By Obiageli Uchechukwu and Ekemini Bassey

Traditional rulers of Taaba community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State have lauded the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC for the timely upgrade of the community’s healthcare facilities.

The royal fathers, led by His Royal Highness, Mene MSK Nule, stated that with the Commission's intervention, especially the emphasis on the treatment and care for tuberculosis patients, the center is set to do more for the community and improve the health of the people.

Mene Nule said: “The health care centre has served us for a long time. That is where I go to when I fall sick. That's where everyone in Taabaa community and our neighboring communities go when we fall sick."

He assured that the community will handle the facility with care and urged the NDDC to hasten the commissioning and official handover of the centre, "so that our people can begin to enjoy its benefits."

He added: "We thank NDDC for this health centre and for all it is doing to improve the health and well-being of our people. Our people are grateful."

The facility, which comprises a main hospital building, staff quarters for doctors and nurses, gate house and a generator house, is fully equipped and furnished with air conditioners, beddings, office furnitures, as well as computers, patients trolleys, wheel chairs, oxygen cylinders, amongst others.

The NDDC also installed solar panels, a new 100kva Perkins generator and provision for internet services at the health centre, making it possible to provide modern and efficient health services.

*Umana Umana will consolidate on the gains in NDDC - Dr Efiong Akwa*

By Martins Ogolo

Interim Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commmision, NDDC, Dr Efiong Akwa, has stated that the new Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Hon. Umana Umana, will consolidate on the achievements of the Commission under the immediate past supervising minister, Senator Godswiill Akpabio .

Dr Akwa said this while speaking with newsmen just after the reception in honour of Hon Umana Umana following his swearing in by President Muhammad Buhari in Abuja.

Dr Akwa said: " I must congratulate Hon Umana. This is an appointment well deserved, especially after his achievements during his tenure as the Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority. It is clear that he is a transformer, and he proved this during his time there. I am sure that the staff of the NDDC are happy with his appointment."

The NDDC boss stated that the NDDC had "a smooth running relationship with the immediate past Minister of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Akpabio and I'm sure we will have a smooth relationship with the current minister." He added: "We are ready to work with him to deliver on the agenda of Mr. President in the Niger Delta region. I can assure him that NDDC under his supervision will continue to put smiles on the faces of Niger Deltans."

Dr Akwa thanked President Muhammad Buhari for finding an Akwa Ibom man worthy of leading the ship of Niger Delta Ministry, saying that he was sure that the new Minister would deliver on his assignment of facilitating development in the region.

*Umana Umana will consolidate on the gains in NDDC - Dr Efiong Akwa*

By Martins Ogolo

Interim Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commmision, NDDC, Dr Efiong Akwa, has stated that the new Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Hon. Umana Umana, will consolidate on the achievements of the Commission under the immediate past supervising minister, Senator Godswiill Akpabio .

Dr Akwa said this while speaking with newsmen just after the reception in honour of Hon Umana Umana following his swearing in by President Muhammad Buhari in Abuja.

Dr Akwa said: " I must congratulate Hon Umana. This is an appointment well deserved, especially after his achievements during his tenure as the Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority. It is clear that he is a transformer, and he proved this during his time there. I am sure that the staff of the NDDC are happy with his appointment."

The NDDC boss stated that the NDDC had "a smooth running relationship with the immediate past Minister of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Akpabio and I'm sure we will have a smooth relationship with the current minister." He added: "We are ready to work with him to deliver on the agenda of Mr. President in the Niger Delta region. I can assure him that NDDC under his supervision will continue to put smiles on the faces of Niger Deltans."

Dr Akwa thanked President Muhammad Buhari for finding an Akwa Ibom man worthy of leading the ship of Niger Delta Ministry, saying that he was sure that the new Minister would deliver on his assignment of facilitating development in the region.

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6. Free education to their children.

NDDC Boss Decorates Promoted Police Chiefs

The Interim Administrator/CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Efiong Okon Akwa, was a special guest of the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, at the decoration of newly promoted Commissioners of Police (CPS) and Assistant Inspector Generals of Police (AIGs) at Police headquarters, Abuja. This is in recognition of the robust partnership between the NDDC and Nigeria Police Force, particularly in improving the security and safety situation and protocols in the Niger Delta region.

Recall that only last year President Muhammadu Buhari, through the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, commissioned the impressive Special Protection Unit Base 6 Barracks of the Nigeria Police Force in Omagwa, Rivers State.

President Buhari noted: "This singular intervention demonstrates that NDDC understands the importance of government’s effort at improving the lives and livelihoods of our police officers, in line with my directive that building of barracks for men and women of the police force should be done in collaboration with the Special Housing effort of the Family Home funds."

Here, Dr. Akwa decorates one of the recipients. Congratulations to all the gentlemen.

2023: AKPABIO SCREENED BY OYEGUN-LED COMMITTEE

••• Vows To Tackle Insecurity, Unite The Country And Improve On The Economy

Former Minister, Niger Delta Affairs and Presidential aspirant on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio was today, in Abuja, screened by the Chief Odigie Oyegun-led Presidential Screening Committee.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after he was screened, the presidential hopeful said, " the exercise went well and it was an opportunity given me to explain in details, to the committee on my three point agenda of fighting insecurity through modern technology, uniting the country through education and improving on the economy through agriculture."

"I was asked of my plans for the people of Nigeria and how I intend to move the country to the next level of prosperity. I took time to explain my three point agenda and how I intend to achieve them.

"I told the committee members of how I would tackle the issues of power, infrastructure (which the incumbent government is doing so much) and employment. I told them of my plans to strengthen the Naira, bring in more industries and create employments for our teeming youths", he stated.

On fighting insecurity, Akpabio said," security is everybody's responsibility. The strategies to use are not normally discussed in the public. I have my plans on how to go about it. My plan is to make sure I take our kids out of the streets and ensure that they don't have access to illicit drugs. Being addicted to drugs consumption is a major security threat, because they carry out those dastard acts under the influence of hard drugs. With proper education and awareness on the effect of these dangerous drugs, we will begin to win our youth back for national development."

On consensus arrangement being discussed within the APC and what would be his reaction if the decision doesn't go his way, Akpabio simply said," on that, the Party is Supreme."h

FG Directs Cancellation of non-performing NDDC projects



The Federal Government has directed the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to cancel all non-performing projects awarded by the Commission before December 31, 2019, for which the beneficiary contractors are yet to mobilise to site.

In a statement signed by the Commission's Director of Corporate Affairs, on behalf of its management, the Presidency stated that “this cancellation is subject to any future re-award in accordance with the Public Procurement Act and in line with the terms of the contracts for the award of the said projects.”

The notice, addressed to all affected contractors engaged by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as well as stakeholders and the general public, stated that the projects covered those awarded between 2000 and December 31, 2019, many for which mobilisation had been given, but which were yet to be commenced.

The statement said that "all affected contractors are advised to note that all monies earlier received by way of mobilization for any of the projects are to be promptly refunded to the Commission's Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria."

Senator Godswill Akpabio declares for President 2023 in Akwa Ibom State under the platform of APC

Projects completion: NDDC taking a cue from President Buhari – Efiong Akwa

By Gideon Ekere
 
The Interim Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Efiong Okon Akwa has said that the commission is taking a clue from the President Muhammadu Buhari in rapidly completing ongoing projects in the Niger Delta region in the last one year.
 
Speaking at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, where he was honoured by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, at the Institute's 2022 annual dinner and awards, Dr. Akwa noted that NDDC is taking after President Buhari in meeting with the expectations of the Niger Deltans.

