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  • NDDC launches talent hunt for Niger Delta youths

    NDDC launches talent hunt for Niger Delta youths

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has rolled out a talent hunt programme to discover and expose creative youths from the region to take advantage of the entertainment industry.

    Speaking during a meeting with some key actors in the creative industry at the Rivers State office of the NDDC in Port Harcourt, the Interim Administrator, Mr. Efiong Akwa, said that NDDC would continue to create programmes to address the challenges of youths in the region.

    Akwa, who spoke through the Director, Youths and Sports, Mr. Offiong Ephraim, said that the programme would accommodate all categories of youths, including the physically-challenged.

    He said that the commission was passionate to youth development as part of measures to end restiveness in the Niger Delta.

    In his speech, the Special Adviser on Youths to the Interim Administrator, Udengs Eradiri, said it was important to debunk the notion that Niger Delta youths were not enterprising.

    He said: “We have a lot of energetic, strong and intelligent young people. We are going to train them to ensure that they are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. The creative industry is one area where young people thrive. We will partner with known artistes in the region as ambassadors to also pull the other ones up.”

    Eradiri explained that the partnership with known artistes from the Niger Delta was meant to develop the talents of youths from across the region.

    He said: “The creative industry is one area that we can engage a lot of idle young people. We will continue to play our role in supporting institutions to create the platform to push our young people to international society. We must keep the creative sector alive in the Niger Delta to develop young talents to showcase to the world.”

    One of the leading artistes in the region, Mr. Okiri Harry, also known as Harry Song, said that the new NDDC youth programme was a dream come true for those in the creative sector, noting that 80 per cent of the entertainment industry was rooted in the Niger Delta.

    He said that artistes from the region had challenges of getting support and platforms to express themselves.

    He said: “Our talented youths are yearning for avenues to express themselves and that is where the Niger Delta talent hunt comes in.”

    Harry said that the Niger Delta Youth Entertainment Talent Hunt (NIDETH) would organize auditions in all the nine states of the region and organize bands for them.

    He said: “We are going to bring in all our Niger Delta Ambassadors in the entertainment industry. These great artistes will be brought in to inspire the young and upcoming ones. We know that when we engage our youths in this platform, we will not just take them off the streets but we will empower them.”

  • NDDC: AGF Malami reacts to allegations of receiving bribe from Akpabio

    NDDC: AGF Malami reacts to allegations of receiving bribe from Akpabio

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, (SAN) has denied the allegation that he collected gratification from the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio in respect of the appointment of a Sole Administrator for the NDDC.

    Malami made the denial in a statement issued by Dr Umar Gwandu, his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, in Abuja, on Friday.

    He said that his attention had been drawn to a fictitious and malicious publication, by alleged mischief makers, describing the report as ”fake and marred by contradictions, saying that it was a figment of the imagination of the writer, sheer fabrications and filthy assumptions of mischief makers and detractors”.

    “Any discerning mind who read the story will not fail to note the desperate attempt to cast aspersions on the Attorney General of the Federation and dent his hard earned reputation, with unsubstantiated allegations spread by perfidious elements.

    “The Minister, hereby, makes an outright denial of the report in its entirety.

    “The Minister has not collected and does not intend at any time to receive any gratification from any dealing in discharging any function he is constitutionally empowered to perform”, the statement said.

    Malami, who stated that gratification was a criminal offence, therefore, called on Nigerians to disregard the publication.

    “Let individuals who have any information regarding those who facilitated, accepted, delivered or took part in one way or another in the alleged offer and purported acceptance of gratification for me or my office, come out publicly with the information with a view to exposing them and taking further necessary action’’.

    He asked the purveyors of the fictitious publication to approach relevant security and law enforcement agencies, and proffer information that could lead to a criminal investigation against him, if they felt strongly enough about their purported claim.

  • NDDC: Niger Delta youths lay curse on Akpabio, send strong warning to FG [VIDEO]

    NDDC: Niger Delta youths lay curse on Akpabio, send strong warning to FG [VIDEO]

    Niger Delta youths under the aegis of Niger Delta Freedom Fighters have sent a strong warning to the federal government, rejecting the appointment of Mr Effiong Okon Akwa as sole administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The Niger Delta youths sent the strong warning on Friday while pouring libations and laying curses on the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    The youths called for the immediate constitution of a substantive board of the NDDC, stressing they are not against the forensic audit of the interventionist agency.

