position until July 2013. He is currently Chairman of Regents Consults Limited; Chairman of Nigdel Energy Limited and a director at Tidal Exploration and Production Limited.

    Chief Bernard Okumagba is a prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. At this time when the Federal Government is committed to inaugurate the Board of the NDDC, the focus should not be on primordial, parochial and mischievous agendas. Beyond the pantomime of backslapping and the euphoria of excitement which will attend his inauguration at the NDDC, Chief Okumagba’s ascension has some fundamental lessons. One, it will confound the bookmakers that, for the first time, a round peg will be put in a round hole at the intervention Agency, the NDDC.

    In fact, another huge lesson of Okumagba’s inauguration at the NDDC is that it would provide an alibi for true lovers of development in the Niger Delta to know that pathological liars often cry more than the bereaved but eventually become losers if there is no conducive atmosphere for them to ply their trade. Yet, the biggest lesson is that his inauguration would serve as a better guide to the appointment of members of the NDDC Board in future. Another point too important that it should be illustrated by an anecdote is that the emotional legacy which Okumagba’s appointment has created is so intense in the Niger Delta, but it is yet deeper and even more fervent across Nigeria.

    It is not as though those opposed to the appointment of Bernard Okumagba as NDDC MD possess any ideological superiority. No. They are only deepened in the narrow provinces of tribal advocacy. See how they could descend so low as to employ the tawdry spectacle of self-absorption and the incredible badge of democratic identity to try to run down a worthy Niger Deltan. In the realm of planning, ideological depth and profundity as well as purity of intention, patriotic fervour, legitimacy and popular acceptability, Okumagba has all it takes to take the NDDC to the next level. The people of Niger Delta are looking forward to the smooth take off of the Board to meet the developmental objectives of the region, the goose that lays the golden egg. We will not allow divisive and partisan characters to disorganize the process.

    *Amor is an Abuja-based journalist and literary critic.

  • Inaugurate NDDC board now – South South group tells Buhari

    Inaugurate NDDC board now – South South group tells Buhari

    A group known as Mass Movement Against Injustice and Marginalisation in the South-South has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to see to it that the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is inaugurated immediately.

    The group made this known in a statement signed and released on Sunday by its President, Duke Okporua America; General Secretary, Egbe Michael Egbe, and Director of Media and Public Communication, Dan Amor.

    The group condemned recent media publications attributed to Itsekiri Interest Group (IIG) and Warri Consultative Forum (WCF) to the effect that Bernard Okumagba, who was appointed by President Buhari as the Managing Director of NDDC, awaiting inauguration, is not from an oil producing area in Delta State.

    The group described the publications as mischievous, dangerous, reckless and provocative, stressing that the NDDC MD is a man of class, credibility and distinction, with tested capacity to drive the NDDC and the South South Region to the next level.

    The statement reads: “The recent mischievous, dangerous, reckless and provocative statements credited to some fake, unknown and shameless groups particularly the Itsekiri Interest Group (IIG) and the Warri Consultative Forum (Warri), to the effect that Bernard Okumagba, who was appointed by Mr. President, screened and confirmed by the senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the Managing Director of NDDC, awaiting inauguration, is not from oil producing area in Delta State, have come to our knowledge and attention with shock and disbelief. Consequently we wish to state unequivocally as follows:

    “The NDDC Act in part 1,Section 2(1)B, requires a person who is to be appointed into the board of NDDC to come from an oil producing area. By definition, an oil producing area is a geographical space bound of its recognition in the constitution as an administrative space.

    “Thus an area could be a state, a local Government Area or a senatorial District. In this context, an oil producing area is coterminous with an oil producing local government area. Udu Local Government and Warri South Local Government Areas which are the maternal and paternal local Government Areas respectively of Bernard Okumagba are oil producing areas in Delta State.

    “It is therefore fallacious, mischievous and a gross fabrication of untruthful for any group of persons whether fake or real to suggest that Bernard Okumagba is not from an oil producing area.

    “Mr President and the general public should totally and completely disregard and ignore that dangerous and provocative assertion by agents of confusion in the Niger Delta region that Bernard Okumagba is not from an oil producing area.

    “Those statements are malicious falsehoods and products of evil hands and idle minds programmed to cause confusion to undermine the progress of the Niger Delta.

    “It is utterly ridiculous and reprehensible that men who know the truth could dig a deep grave to bury it just because of greed and self interest.

    “That “On Bernard Okumagba we stand” as the Managing Director of NDDC. He is a man of class, credibility and distinction with tested capacity to drive the NDDC and the South South Region to the next level.

    “That Mr President should immediately direct and cause the board of NDDC to be inaugurated and put to shame the apostles of retrogression and confusion whose ultimate goal is to put the NDDC into their pockets by using falsehood to get their cronies into the board of the commission.

    “That the authors of those false, malicious, reckless, provocative, inciting, dangerous, satanic and retrogressive statements and publications, particularly Mr. Gbubemi Awala and Alvin Yalaju of the Itsekiri Interest Group (IIG) and Amachi Ogbonna of the Warri Consultative Forum (WCF) should own up to their evil acts, seek for mercies and forgiveness from God and henceforth cease from causing confusion in the Niger Delta Region”.