He said: "The templates adopted by NDDC in delivering its core mandates are driven by the passion of President Buhari. He is a committed leader who has a strong interest in the welfare of Nigerians and the overall progress of Nigeria and that is the reason for the completion of abandoned projects and many other projects in the region"
 
The NDDC boss added: “NDDC is working on the directive of President Buhari, under the supervision of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in excellent delivery of projects, excellent execution of ideas, excellent planning, and excellent management of resources. You can see how projects that were abandoned for many years are being completed without delay.
 
“NDDC is also taking a cue from the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. You can see what the Honourable Minister has done in the ministry within his short stay. Even as the governor of Akwa Ibom State you can attest to the fact that his signature projects are still speaking volumes today. That’s the spirit he has imbibed in NDDC, which is the reason you are seeing many positive changes in the commission today.”
 
Dr. Akwa, who received the ICAN merit award in the member's category, stated that though he has received many awards in the past, "I can assure you that this one is very dear to my heart. It means that the little we’ve been doing in NDDC are being noticed. What that means is that after now, we are going to increase the frequency of project delivery for the benefit of the people in the region."
 
Earlier in her remarks, the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Mrs. Comfort Olu Eyitayo, announced the opening of a new technology delivery hub at its Ebute-metta office, saying that a new network of relationship with existing tech hubs both within proximity of Yaba and environs as well as similar centres across the nation will help ICAN-BoI hub to build its presence in the innovation and inventions tech community. 
 
While congratulating the award recipients, Mrs. Eyitayo said that those selected for the awards "are people who have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavours".
 
Other awardees at the event include the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry, Mr. Olukayode Pitan; Managing Partner/CEO, PKF Professional Services, Chief Tajudeen Akande; Chief Executive Officer of NorthWest Petroleum & Gas Co. Ltd, Dame Winifred Akpani and the Past President of ICAN, Alhaji Razak Jalyeola.

2023: Buhari's Successor Must Be Ready To Continue With Fight Against Insecurity, Disunity And Economy - Akpabio

Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has stated that any Nigerian who wants to take over from President Muhamadu in 2023, must be ready to provide solutions to the three major challenges facing the nation.

Akpabio listed those challenges to include Insecurity, Fragile Unity and Economy.

Akpabio stated this on Tuesday, while receiving in courtesy, the leadership of the National Council for Women Society(NCWS), led by its National President, Hajia Lami Adamu Lau, in his office in Abuja.

A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Jackson Udom, quoted the Minister as saying, " what confronts us as a nation today are; insecurity, which we believe most of it are politically motivated; fragile unity of this country, where so many separatist groups are beginning to rear their heads whether in the West, East or any where they may be, and the third; the issue of economy and how we can improve on the living standard of Nigerians and putting three square meals on the table of Nigerians."

Akpabio stated further that anybody angling to take over from President Buhari, must be able to provide solutions to the major challenges facing the country, saying," there would be the need for us to use our searchlight to bring out somebody that can provide answers to these three major challenges and also continue with the legacies left on ground by the president when he leaves office."

According to the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, who has been receiving calls from different quarters across the globe, that he throws his hat into the presidential ring, " I had the privilege of running the affairs of Akwa Ibom State as their governor from 2007-2015. I want to tell you that I have the requisite experience in terms of human resource management, interms of fund management, management of social infrastructure and the management of the conscience of human beings."

On his contributions and support for women, Akpabio stated that," as the governor in the South south, I was the first to appoint a woman deputy governor. I was also the first governor of Akwa Ibom State to have appointed the first and second woman Chief Judges. I also made sure that women occupied very important positions in my government through appointments, apart from elective positions. At the Federal level, I nominated a woman for minister and she was so appointed."

" I believe that women have a lot of roles to play in the society. In the past and in my current position, I have been supporting the course of women and given the opportunity in the future, I will not only carry women along, I will also make you proud, Akpabio promised, adding, " whenever there are instabilities in any form, it is the women that bear the brunt. If we solve the problems of women, over 60 percent of Nigeria's problems would have been solved. I want to implore you to work closely with government at all levels."

Earlier in her opening remarks, Hajia Lami Lau, congratulated the Minister on his achievements in public offices, particularly his strong support for the society when he was the governor of Akwa Ibom State.

She noted that the Society, after its successful national convention which led to the election of 15 national officers, decided to visit their supporters and leaders to thank them for their support, and that couldn't have been completed without visiting the Minister to thank him.

According to her," Hon Minister, you have been supporting us since your days as a governor. We are here to register our loyalty and support for you. Many women today, are in many places because of your support. We are grateful that an Icon who understands the terrain and women friendly Minister is heading this ministry."

Speaking further, Lau said," as the governor, you supported our women through various empowerment programs, which earned you the appellation; the Most Gender Friendly Governor (GFG). You provided free and compulsory education to our children resident in the state and in an unprecedented manner, you sponsored Muslims and Christians throughout your tenure as the state governor to the Holy lands. These are achievements that will remain evergreen in the minds of our women. We identify with you and assure you of our 100 percent loyalty and we support you, anywhere you go. "

"NDDC Partners with Imo State Government to complete projects, signs MOU

Niger Delta Development Commission and Imo State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), as part of a partnership to facilitate the completion of key projects in the state.

The MOU covers the dualization of Port-Harcourt-Owerri-Avu-Ada Palm-Etekwuru Road, Phase 1, Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area; emergency repairs of failed and unmotorable section of Nkwerre-Umudi-Isieke Nese Road with drainage and Nkwerre Internal Roads in Nkwerre Local Government Area, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Imerienwe-Etche Road.

At a ceremony at Government House, Owerri, the Interim Administrator of the NDDC, Dr. Efiong Akwa, said the Commission will synergise and partner with the governments of the Niger Delta to ensure the commission’s road projects are completed, stating that the Commissioncould no.longer work at cross purposes with its stakeholders.

Dr. Akwa said that the partnership was meant to ensure the completion of major road projects, especially the 24-kilometre dual carriage way linking Imo and Rivers through oil-bearing communities in both states.

He noted that due to "security challenges experienced by the expatriate contractors handling the projects" it had become imperative to work with the state government who understand the security dynamics of the areas, as well as local contractors who know the people, in order to effectively implement the projects.

The NDDC boss assured the governor that the Commission "will play its part in making the resources and manpower needed for the job available."

The Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, who acknowledged the challenges, stated that “the lingering problems of non-accessibility and non-commissioning of multiple road projects embarked upon by NDDC for 14 years were due to environmental hazards, insecurity, youth restiveness and inability of the contractor to manage the local environment.”

Senator Uzodimma declared: "This is the reason why I approached the CEO of NDDC and requested that we work together to find a lasting solution to the problem," and promised to support the Commission by providing competent state-based engineers, local contractors and manpower to ensure the prompt completion of the projects."

The Governor, who lauded President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for directing the NDDC to complete all its on-going projects, stated that the projects will bring more development to the state and communities.

Buhari, Adamu, Omisore, Key National APC Stakeholders Shun Udoedehe’s Reception

In what many see as a clear boycott, the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu today stayed away from the reception ceremony held in honour of the immediate past National Secretary of the defunct Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) Senator (Dr) John James Akpan Udoedehe in Uyo.

The invitation letters to the well-advertised event which took place at the State Government owned Ibom Hall grounds on Saturday shows that President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR was invited as the Principal Guest of Honour, while Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State and former Chairman of CECPC under which Senator Udoedehe served as Secretary was to serve as Chief Guest of Honour. The invitation also indicates that all Governors elected on the platform of the APC were to serve as Guests of honour.