    In a video that has since gone viral on social media, a leader of the group was seen laying curses on Akpabio while followers were chanting a “freedom comes by struggle” song.

    “We are using it [a gin] to curse Akpabio and his cronies. This is the traditional wine recognised by the gods of Urhobo nation. This is the traditional wine recognised by the gods of the Niger Delta. We swear for Akpabio with the native chalk. If he refused to do the right thing, he will die.

    “This kola here is what we use to appease the gods. We are calling on the gods of the Niger Delta to visit Akpabio. This is our cowries and allegator pepper. Akpabio, you shall dream of us until you do the right thing. Any diabolic means you used in the presidency, we nolify. All our leaders that are sleeping, wake up, one man cannot overthrow us.

    “Finally, this is a warning. We are coming en masse. We are coming. Everywhere will shutdown. Our roads in the Niger Delta are bad. If you are taking from Warri to Benin, there is no way; Warri to Agbor, there is no way. Different federal roads in the Niger Delta are very bad.

    The NDDC is an intervention agency for us. If there is a board, the NDDC would be functional. We are not stopping the presidency from doing the forensic audit but the idea of bringing one man to oversee our future, the sole administrator, we reject it. We rebuke it. We cast it out,” the leader of the youths was heard saying.

    WATCH VIDEO BELOW:

  • 2020 Budget: Reps okays N453.2bn for NDDC

    2020 Budget: Reps okays N453.2bn for NDDC

    The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the 2020 budget of N453.2 billion for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the period ending March 31, 2021.

    The approval was sequel to the consideration and adoption of the report of the House Committee on NDDC by the Committee of Supply at plenary, which was presented by NDDC Chairman, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    Out of the N453.200 billion, N27.389 billion is for Personnel Expenditure, N13.937 billion is for Overhead Expenditure, N2.793 billion is for Internal Capital and N409.080 billion is for Development Projects.

    A further breakdown of the budget showed that the sum of N27.389 billion is for Personnel Expenditure; the sum of N13,937,244,107 is for Overhead Expenditure; while the sum of N2,793,755,893 is for Internal Capital, N409.080 billion is for Development Projects for the period ending on 31 March 2021.

    In the same vein, the House passed through Third Reading a Bill which seeks to extend the implementation period of the capital component of the 2020 Appropriation Act from 31st December 2020 to 31st March 2021 and for related matters.

    Also at plenary, the House passed through Third Reading a Bill which seeks to amend selected legislations otherwise known as Finance Bill, 2020 and for related matters.

    The bills were passed sequel to the adoption of a debate led by the Majority Leader, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa.

    The Executive bill seeks to amend the law relating to the public procurement, fiscal responsibility and corporate law in order to make further provisions in connection with the Federal Government financial management, public revenue; Capital Gains Tax Act, Companies Income Tax Act, Personal Income Tax Act, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment) Act, Customs and Excise Tariff, etc. (Consolidated) Act, Value Added Tax Act, Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, Nigeria Export Processing Zone Act, Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Act, Fiscal Responsibility Act, Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, Public Procurement Act, respectively.

    The bill further provides for the amendment of Section 11 of Companies Income Tax Act (CITA) which seeks exempt primary agricultural production from tax, “provided the moratorium is not less than twelve months and the rate of interest on the loan is not more than the base lending rate at the time the loan was granted, refinanced or otherwise restructured.”

    It also provides that the tax payable by any insurance company for any year of assessment shall not be less than 0.5 per cent of the gross premium for non-life insurance business; 0.5 per cent of the gross income for life insurance business. Provided, however, that the applicable minimum tax under this section’ 16 shall be reduced to 0.25 per cent for tax returns prepared and filed for any years of assessment falling due on any date between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021, inclusive.

    Before adjourning plenary to Monday, where the lawmakers are expected to pass the 2021 Appropriation bill, the lawmakers during the session tasked Federal Government on the need to rehabilitate the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway (Western Bypass) in Kaduna South Federal Constituency which was constructed about 40 years ago.

    The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Mukhtar Ahmed, who expressed concern over the bad condition of the road and how it affects the livelihood and economic activities of the people and aid criminal activities along the route.

    “The House is aware of the need to rehabilitate the Expressway to ensure the safety of lives and properties, encourage socio-economic activities and to ease movement within the state and across the country.

    “The House is also aware that President Muhammadu Buhari, through the Federal Government Tax Credit Scheme, under Executive Order No. 007 of 2019 endorsed the rehabilitation of the Expressway to Dangote Group as one of the approved projects for 2019 but the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is yet to approve the engineering design submitted by Dangote Group since January 2020.

    “The House is cognizant that rehabilitation of the road would increase the level of safety for road users by reducing the rates of accident, insecurity and boost economic activities,” he said.

    While calling on Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to approve the design for rehabilitation work on the road to commence, the House urged Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget National Planning to work with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to expedite action to allow Dangote Group to be mobilised to site.

    To this end, the House mandated its Committee on Works to ensure compliance.

  • Buhari fires NDDC management, appoints sole administrator

    Buhari fires NDDC management, appoints sole administrator

    President Muhammadu Buhari has finally sacked the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), following reported financial misappropriations at the interventionist agency.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Buhari, Femi Adesina made this known in a statement on Saturday.

    According to the statement, President Buhari approved Mr Effiong Okon Akwa as interim administrator for the NDDC.

    Akwa was the Ag. Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Commission before becoming the sole administrator of the interventionist agency.

    He is to assume headship of the NDDC till completion of the forensic audit, according to the statement by Adesina.

    The statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of an interim administrator to oversee the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    “He is Mr Effiong Okon Akwa, the Ag. Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Commission, who is to assume headship till completion of the forensic audit.

    “Mr Akwa is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    “The development became necessary as a result of plethora of litigation and a restraining order issued recently against the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC by a Federal High Court in Abuja”.

    Recall the NDDC had been embroiled in allegations of financial misappropriations under Prof Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei.

    In one of the investigations into the financial misappropriations, Pondei fainted while being interrogated.

    TNG reports NDDC’s Director of Projects, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh is also affected with the dissolution of the commission’s management.

    The final outcome of the forensic audit of the NDDC under Pondei is still being awaited.

  • 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.

  • Court deals Akpabio installed NDDC interim board harsh blow, bans it’s operation

    Court deals Akpabio installed NDDC interim board harsh blow, bans it’s operation

    The Abuja division of the Federal High Court has restrained the interim management committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), constituted by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio from functioning.

    Specifically, the court by its interim order restrained Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, Dr Joi Nunieh and others from performing the functions of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The court has further granted leave to the applicant, Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Governance (FAGG), to apply for judicial review for an order of mandamus compelling the Independent Corrupt Practice and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to investigate the Minister of the Niger Delta, Chief Godswill Akpabio and members of the Board over allegations of N3 billion contract fraud.

    Justice Ahmed Mohammed in his ruling also granted leave to the applicant to apply for judicial review of the power of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or the Minister of the Niger Delta to appoint Prof Pondei, Dr Ojougboh and others in an interim capacity as members of the NDDC Board.

    The orders are contained in an enrolled order of the court dated November 5, 2020.

    By this order of the Court, the members of the NDDC Board are restrained from performing the functions of the Board pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice which is fixed for December 8.

    Meanwhile, the applicant has expressed worry that despite the restraining order, the defendants are in total disobedience of it and has been going to their offices and performing the functions of the Board of the Commission since this order was granted.

    The plaintiff also urged that the most senior civil servant or administrator in the Commission be appointed while praying that the suspended officers be stopped from accessing the Commission’s offices and files as they could tamper with evidence which could be used by the ICPC in its probe.