No reasons have been given for the absence of these dignitaries, but the reasons may not be far from the recent developments in the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) where Senator Udoedehe has insisted to dragging the Party along in a Lawsuit pending at the Appeal Court after the Federal High Court sitting at Abuja had declared Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo as Chairman of its Akwa Ibom State Chapter. In deference to the said judgment, the APC withdrew its Appeal and same was struck out while the Party went on to swear in Mr. Stepehen Ntukekpo. Senator Udoedehe has threatened to initiate Contempt proceedings against the National Chairman of the party if the swearing in of Mr. Stepehen Ntukekpo is not reversed within 24 hours.

Until the CECPC was rested on March 26, 2023, Senator Udoedehe held sway as the de facto Chairman of the Party at its National Secretariat. Shortly before the end of his tenure, a ‘vote of no confidence’ was passed on him by 10 out of the 12-member committee. It is yet unclear what may have led to this fallout but recent events suggest that the Senator may have stepped on many powerful toes while he served as Secretary.

The reception which was chaired by former Petroleum Minister and one-time National Charman of ANPP Chief Don Etiebet saw the attendance of largely members of the Udoedehe political family. The MD of OGFZA Mr. Umana Okon Umana and Chief Victor Giadom, APC National Vice Chairman South-South were also in attendance and made brief remarks.

It is doubtful if the recent peace moves of Chief Etiebet to the National Secretariat of the Party seeking for ‘soft-landing’ for the embattled former Secretary is yielding positive results or not.

APC NWC Swears- In Ntukekpo as Chairman APC, Akwa Ibom State, Tasks Him On Unity

••• Work To Be Remembered As The Chairman, Who United And Returned Harmony To The Party - Akpabio

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, was on Monday, sworn-in by the Senator Abdullahi Adamu- led National Working Committee(NWC) of the party at the national headquarters, Abuja.

Speaking shortly after the Oath of office and allegiance were administered on Obong Ntukekpo, the National Chairman charged him to ensure the unity, progress and success of the party in the spirit of no winner, no vanguished.

According to Adamu, " let me, on behalf of the members of the National Working Committee(NWC) of our great party congratulate you on your inauguration as the Akwa Ibom State chairman of our party. This is a demonstration of our respect for the rule law and as a law abiding organization.

"We charge you to return home and reunite the members, grow the party and lead it to victory in all elections. Be assured of our support in this task. We are equally confident that you will succeed in this task because we believe in your ability.

"No group has lost out and no group has won because we are one united political family. I know Akwa Ibom State has proven men, that are led by a man; Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is a man of integrity. I know him to be a man that can bring everyone together. What we need is that togetherness," the chairman declared.

Receiving the chairman and some members of his EXCO in his office, Leader of the party in the state and incumbent Minister, Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, thanked President Muhamadu Buhari and the leadership of the party for standing firm and ensuring that the the rule of law prevails in the running of the party.

In his remarks, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State gave a chronological description of how the insistence of some party leaders and stakeholders, that the right thing be done in the running of the party in the state, led to the recognition of Ntukekpo as the authentic chairman of the party.

According to him, "the office of the chairman shouldn't have been given to anybody from Uyo Senatorial District, because the governorship ticket of the party in 2023 is zoned to Uyo. I took it up with some leaders of the party and they said we are going to change it later and I said how? I reminded them that we have just finished our Congresses and we are lucky that somebody from Eket Senatorial District just emerged the chairman of the party, so why do we behave like to the Ostrich?"

Speaking further, Akpabio noted that, "for us to have harmony in the state chapter of the party and to perform creditably and face the opposition with strength in 2023, we need to give the chairmanship to another District, so that the governorship can come from Uyo Senatorial District. I don't have any problem with anybody's aspiration. I can no longer be a governor by Nigeria's Constitution. I can only be a stakeholder and a man of peace. I can only push you people up and pray that the God that assisted me to where I am today, can also assist you.

The former Senate Minority Leader admonished the chairman to see his victory as the handiwork of God and should therefore, move immediately into uniting the party saying, "you are not APC State Chairman to make me anything. You're chairman to assist Mr President and the leadership of the party to be victorious in all elections in the state. Make sure you unite all contending forces within the party, so that as a united entity, we will face the opposition, defeat them and take over the reins of the leadership of our dear state. This party almost took over the South-South region including Akwa Ibom State in 2019, but because of internal sabotage we failed. We never knew that after our campaigns, they left from there to another meeting at night".

Akpabio declared that, "my prayers is that may God almighty push away all those who sabotaged this party in 2019 to leave us alone and join APGA or LP so that this party will get the victory that God kept for us in 2023".

In his speech, Ntukekpo thanked Akpabio and other members of the party who stood firmly behind him and the party, when the goings were tough, saying, "with all amount of humility, I am here before you to tell you that we are very much disposed having been given this opportunity on trust, to do all these so that we will be able to achieve that onerous task which is to get to the Government House in 2023."

It is recalled that Ntukekpo's swearing-in came days after the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, dismissed an Appeal by the defunct CECPC and affirmed the Federal High Court ruling that was declared in favour of Obong Stephen Ntukekpo.

Court Nullifies Swearing-In of Udoedehe's Factional Chairman In Akwa Ibom State

•••Orders Certificate of Return Be Withdrawn

•••Orders Immediate Swearing-In Of Ntukekpo


The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, in it's judgement, nullified the swearing in of Senator John James Udoedehe's factional Chairman, Mr Augustine Ekanem and ordered the immediate withdrawal of his Certificate of Return.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo, in his judgement, ordered for the immediate swearing in of Obong Stephen Ntukekpo as the duly elected chairman and should be sworn in immediately.

The judge in his judgement frowned at the impunity that was perpetrated by Udoedehe in the state chapter of the party, "saying, "this court decries Udoedehe's impunity. Internal democracy connotes political parties obeying their constitution and party guidelines.

Court Nullifies Swearing-In of Udoedehe's Factional Chairman In Akwa Ibom State

•••Orders Certificate of Return Be Withdrawn

•••Orders Immediate Swearing-In Of Ntukekpo


The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, in it's judgement, nullified the swearing in of Senator John James Udoedehe's factional Chairman, Mr Augustine Ekanem and ordered the immediate withdrawal of his Certificate of Return.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo, in his judgement, ordered for the immediate swearing in of Obong Stephen Ntukekpo as the duly elected chairman and should be sworn in immediately.

The judge in his judgement frowned at the impunity that was perpetrated by Udoedehe in the state chapter of the party, "saying, "this court decries Udoedehe's impunity. Internal democracy connotes political parties obeying their constitution and party guidelines.

Court Nullifies Swearing-In of Udoedehe's Factional Chairman In Akwa Ibom State

•••Orders Certificate of Return Be Withdrawn

•••Orders Immediate Swearing-In Of Ntukekpo


The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, in it's judgement, nullified the swearing in of Senator John James Udoedehe's factional Chairman, Mr Augustine Ekanem and ordered the immediate withdrawal of his Certificate of Return.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo, in his judgement, ordered for the immediate swearing in of Obong Stephen Ntukekpo as the duly elected chairman and should be sworn in immediately.

The judge in his judgement frowned at the impunity that was perpetrated by Udoedehe in the state chapter of the party, "saying, "this court decries Udoedehe's impunity. Internal democracy connotes political parties obeying their constitution and party guidelines.

Akwa Ibom people declare Prof Yemi Osinbajo wanted as President in 2023.