    Parties joined in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Honourable Minister of the Niger Delta, Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, Dr Joi Nunieh, Mrs Caroline Nagbo, Cecilia Bukola Akintomide and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Reps Probe Report: NDDC Ag MD, Pondei, Ojougboh, others in EFCC trouble over alleged misappropriation of N81.5bn

    EXCLUSIVE: Reps Probe Report: NDDC Ag MD, Pondei, Ojougboh, others in EFCC trouble over alleged misappropriation of N81.5bn

    By Okite Okite

    It’s crystal clear now that those that turned the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC into a bazaar government agency may not go unpunished as the House of Representatives probe into its alleged financial recklessness has indicted the principal progenitors.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) exclusively reports how the probe report recommends that all financial transactions not adequately explained should be refunded.

    In the report, the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC that probed the matter recommended that the acting Managing Director Daniel Pondei who fainted during the probe and other principal actors should face the long arm of the law.

    The report specifically recommended that the EFCC should immediately start prosecuting the suspects once the financial infractions are not properly explained.

    The panel also revealed that the Commission has become worse off since it moved under the supervision of the Sen. Godswill Akpabio-led Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, demanding the House to push for its return to the Presidency, under the supervision of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

    The committee also called for the immediate dissolution of the Prof. Daniel Bradikumo Pondei-led Interim Management Committee (IMC), in favour of a properly constituted Governing Board.

    The lawmakers also queried the appointment of Dr Cairo Ojuogboh as Executive Director in charge of projects, saying that the former Deputy National Vice Chairman, South-South region of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is “grossly unqualified” and “unfit” to hold the office of Executive Director in the Commission.

    These are contained in the report of the Committee which probed allegations of Financial Malfeasance and Other Activities in the NDDC in July, 2020.

    The document contains 16 different recommendations which include the need to report the “gross violations of the nation’s Public Procurement Act to the anti graft agencies for further investigation, prosecution and recovery” of the alleged looted sums.

    It also called on the NDDC Management to “seek a refund of N19.7m from Olumuyiwa Bashiru & Co and report back to the House with a proof of compliance latest 45 days from the adoption of this recommendation.”

    “The Project Monitoring Department should carry out an appraisal of the extent of work done so far by Clear Point Communications Limited and quantify same in monetary value against the scale of fees (N641.14m) in the media industry and pro-rate the payment while the remainder should be refunded.

    “Refer to the anti graft agencies to investigate the contract payments in order to ascertain the level of infractions and prosecute violators accordingly.

    “A scrutiny of the medical treatment bills/insurance payments made by the commission to ascertain their appropriateness especially given that the commission has health insurance and referral partnership l, and it is still making payments for staff medical treatments. These cases should be referred to the anti graft agencies for diligent investigatiion, prosecution and possible recovery.

    “The court proceedings and the court judgement (for which N400m was paid to Tigerhead Nigeria Limited in March) be made available to the House within 14 days and failure to do so, he (Acting MD) should be reported to the anti graft agencies for further investigation and possible recovery”, the panel recommends.

    The panel’s finding as contained on page 11 revealed that the IMC under Daniel Pondei has been reckless in allocating funds to management staff ranging from covid-19 payment, medical check-up and other questionable payments of over N8.1bn outside of salaries, allowances and overhead in contravention of Section 80 of the Constitution

    It found further on page 12 that “payments were made to the acting MD, the Executive Directors and other Directors of NDDC within the period of lockdown to attend overseas graduation ceremony of NDDC-funded post graduate students despite general and open protest by Niger Delta Scholars abroad over non-payment of tuition fees.”

    The panel also revealed that Pondei and his IMC made “extra budgetary contract payments of over N28bn to 76 companies without due process and requisite technical expertise to handle road construction in contravention of section 80 of the constitution and sections 16(1)(b) and (16)(6)(a) of the Public Procurement Act”, adding that another N4.5bn was paid to Osmoserve Global to supply medical equipment and consumables during covid-19 lockdown without technical specifications, quantity and quality in violation of the PPA.

    “NDDC contractors did not provide proof of contract performance and contract documents; we therefore recommend that the (N1.8 billion) payment made to AHR Global Standard Services be thoroughly investigated by the anti graft agencies to ascertain value for money and performance as they did not comply with the covid-19 emergency procurement guidelines of the BPP.