JAMES INIAMA, POLITICAL MISCHIEF AND THE BURDEN OF HISTORY.

Many were stunned that a well respected medium as Premium Times could lend itself to a serial political misfit, Mr James Iniama to ventilate his frustration over his defeat in 2007 by Chief Godswill Akpabio to emerge the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

In an interview titled: “How Akwa Ibom became a killing field under Akpabio,” Mr Iniama claimed people whom he says were agents of the Akwa Ibom State Government “went after him.” He also outlandishly averred that, “we won sufficiently to have been declared the governor.”

After about 15 years, we had thought Mr James Iniama who is said to be aspiring for the governorship position in 2023, had sufficiently purged himself of political depravity by making bizarre claims unsupported by facts and logic.

The facts remain that after he had resigned his position as a Commissioner in the Akwa Ibom State Government many months before the election, Chief Akpabio contested the 2007 governorship election against Mr Iniama as an ordinary citizen and was not in control of any state apparatus.

It is a known fact that Chief Akpabio as a governorship candidate in 2007, did not enjoy the support of the incumbent Governor at the time whose preference was for somebody else. It was alleged that Mr Iniama was supported and funded by the incumbent Governor at the time. Mr Iniama’s claim that “I had to relocate my family before the election because it wasn’t safe at all” at a time he was supported by the State, exposes his political mischief.

His claim of Akwa Ibom State being unsafe to live in during the Akpabio years as Governor is political shenanigans taken too far. In those years what Akwa Ibom State was known for was uncommon transformation that was unleashed by Governor Akpabio to turn a once civil service State to a destination of choice in Nigeria as individuals, government organizations and corporate bodies fell over themselves to hold their events in the State. Is that the same State Mr Iniama said was unsafe to live in?

Most outrageous is Mr Iniama’s assertion that he should have been declared the winner of an election he scored a paltry 19,865 votes against Chief Akpabio’s 1.044,566 votes. There should be honour even among political desperadoes!

We are aware this is a season of politicking. If it is true Mr Iniama wants to contest as Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2023 and is serious about it, his work is cut out for him. He should tell Akwa Ibom people his programmes and how he intends to achieve them. Whining about a defeat he suffered about 14 years ago and dragging the name of Senator Godswill Akpabio through political revisionism will hardly earn him a vote.

AKPABIO MEDIA OFFICE
ABUJA
January 22, 2022

Minister, Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has denied media report that a petition on alleged corruption against him and Scott Tommey, has been received by the UK Fraud Office, saying, the allegation is a figment of the imagination of the purveyors and sponsors of the allegation.

A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Jackson Udom, called on the public to discountenance and disregard the story and see it as a calculated attempt to tarnish the hard earned image of the Minister over the years.

The statement titled: RE UK Fraud Office Receives Petition Against Akpabio, Scott Tommey, Begins Investigation, reads:

"The attention of the Honourable Minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has been drawn to a fabricated fairytale making the rounds and written by one Jackson Ude and published by Pointblank news on the aforementioned subject.

"Ordinarily, the Honourable Minister would have ignored the gibberish, except that it is expedient for purposes of setting the records in order to clear the air over the falsehood perpetrated by serial blackmailers whose stock-in-trade is to indulge in smear campaigns for pecuniary reasons.

"First and foremost, it is important to state as a preliminary point that His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio is not aware of the pendency of any petition/ investigation against him at the United Kingdom Serious Fraud Office.

"Howbeit, It is safe to say that the purported petition, investigation merely exist as a figment of imagination in the minds of the blackmail merchant(s).

"For the records, Senator Akpabio does not own any Foreign Account or business in the United Kingdom. He has no investment through a proxy. The centrality of his political life or career has been pro publico bono( for public good). He has made huge sacrifices as a consummate politician to better the lot of many who have come in contact with him.

"The former Senate Minority Leader knows Scott Ikot Tommey as a businessman, just as he knows a host of other businessmen and contractors with the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC).
Senator Akpabio supervises the NDDC and has worked tirelessly to make a mark in the past few years as the supervisory Minister over the Commission.

"At the risk of repetition, it is categorically denied herein that Scott Tommey is and has been a business front for money laundering on behalf of Senator Akpabio. Scott Tommey’s contractual engagements with the NDDC predates Senator Akpabio’s appointment as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

"It is therefore manifestly evident that the publishers of Pointblank news cannot attest to the veracity of this spuriously fabricated blackmail which offends the ethos of modern journalism.

"Senator Godswill Akpabio, possesses a sterling personality that transcends cheap blackmail. His meteoric rise in life, economic acumen, garnered in his over 35 years of successful law practice and his experiences in the private sector, his political clout stand him out as a Nigerian politician and business man of influence.

"He served as Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State for six solid years; Governor of Akwa Ibom State for eight years, Minority Leader of the 8th Senate and currently serves as member of the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria.

"Senator Akpabio is a credible Nigerian who has over the years been committed to the transformation of Nigeria. He has shown great commitment in service in more than two decades of being in public office.

"We challenge the authors of this blackmail to publish and substantiate such claims and documents which they allege link(s) the Honourable Minister to Money laundering.

"The general public should discountenance the said publication and the publisher(s) of this infantile and unverifiable defamatory publication. They must, within seven clear days, retract the said publication with an apology or face the wrath of the law on criminal defamation".


Jackson Udom, Chief Press Secretary To The Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry.

2023: No Politician South of Nigeria Is More Qualified Than Akpabio - Ojo

A security expert, Jackson Ojo has narrowed the search for who succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 to the incumbent Minister, Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Responding to a question on why he narrowed down on Akpabio and Tambuwal, Jackson Ojo, who is also a security expert said, “let me start with Akpabio.

"Akpabio falls within that age bracket one, Akpabio started as a commissioner under Victor Attah, and after then, he became Governor of Akwa Ibom State, an uncommon governor of Akwa Ibom State that during his own time as governor, he had no rival, comparison, no one to compare with him in terms of his achievements as governor.

"I don’t know him, he doesn’t know me. Two, after that he went on to the Senate. The rule of the Senate does not permit a first timer to be appointed a Principal Officer but Akpabio went to the Senate for the first time and became one of the Principal Officers as it's Minority Leader. After that, he crossed to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and he is currently the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

“So, today, I stand to be corrected, there is no politician in the South, either from the East, West and North, and South-south, that has got such a political profile of Akpabio.

"In the area of achievements, I still stand to be corrected, the southern Nigeria has not yet gotten a governor like Akpabio. And I pray that Southern Nigeria will get a governor that will so much work in the interest of his people.

"I don’t think there’s anyone to compare to Akpabio and if what Babangida said is anything to go by, Akpabio represents that group"

2023: No Politician South of Nigeria Is More Qualified Than Akpabio - Ojo

A security expert, Jackson Ojo has narrowed the search for who succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 to the incumbent Minister, Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Responding to a question on why he narrowed down on Akpabio and Tambuwal, Jackson Ojo, who is also a security expert said, “let me start with Akpabio.

"Akpabio falls within that age bracket one, Akpabio started as a commissioner under Victor Attah, and after then, he became Governor of Akwa Ibom State, an uncommon governor of Akwa Ibom State that during his own time as governor, he had no rival, comparison, no one to compare with him in terms of his achievements as governor.

"I don’t know him, he doesn’t know me. Two, after that he went on to the Senate. The rule of the Senate does not permit a first timer to be appointed a Principal Officer but Akpabio went to the Senate for the first time and became one of the Principal Officers as it's Minority Leader. After that, he crossed to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and he is currently the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

“So, today, I stand to be corrected, there is no politician in the South, either from the East, West and North, and South-south, that has got such a political profile of Akpabio.

"In the area of achievements, I still stand to be corrected, the southern Nigeria has not yet gotten a governor like Akpabio. And I pray that Southern Nigeria will get a governor that will so much work in the interest of his people.

"I don’t think there’s anyone to compare to Akpabio and if what Babangida said is anything to go by, Akpabio represents that group"

President Buhari asks NDDC contributors to remit owed funds


President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja directed all statutory contributors to NDDC to ‘’remit all outstanding funds to the Commission, and to ensure this is done transparently and according to laid down procedure and process".

The international oil companies, the major contributors to the NDDC funds, owe the Commission about $5.6 billion and N649 billion. The oil companies have not met their statutory obligations to the Commission in many years, according to Senator Godswill Akpabio, Minister of the Niger Delta, whose ministry supervises the interventionist agency. He spoke in a press conference earlier in the year.

Such a huge debt profile has certainly hampered the performance of the Commission, and this explains why the President is issuing the pay-up order.

The Nigerian leader has also directed the Commission to go an extra mile to revive and complete all abandoned projects that directly impact the livelihood of the people of the Niger Delta Region. Speaking at the commissioning of the a 1,050-capacity hostel built and donated by the Commission to the University of Uyo, President Buhari noted that the just-concluded forensic audit of the Commission was being reviewed, ‘’with a view to recovering every kobo that is recoverable, while those found culpable will face the law’’.

In addition to IOC’s outstanding payments to NDDC, the Commission had in the past been buffeted by corruption, poor governance and waste of resources. The President alluded to these in his speech, noting that it was regrettable that the special development fund of the entire region was squandered by a few for more than 20 years, leaving many in penury.

He announced that the report of the forensic audit is being reviewed and those that have been indicted would make refunds to the government.

“The Niger Delta Development Commission needs to demonstrate that it can achieve the objectives it was conceived for and make its impact felt all over the Niger Delta Region. The lives of the people of the Niger Delta could be so much better, if the funding received by this commission since its inception, in billions of naira over the last 20 years, have been judiciously deployed in service of the people", said the President.

The hostel complex is a big, modern and well-appointed facility. The contract was first awarded in 2004, but was abandoned due to many issues. The completion and inauguration of the hostel project are due to the earlier directives from the President for the Commission to focus on important projects. This is the third of such high-impact projects built by the NDDC that the President has inaugurated in 2021. It’s an unprecedented achievement in the 22-year history of the agency. “The serial abuse, lack of delivery and what had become an entrenched institutional decay, was the reason why I called for the forensic audit’’, the President said, speaking through satellite hook-up from the State House in Abuja.

The inauguration event was a big celebration for the university community. Both the Student Union President, speaking on behalf of the over 40,000 students of the 38-year-old institution and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo were effusive in their praises for the Commission and the President. They both presented plaques to the President to symbolize their appreciation of the new hostel block.

NDDC’s chief executive, Dr. Efiong Akwa, in his welcome remarks expressed his ‘’appreciation to all the staff of the Commission, service providers, stakeholders, particularly the governors who opened their arms and embraced the new spirit we are determined to enthrone in the Commission’’. Senator Akpabio described the hostel as ‘’a beauty to behold’’, and pledged to work with the Commission to complete other projects as a legacy of the President. Many other dignitaries spoke at the event. They include the VC, Senator Peter Nwaobishi (Chairman Senate Committee on NDDC) and Rt. Hon Olubunmi Tuni-Ojo. They all commended the NDDC for delivering high-impact projects in the last one year.

Christmas: Akpabio Preaches Unity, Peace And Love In Niger Delta Region

••• Urges Nigerians To Pray For Their Leaders

Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has charged Christians to see the birth of Jesus Christ, as a period to demonstrate love, peace and unity among Nigerians, irrespective of religious, political and regional convictions.

He also called on Nigerians to continue to pray for their leaders at all levels of governance for them to succeed in office.

A statement endorsed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Jackson Udom, quoted the Minister as saying, " Let me congratulate the Christian faithful and the people of the Niger Delta Region on this year's Christmas celebration. Let me also use this period of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to remind all Christians on the need to exhibit all the qualities of Jesus Christ, which are unity, peace and love."

"Let me specifically thank my brothers and sisters in the Niger Delta Region for the peace we have continued to enjoy in the region and by extension Nigeria. It is my prayer during this yuletide period and the coming new year 2022, that we will continue to maintain this peace and remain solid behind President Muhammadu Buhari, who is doing all within his power to develop the region,"he stated.

According to the former Senate Minority Leader, " as we prepare to usher year 2022, I pray that it would be a year of a new positive beginning for the Niger Delta Region, where all abandoned projects would be completed and commissioned for the use of the people and where a new development road map would equally be chatted for the region through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Niger Delta Ministry.

President Buhari to commission 1000 bed capacity UNIUYO hostel donated by NDDC, December 30

A modern and well-furnished students hostel, built and donated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to the University of Uyo, would be commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, December 30.

The complex will accommodate 1,000 students (500 males and 500 females), and has modern facilities like WiFi, sports arena, food court, spacious car park, high security fence, solar lightings, etc.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Nyaudo Ndaeyo said, "We are very excited that NDDC under Mr Efiong Akwa has finally completed this hostel project which started several years ago. We look forward to receiving the President. The hostel will provide comfortable accommodation to our students".

Many important dignitaries, including the governors of the Niger Delta States; Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio; members of the National Assembly, Vice Chancellor of the University and his management team, members of the political call and the business community are expected at the event scheduled to begin at 10am.

"We push hard to complete the hostel project because we had received marching orders from the President to focus more on projects that have immense impacts on the host communities", said Mr Efiong Akwa, the chief executive of NDDC.

This would be the third major NDDC project to be commissioned by President Buhari since Mr Efiong Akwa was appointed the Commission's Chief Executive on December 12 last year. The first was the agency's Head Office commissioned on March 11, followed by the 176-flat police barracks in Omagwa, Port Harcourt, commissioned in September.



Within the same period also, several road and other projects across the NDDC states have also been completed and put to use by the Commission. In addition, NDDC has also donated medical equipment and consumables and garbage trucks to the state governments in the region.

Akpabio Inaugurates Inter- Ministerial Technical Committee Of SIWP

••• Says Things Are Getting Better In The Niger Delta Region

In its effort at repositioning the Niger Delta Region to meet the needs of the people as directed by President Mohammadu Buhari, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, on Thursday, presented and launched the Strategic Implementation Work Plan( SIWP), in Abuja.

In his speech at the official presentation, Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who launched the plan and inaugurated the Inter- Ministerial Technical Committee of SIWP said," it is my honour and privilege to officially present and launch the Strategic Implementation Work Plan for adoption and deployment as a coordinating tool for tracking all planned and budgeted projects and programs of organizations( both Public and Private), operating in the Niger Delta Region".

According to Akpabio," One of the critical instruments we identified to trigger the anticipated change in the Region is the Strategic Implementation Work Plan (SIWP).. It is not a new initiative in the Niger Delta Region. It emerged as a result of concerted and several high-level political engagements by the Federal Government with key Stakeholders of the of the region in 2016, designed to coordinate all development interventions of both Government Agencies and Private Organizations operating in the Niger Delta Region."