    “Given that the NDDC did not provide all the requested contractual documents, it is difficult to determine contract performance and value for money. We therefore recommend that these contracts:

    1. Coordinate Global Services – N551.08 million

    2. PSI International Co Ltd – N427 8 million

    3. Delta Pride and Gold Energy – N155. 5 million

    Be referred to the anti graft agencies to investigate the violations of the extant laws, sanction and prosecute culpable officials and contractors”, the panel recommends.”

    The report queried the capacity of the current Executive Director in charge of projects at the Commission, the Committee in its recommendation 15, on page 18 of the document, noted that Dr Cairo Ojuogboh’s appointment violated relevant sections of the NDDC Act with regards to qualification and competence to hold such a position.

    It stated: “Based on section 12(1) and 12(1)(a) of the NDDC Act 2000, Dr Cairo Godson Ojuogboh is unqualified and unfit to occupy the office of Executive Director Projects of the NDDC and should be discharged forthwith from that position.”

    Cairo, a medical doctor by training was appointed to oversee projects at the NDDC following the constitution of the current IMC.

    The panel in the concluding part of the report also faulted the rationale behind the placement of the NDDC under the supervision of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs led by former Akwa Ibom State governor, Sen. Goodwill Akpabio.

    “The NDDC by law is meant to be under the President that delegated the supervision to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). This arrangement demonstrates the high importance and priority that all previous governments attributed to the region in view of her economic contributions to the country. With the delegation of that supervisory function to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, things seem to be moving in the wrong direction with potential and visible negative impacts that will undermine the goals of the Commission. The interference of the Ministry as demonstrated in the procurement procedures of the Forensic Audit, the award of contracts (Covid-19, Head Office and several others) is condemnable…”

    “The House being committed to good governance and respect for due process has lost faith in the IMC as presently constituted given the level of infraction perpetrated from January to May 25th, 2020(as exposed in this investigative report) and call for the dissolution of the IMC and constitution of a governing Board in line with the NDDC Act 2000 as amended. All infractions must be referred to the relevant anti graft agencies for diligent investigatiion”, the report added.

    Laid since Wednesday, 22 July, 2020 before the House for consideration at the Committee of the Whole, the report which was dropped due to some members observations that they needed to be given copies before the consideration, has continued to remain in the “cooler”.

    See partial part of the report below:

    After two months of engagement with several stakeholders, four days of intense investigative hearing and deep review and analysis of several reports and testimonies, we have come up with sixteen key findings and recommendations for adoption by the House of Representatives. In line with the above, we hereby present our conclusions thus:

    A. Institutional

    That the overall objectives of the Federal government through Act of Parliament in the establishment of the NDDC in the year 2000 are still relevant, laudable and critical for the developmental transformation and peace of the Niger Delta region

    We note with disappointment the failures of the past necessitating the commissioning of the forensic audit from the inception of the commission and call for a speedy, committed and transparent completion of the audit exercise. A timeline of not more than 6 months should be set which by international best practice is best supervised and implemented by a properly constituted governing board.

    Also, a review of the NDDC Act should be considered as recommended by several stakeholders.

    B. Supervisory

    The NDDC by law is meant to be under the President that delegated the supervision to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

    This arrangement demonstrates the high importance and priority that all the previous governments attributed to the region in view of her economic contribution to the country. With the delegation of that supervisory function to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, things seem to be moving in the wrong direction with potential and visible negative impact that will undermine the goals of the commission. The interference of the ministry as demonstrated in the procurement procedures of the Forensic audit, the award of contracts (COVID-19, Head office and several others) is condemnable. The negative press and publicity negates the governments drive and posture of fighting corruption and the utterances of the minister have the potential to brew executive and legislative feud which the 9th assembly is committed to avoid. In the light of 19 Page

    [11/28, 11:00] George: Refer to anti-graft agencies to investigate the contract payments in order to ascertain the level of infractions and prosecute violators accordingly.

    The total sum made to the Acting Managing Director, the Executive Directors and other Directors of NDDC to attend overseas graduation be refunded and failure to do so immediately the anti-graft agencies should commence investigation, prosecution and recovery.

    A scrutiny of the medical treatment bills/insurance payments made by the commission to ascertain their appropriateness especially given that the commission has health insurance and referral partnerships and it is still making payments for staff medical treatments. These cases should be referred to the anti-graft agency for diligent investigation, prosecution and possible recovery.

    The court proceedings and the court judgement be made available to the House within 14 days and failure to do so, he should be reported to the anti-graft agencies for further investigation and possible recovery.

    B. The advice of the Commission’s in-house estate valuers should be adhered to in line with the provisions of the NDDC corporate policy and sections 16(1)(b), and 57(4) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007. Any amount standing in excess of 10.5 billion naira should be refunded and the anti-graft agency should immediately investigate the procurement processes for possible prosecution.

    [11/28, 11:06] George: Some management staff were retired, placed on compulsory leave with pay and some were posted out of the head office. That some of the actions of management did not adhere to Public Service Rules, NDDC Board policies and staff handbook guide. That under the law and the NDDC conditions of service, only a legally constituted Governing Board has power to authorize and approve the discipline and disengagement of senior management staff and that the action of management was reckless and high handed.

    ECOMMENDATIONS

    1. We recommend that these gross violations should be reported to the anti-graft agencies for further investigation, prosecution and recovery.

    2. NDDC management is requested to seek a refund of N19.7million from Olumuyiwa Bashiru & Co and report back to the House with a proof of compliance latest 45 days from the adoption of this recommendation.

    3. The Project Monitoring Department should carry out an appraisal of the extent of work done so far by Clear Point Communications Limited and quantify same in monetary value against the scale of fees in the media industry and pro-rate the payment while the remainder should be refunded.

  • INVESTIGATION: How Senators, Reps tried to shield colleagues by burying NDDC probe

    INVESTIGATION: How Senators, Reps tried to shield colleagues by burying NDDC probe

    …former gov and serving senator intervened to save self and Akpabio

    …how Aso Rock ordered stoppage of probe

    ..what has happened to the NDDC audit?

    …we’ll soon shortlist our report for consideration-House Spokesman

    More facts emerged weekend as to why the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) probe panels, and all the noise in the media about it, suddenly hit a brick wall.

    Our investigations reveal why everything suddenly went silent among the accusers and accused, despite the weighty allegations levelled against certain senior government officials, serving and former Senators and House of Representatives members.

    An investigation by TheNewsGuru.com (TNG), which sought to find out the stages the probe panels at the National Assembly are, and which sought to take a deep look into all the contending forces, showed a curious twist to the tale which rubbishes all the pretence to unravelling the troubling corruption in the NDDC and fighting the corrupt elements that have held the intervention agency in the dirty and murky waters of corruption.

    TNG investigations which involved speaking to a wide spectrum of actors in the hooplas which stunned the national consciousness reveal the deft foot works of some senators, the minister of Niger Delta Affairs and some top officials in the presidency, and how they succeeded in finally nailing the ‘coffin’ of the NDDC probe.

    Multiple sources who spoke with TNG, some under the condition of anonymity, informed TNG that a former governor and serving member in the ninth Assembly helped to midwife negotiations that eventually buried the probe.

    The lawmaker who speaks impeccable Hausa was said to have shuttled between Aso Rock and NASS on how to bury the probe.

    He arranged meetings with NDDC officials and NASS leadership on ways and means to devise ways to bury the matter.

    This development according to TNG sources soon crystallized into interested parties in Aso Rock putting a call to the leadership at the National Assembly soliciting that all matters involving Local Content and NDDC probe panels should be stepped down given the huge noise and embarrassment which the NDDC probe panels is having on the image of the government and certain people in it.

    The source said “that’s why a call came from Aso Rock that anything that has to do with local content and the NDDC should be dropped.

    “The Clerk of the National Assembly, CNA who was removed over night was specifically told not to touch anything local content or NDDC.

    “It’s difficult to table any matter for now that has any link with the two sensitive issues”.

    TNG further checks reveal that the serving senator who is also neck deep in NDDC botched contracts had no choice than to arrange all the meetings to save himself and his colleagues.

    Recall that elder statesman, Chief EK Clark had written to NASS to allow the accusing finger to point to all directions.