The former Senate Minority Leader, listed the benefits of SIWP to include, but not limited to, " bringing to an end to the era of project duplication and multiplication by agencies of government in the region, the SIWP e-portal, a web- based monitoring system allows you to view projects being carried out in the region by both the public and private organizations, noting that, the potential benefits of SIWP is enormous for the Niger Delta Region and this is expected to become more visible and effective when the projects and programmes of the other critical stakeholders in the region are uploaded and all respective efforts are able to be tracked using the e-portal."

Speaking further, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, listed the task before the Committee to include, review and update the Strategic Implementation Work Plan, support in the technical coordination and planning for the implementation of development projects in the region, as encapsulated in the SIWP document and to liase with technical departments in various Ministries and Agencies and implement commitments captured in the Work Plan," among many others.

Akpabio commended the youths of the region for their peaceful conduct, saying," since the Amnesty Programme was introduced by the late President Umaru Yar'Adua and continued under the President Buhari-led administration, we have been having peace in the region. The era of pipeline vandalism is gone for good because the youths of the region have embraced peace for development."

He noted to that the recently signed Petroleum Industrial Act was part of the commitments and demonstration of President Buhari many efforts at ensuring that the oil producing communities benefited from whatever is gotten from their land, adding ," the PIA is to recognize the need for a by-in of the host communities so that they can also partake and take care of their very urgent needs, instead of going to beg the oil companies for some social amenities."

He also listed the gains of the recently concluded Forensic Audit into the activities of the interventionist agency; Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), stating that," after the completion of the forensic audit, we have started seeing projects completion without awarding fresh contracts. We have so far commissioned the NDDC headquarters building, the Police SUP Quarters, while in the next few days, over 1000 bedspace is set to be commissioned by Mr President at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State."

In his welcome address, the Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Omotayo Alasoadura, acknowledged the cooperation of the UK government through Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN) and Facility for Oil Sector Transformation (FOSTER), saying, " you will recall that at the last Roundtable discussion on SIWP with stakeholders in March, 2020, I had suggested the need to strengthen the initiative to accommodate and capture projects from more MDAs on the e-portal and continually build on this to accommodate all efforts targeted at developing the region. My initial concern and suggestion has been addressed in the SIWP e-portal being presented today".

Amamong, Okopedi Crisis: NDDC Intervenes To Restore Peace Between Warring Communities

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced efforts to reconstruct Comprehensive High School, Okobo, as a measure to restore peace between the warring Amamong and Okopedi communities of Okobo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The school, which has produced high profile members of society such as the current Secretary of Nigeria Bar Association, Barr. Joyce Odua and former Akwa Ibom House of Assembly Speaker and member, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Peter Linus, was destroyed as a result of the inter-communal conflict in December 2020.

Interim Administrator of the Commission, Dr. Efiong Akwa, who is also a product of the school, lamented "that almost one year after that unfortunate crisis the children who attend that school have not been able to resume school. We cannot allow this to continue. We can't deny these children the right to go to school."

This renowned high school which boast of prolific alumni like current Secretary of Nigeria Bar Association, Barr. Joyce Odua; Interim Administrator of NDDC, Dr. Efiong Akwa; and among others was wrecked beyond rehabilitation when Amamong and Okopedi communities picked up arms against each other, last year December.

Akwa said that NDDC "has decided to intervene in order for the students to return to class, adding: "We have to start engaging communities with this kind of interventions. NDDC is here to work with our communities to build infrastructure and foster lasting peace."

The NDDC boss disclosed that an assessment team of engineers, led by the acting Director of Utilities, Infrastructural Development and Waterways of the Commission, Engr. Aniefiok Iniokut, has submitted its report and the Commission is set to rebuild the school.

"We will build an ICT centre, a library, science laboratory, staff quarters, and an assembly hall," he said. Other facilities to be built include a solar water project, with reticulation, male and female hostels, a two-storey classroom block, principal/vice principal residence and perimeter fencing with a gate house.

Community leaders from Amamong and Okopedi communities who received the assessment team expressed joy over NDDC's planned intervention, noting that it will bring a lasting peace between them.

"We have been having a serious misunderstanding over our boundary lines. But with the coming of NDDC, I am sure all of that will be a thing of the past," the Okopedi youth leader, Ekpenyong Ekpenyong, said.

Chief Bassey Ikpadi from Amamong who is also the school's Parents/Teachers Association (PTA) chairman added: "We are happy for this NDDC's intervention. Their attention to this long abandoned school will help to harmonize us with Okopedi. We are grateful to our brother, Dr. Efiong Okon Akwa. He has brought a lasting peace and relief to the entire Okobo local government area and not just Amamong and Okopedi communities."

Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Pass Vote Of Confidence On Buhari, Akpabio For Development In The Region

•••• Buhari 'll Leave Behind, NDDC With New Terms Of Reference For Development- Akpabio

The leaders of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Forum ( NDENYF) on Thursday in Abuja, passed vote of confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister, Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for their commitments to the peace and development of the region.

The group, made up of all ethnic nationalities across the nine states of the Niger Delta Region, stated this while on a courtesy visit to the office of the Minister Niger Delta Affairs.

In a communique read on behalf of the youth group by its National President, Comrade Terry Obieh, the group said, " we acknowledge the commitment of the President in continuing with the Amnesty Programme; the ongoing works on the East-West road which we hope will be completed in 2022 and hereby pass a vote of confidence on Mr President and the Minister for their development strides in the region, since they came on board."

"We commend the Minister, Niger Delta Affairs on the efforts of his Ministry in fixing the failed section at Mkpolu which had claimed lives and obstructed commercial activities in the area. This is a major drainage channel which today, has saved lives of the residents."

The group thanked the current leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), through the directives of Mr President, for embarking on the completion of abandoned projects in the region, saying, " we applaud the new focus of the NDDC which is aimed at completing abandoned projects; some dating back to 14 years ago, and some which started during days of the OMPADEC, such as the completion and commissioning of the 14 storey NDDC headquarters complex, the recent commissioning of the SPU Quarters for the Nigeria Police and completion of over 77 roads in the region by the NDDC without awarding any new contract are commendable."

The communique noted the efforts of the President Buhari-led administration towards the Ogoni Clean- Up, stressing, " we commend the President on the Ogoni- Clean Up, while urging him to extend the exercise to other parts of the Niger Delta. We appreciate the efforts of the Minister in ensuring the provision of electricity in Ondo South with a 132KVA substation, started by the NDDC over 12 years ago. We equally applaud the completion of the 1000 bed space hostel accommodation which will soon be commissioned at the University of Uyo by the NDDC. We urge the NDDC to look into the one at Niger Delta University. "

The Niger Delta Youths did not end their visit without placing some demands on President Buhari through the Niger Delta Affairs Minister, saying, " with the completion of the Skill Acquisition Centres by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, we call on the NDDC and the Ministry to initiate empowerment programmes for Youths and take them off the streets, noting, with the upcoming Christmas celebrations, the Youths have asked us to inform the Minister and the NDDC to initiate programmes that will empower them for a peaceful celebration."

The group declared its support for the recently concluded forensic audit exercise into the activities of the NDDC, stating, " we support the Forensic Audit exercise and we urge the President to make the report public inorder to expose the offenders and recover monies looted from the NDDC for further development of the region, adding, we join other voices across the region and the country to call for the constitution of the NDDC board with terms of reference."

According to the three page communique, " we call for a special financing intervention for the East-West road. Information available to us is that the RCC handled the failed portions of the road. We request that Mr President directs that Julius Berger or some other competent hands take over the construction of the East-West road for the benefit of all."

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio, thanked the Youths for the visit which he described as a welcome development, noting, " instead of having divided voices in the region, the youth leaders have today decided to come together as one. This unity would have not have come at a better time than now. A period where President Muhammadu Buhari is doing a lot for the region."

" A period where the forensic audit has exposed over 14 thousand abandoned projects scattered allover the region. This exposure shows that the incoming board of the NDDC will have to continue and complete those projects for the people to own and use them. The current government will leave behind an NDDC with new terms of reference.

"This is a period of new focus for the empowerment of the people of the region and their development. A period when Niger Delta Youths are more focused than others which has made the region to be known as the most peaceful in the country, " Akpabio stressed.

Speaking further, the former Senate Minority Leader, charged the youths of the oil producing region to continue to maintain the current peace for the speedy development of the region as planned by the Buhari- led administration, saying, " as a government determined to take care of the future of our youths, we have put in place, Skill Acquisition Centres across the region. At the just concluded world forum in Paris, I canvassed for foreign investments in the region because of the peaceful disposition of our youths. I went there mainly to sell our potentials to the international investors and community."

According to Akpabio, " this is the period Nigeria is trying to diversify its economy and the people of the region should be the first to embrace it. Our youths must do everything possible to be part of this new interest. It is a region that a lot must be done because the youths need empowerment. In the past, the region was neglected by successive governments, but the current administration led by President Buhari is more than determined to make life meaningful for the people through infrastructural development and empowerment of the people."

The Minister disclosed that he was delighted to work with the youths as their Minister. " I am delighted to work with you as your Minister. We can talk to each other, inorder to have a better understanding of ourselves as a people. Let there be constant communication amongst us. When we are not well informed, fake news thrive in the society."

On the East- West road, Akpabio reiterated the commitment of the government to the completion of the road, saying " the Federal Government is not sleeping over the road. We are discussing special funding sources for the road. President Buhari wants to complete section four of the road before he leaves office. "

Jackson Udom, Chief Press Secretary To The Hon Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry

The Interim Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Efiong Akwa, says that the Commission must be transparent in its operations to better deliver on its mandate to the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during a two-day Workshop for management staff of the interventionist agency in Port Harcourt, Akwa declared that one of the biggest challenges to achieving organisational goals was lack of transparency and integrity.

"This workshop is part of on-going efforts initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari through the institution of the forensic audit into the activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission from inception to make the Commission better prepared to discharge its mandate to the Niger Delta region and Nigeria," he said.

Akwa stated that the core objective of the workshop was not just to re-orientate the participants to a new ideology of transparency and integrity, "but to offer knowledge and skills required to work more effectively."

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer stated: "The expected outcome is to enhance the performance and job delivery efficiency of all the Commission's staff to ensure that we are better equipped to offer the Niger Delta region a service that meets their expectations and dreams. And this is very vital to the life and relevance of this Commission to be able to facilitate the sustainable development of the Niger Delta diligently, efficiently, and effectively.

“As a Commission, the task before us is to establish the institutional framework that will support the prudent and diligent discharge of our duties within the legal and institutional demands for integrity, decency, and due process.”

Akwa observed that the workshop would help to create a new zeal among the staff, encouraging them to become champions for transparency at all procedural and structural levels of work in NDDC.

“To achieve our mandate," he stated, "we must be willing and determined to be the change we seek for the Niger Delta region. We must be willing and ready to comply with the civil service rules, financial regulations, as well as with the ICPC, EFCC and CCB acts and other extant rules and laws in Nigeria.

“The Federal Government, under President Buhari, and our supervising Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio, is keen to establish within the Commission, and within us all, a new attitude towards our duties within the workplace. If we must become change agents, we must be equipped adequately to do what is right, within the law and our moral obligations. That is the new spirit we must embrace in NDDC. That is the new NDDC we must, collectively, build. We owe it to ourselves, this Commission, our stakeholders, and this great region. In the end, we will stand right before man and before God.”

One of the leading militant groups in the Niger Delta region, Niger Delta Redemption Frontiers has reacted to a news report that the Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Sentaor Godswill Obot Akpabio bribed Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo with $1million to halt his earlier agitation for appointment of the substantive board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
Recall that Tompolo had in May this year issued a seven-day ultimatum to Federal Government for urgent inauguration of a substantive NDDC baord, insisting that there was going to be consequences if a substantive board is not inaugurated at the expiration of the ultimatum.
Recall also that an online news medium had reported that Tompolo allegedly accepted the sum of $1 million USD as appeasement to cancel his earlier 7-day ultimatum, alleging that the conciliation is the reason why a substantive board is yet to be inaugurated for NDDC.
Briefing newsmen last weekend in Port Harcourt, one of the leading militant groups, Niger Delta Redemption Frontiers, NDRF said that there was never a time before, during or after the said meeting with the minister where any amount of money was given to Tompolo, describing the report as false and baseless.
Leading members of the group to the media briefing, the leader Abalagha Enai also known as Messiah said that the news report is only a figment of the writer’s imagination and warned perpetuators of evil news to stop distracting the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio and the Interim Administrator of NDDC, Mr. Efiong Akwa from carrying out with the good works of developing the region.
Messiah, who was seriously angry said: “President Muhammadu Buhari called for meeting of Niger Delta Stakeholders and pleaded that we should remain calm that a substantive board will be inaugurated immediately after the forensic audit is completed, submitted and accepted. We agreed with him. Not for anything, but for the respect we have for the exalted office of Mr. President. How then will someone come to say that Tompolo was bribed to back down on his earlier 7-day ultimatum for the board to be inaugurated?
“We’ve heard of so many reports against the Honourable Minister but all what we have to tell the carriers of evil news is that Senator Akpabio is doing well as minister. To say that funds in the NDDC are turned to personal use is a disservice to the revered minister. First, they should know that NDDC’s budget is still pending at the Senate and that the meagre funds expended by the commission is directly from the Presidency and available records show that it has been judiciously used. Or haven’t we seen that for the first time in the history of NDDC that abandoned projects are being completed and commissioned? Look at what will happen any moment from now as a result of the just concluded forensic audit.
“Also, Mr. Efiong Akwa’s tenure as the head of administration in NDDC is so rewarding. Let it also be on records that Akpabio is not try change the signature of Mr. Akwa in the Single Treasury Account, TSA. And it is not also true that Efiong is a puppet of Akpabio in the NDDC. Every payment done is documented and can be accounted for. They should also know that Efiong is a Certified Accountant with many years of experience. Besides, the duo of Akpabio and Effiong won’t dare not try anything to tannish their image after going through the rough path of forensic auditing. Efiong has been consistent and pragmatic in his line of duties; always in the office to attend to issues demanding his attention and sometimes stays in the office into the wee hours of the night. He has never deprived anybody of his presence and we can boast of his erudite leadership style in the commission.
“They also said that Akpabio threatened Akwa with a ‘sack’ when he refused to sign for payment. How did come about the information when they also said that it took place in a private meeting between the minister and the NDDC IA? Those are all fabrications from the minds of unclean fellows. They should have mentioned the payment Mr. Akwa refused to sign which prompted Akpabio say ‘pay or I sack you.’
“So, we want to use this as the greatest medium to warn perpetuators of evil things to desist from it or we will be forced to react in a more surprising manner next time. No man or group has the monopoly of violence. The people trying to create unnecessary tension in Niger Delta should desist from it. We also want to advise their sponsors to learn the ways of peace, which is the only way to achieve our long-desired development,” Messiah said.