    All the allegations leveled against Akpabio by former NDDC MD, Joi Nunieh, have been thrown aside because Aso Rock made a call.

    So many revelations were made during the probe that led to the fainting spell of the acting Managing Director of NDDC, Prof Daniel Pondei.

    The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio had spoken from both sides of his mouth claiming that his former colleagues were the biggest beneficiaries of NDDC contracts.

    Many former Niger Delta Governors were fingered and they all denied turning Akpabio into an orphan.

    Sensing the danger ahead, Akpabio swallowed the humble pie denying ever saying his former colleagues benefitted from the NDDC.

    Both chairmen of NDDC committees in the ninth Assembly were fingered and it was even alleged that a principal officer collected $1m to help bury the probe.

    From all indications, the audit of NDDC since inception is now in abeyance as it was alleged Aso Rock also want it stopped.

    The audit which would have helped to reposition the government body may just end up in archival dustbin as no concrete move has been made since the probe was jettisoned.

    Also, while the report submitted by the Senate was said to be watery, the House has also tactically sent the allegations leveled against lawmakers said to be beneficiaries of the sleaze in the NDDC to the Ethics Committee, adjudged the graveyard of the House of Representatives.

    When contacted, House Spokesman, Rep Benjamin Kalu said the House report was ready for consideration.

    He said: “The report has been submitted to the house for consideration just like other reports and the committee on rules and business will short list it for consideration at the right time.

  • NDDC: How Federal lawmakers buried probe to save colleagues

    NDDC: How Federal lawmakers buried probe to save colleagues

    …former gov and serving senator mediated to save self and Akpabio

    …how Aso Rock ordered stoppage of probe

    ..what has happened to the NDDC audit?

    More facts emerged at the weekend as to why the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC probe suddenly hit a brick wall despite the weighty allegations leveled against the progenitors.

    In this news analysis, TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) takes a deep look into all the contending forces that finally nailed the ‘coffin’ of the NDDC probe.

    Multiple sources who spoke under the condition of anonymity told TNG that a former governor and serving member in the ninth Assembly (name withheld) helped to midwife negotiations that eventually buried the probe.

    The lawmaker who speaks impeccable Hausa was said to have shuttled between Aso Rock and NASS on how to bury the probe.

    He arranged meetings with NDDC officials and NASS leadership on ways and means to finally bury the matter.

    This development according to TNG source led to a call from Aso Rock that all matters involving Local Content and NDDC probe should be dropped.

    The source said “that’s why a call came from Aso Rock that anything that has to do with local content and the NDDC should be dropped.

    “The Clerk of the National Assembly, CNA who was removed over night was specifically told not to touch anything local content or NDDC.

    “It’s difficult to table any matter for now that has any link with the two sensitive issues”.

    TNG further checks revealed that the serving senator who is also neck deep in NDDC botched contracts had no choice than to arrange all the meetings to save himself and his colleagues.

    Recall that elder statesman, Chief EK Clark had written to NASS to allow the accusing finger to point to all directions.

    All the allegations leveled against Akpabio by former NDDC MD Joi Nunieh have been thrown aside because Aso Rock made a call.

    So many revelations were made during the probe that led to the fainting spell of the acting Managing Director of NDDC, Prof Daniel Pondei.

    The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio had spoken from both sides of his mouth claiming that his former colleagues were the biggest beneficiaries of NDDC contracts.

    Many former Niger Delta Governors were fingered and they all denied turning Akpabio into an orphan.

    Sensing the danger ahead, Akpabio swallowed the humble pie denying ever saying his former colleagues benefitted from the NDDC.

    Both chairmen of NDDC committees in the ninth Assembly were fingered and it was even alleged that a principal officer collected $1m to help bury the probe.

    From all indications, the audit of NDDC since inception is now in abeyance as it was alleged Aso Rock also want it stopped.

    The audit which would have helped to reposition the government body may just end up in archival dustbin as no concrete move has been made since the probe was jettisoned.

    Also, the report submitted by the Senate was said to be watery while the House had sent the allegations leveled against lawmakers to be beneficiaries was sent to Ethics Committee adjudged the graveyard of the House of Representatives.