Wisecracks, Banters, Laughter As Buhari Commissions Police Barracks By Etim Etim

A packed audience of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Inspector General of Police, ministers, National Assembly members, the Interim Administrator of NDDC and directors, senior police and government officials, as well as religious and traditional leaders cracked up in laughter yesterday as Gov. Nyesom Wike and Senator Godswill Akpabio exchanged banters publicly at the commissioning of a police barracks in Omagwa, Port Harcourt.

The complex was built and donated by the Niger Delta Development Commission to the Special Protection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.

Ordinary folks and community members, not used to such high-profile hilarity, could not contain their excitement. Even before the two men went up the podium to make their speeches, I could tell from my vantage position that their conversations were largely filled with some repartees, and Prof Osinbajo, seated between them, was enjoying their jokes.

Senator Akapbio started it all in his speech, saying that although Gov Wike were doing well as a governor; he would not acknowledge it publicly, "because he is not a member of APC." (Laughs.) Then he added, ‘’I will not even join the bandwagon of those calling for the governor to join APC. We have enough troubles in our party already’." (More laughter.)

Soon after, the governor had his turn. ‘’I thought we came here to commission this beautiful complex. I did not know that the minister was planning to turn the event into a political arena." (More laughter. Applause.)

The governor was not done. ‘’I cannot leave a place where I am having malaria to where I will get cancer," he continued, in an apparent reference to calls for him to join APC. The audience, led by Vice President Osinbajo, doubled up in more laughter.

Gov. Wike commended NDDC for completing the barracks and handing over to the police. ‘’I don’t know who leaked my secret plans to NDDC. Just seven months ago, I was planning to take over this place and complete it. But apparently the Commission got a hint of my plan and quickly mobilized contractors to site’," he joked.

The governor praised the Commission for a good job done, essentially returning the compliments which its chief executive, Mr Efiong Akwa, had paid him in his welcome remarks.

We had thought that the banters were all over until Prof Osinbanjo got on to the podium to read President Buhari’s speech. ‘’Well’’, the Vice President started with a smile, ‘’I will eventually settle the controversy between the governor and the minister at a later date…’’. The crowd roared.

The executive conviviality beamed live on national television was a clear indication that despite political differences, our leaders do share a good dose of friendliness. ‘’But we ordinary folks take our differences to the extreme. It should not be’’, a middle-aged man who sat by me said just before the police band struck the first note of the National Anthem to close the day's events.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoKQY92YrOY

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHvi1FnkJyU

President Muhammadu Buhari has applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for supporting the security agencies in the Niger Delta region in their efforts to ensure a peaceful environment.

The President, who was represented by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, spoke yesterday at the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Barracks, Special Protection Unit, SPU, Base 6 Project, at Omagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He said that the Police Force was a crucial component of the nation’s law enforcement architecture; being a civil force that was closest to the people in various communities.

The President stated: “In the past month, we have been undertaking a major reform of the Police Force. We believe that we must increase the number of police personnel hence, we have set yearly recruitment targets.

“We are also in the process of re-equipping both in personnel and hardware. An important feature of the reform is accommodation for officers and I have directed that building of barracks for men and women of the police force should be done in collaboration with the Social Housing effort of the Family Home Funds.

“Today’s event meets two objectives, the first being that it is an important part of our government’s effort to improve the lives and livelihood of our police officers. It is also another important milestone in my administration’s pursuit of peace, prosperity and development of the Niger Delta region. We recognize that establishing adequate security is absolutely integral to the fulfilment of this objective.”

President Buhari observed that funding of the Police Force remained a huge challenge, which was why the Federal Government was working with the National Assembly to enact the Police Trust Fund Act, adding that efforts were being made to improve funding for the police.

In his own remarks, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, thanked the NDDC Interim Administrator, Mr Efiong Akwa, “for doing a difficult job well.”

The Minister noted: “This is the second step in our march to development. The first step was the commissioning of the new NDDC headquarters.”

Akpabio said that the NDDC would continue to invite the President to commission projects, stating: “We have a big project that we will also invite Mr. President to commission in November this year and the Commission has completed 77 road projects hitherto abandoned.”

He assured that his ministry would persist in its quest to complete the East West road from Warri to Oron in the shortest possible time.

Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, said the event represented a landmark for the police. He said: “This is very significant for the police. It is a legacy project for the SPU since its creation in 2009. It shows NDDC’s commitment to support the police. It will help the police a lot.

“This has made a bold statement that the NDDC is out to support the police. We urge other organizations to also support the police force. This project is a model we want to adopt for the police across the country.

In his welcome address, the NDDC Interim Administrator, Dr Efiong Akwa, said the barracks shows NDDC’s continued commitment to fostering security in the Niger Delta region through the provision of befitting and comfortable accommodation for security personnel.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer noted that the facility consisted of an administrative block, including the armoury, gate house, underground cell and 66 units of accommodation. These 66 units include the commander’s residence, second-in-command’s residence and 64 one-bedroom flats.

He said: “We acknowledge that the NDDC will not have been able to perform well without the support of the security agencies, especially the police. It follows, therefore, that it is in our best interest to continue to assist the Police to combat crime effectively within the region.”

The Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, said he was delighted to hear that the era of taking NDDC as a cash cow was over. He commended the NDDC Interim Administration for realising that government was a continuum and that all projects needed to be completed.

He said that the Interim Administrator would feel fulfilled to let the world know some of the projects he had been able to complete. He also stressed the need for synergy between the governors of the region and the NDDC.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, said that the mandate of the NDDC was gradually being achieved, with projects such as the barracks for the police.

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the provision of modern accommodation to the police is an important feature of the comprehensive reform of the service which his administration is embarking on.

President Buhari stated this at the commissioning ceremony of the ultra modern Nigeria Police (Special Protection Unit Base 6) barracks of the Nigeria Police, built and donated by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in Omagwa, Rivers State.

President Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, noted that the barracks from the NDDC will not only improve the welfare of the SPU, but enhance the peace and prosperity of the Niger Delta region. The President also praised the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the NDDC management for giving adequate priority to key projects.

The facility comprises a commander’s quarters, 68 residential flats, offices and other facilities. It is named after the President himself.

Other persons who spoke at the event were Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; Senator Akpabio; the Inspector General of Police, Mr Alkali Baba Usman; the chairman of Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi and his House of Representatives counterpart, Hon Tunji Olubunmi-Ojo.

Gov Wike said previous NDDC management failed, not just because of corruption and mismanagement, but also because "they did not create synergy between the Commission and the state governments."

In his own remarks, Senator Akpabio said the new drive by the management of the Commission is ‘’derived from the marching order the President gave us to complete all key developmental projects abandoned by the NDDC."

He noted that in the next few weeks, the President would be invited again to commission a 132-KVA electricity substation in Ondo State, which will enhance the electrification of the southern parts of Ondo State and provide electricityto about five local government areas.

He commended the Interim Administrator of NDDC, stating: "To Efiong Akwa, Interim Administrator of the NDDC, thank you for doing a difficult job well."

The Inspector General of Police was visibly excited as he formally took possession of the barracks. He described the commissioning ceremony as ‘’a landmark event’’ and noted that "this was the first ever mega residential facility for the SPU since it was created in 2009", as a strategic unit dedicated to providing security to high-risk personalities and politicians.

The Interim Administrator of the Commission, Efiong Akwa, had earlier in his welcome address traced the history of the project, saying that construction started in 2012 but was delayed due to nonpayment of contractors.

He added: ‘’But because the President had ordered us to complete important projects that have relevance to the lives of the people, we had to do all we could to finance the completion of this barracks."