Return NDDC Chairmanship To Delta Now, Zoning It To Edo State Is Unconstitutional And Violates The NDDC Establishment ACT, Comade Austin Ozobo Tells President Buhari

Return NDDC Chairmanship To Delta Now, Zoning It To Edo State Is Unconstitutional And Violates The NDDC Establishment ACT, Comade Austin Ozobo Tells President Buhari

Francis Tayor

We reiterate that it is the turn of Delta State to produce the current Niger Delta Development commission, NDDC, Chairman and not Edo state. The appointment of Dr Pius Odubu from Edo state as the substantive Chairman of the NDDC board contravene the laws establishing the commission. The act explicitly made it clear that the position of the Chairman should be rotated among NDDC member states on alphabetic order, and going by the alphabetic order, the first chairman was produced by Abia which is Mr.Oyema Oguchukwu in 2001, followed by Akwa Ibom, Amb. Sam Edem, then Baylesa, Larry Konya and Dr, Timipa,  while Cross River produced Bassy Ewa – Henshaw appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

And according to the alphabetic order in the NDDC act which has been the guiding principle of the commission since its creation ,it is now the turn of alphabetic D, and alphabet D, stands for Delta State and not Edo state.

Obviously, by the analysis above it is clear that the appointment of Edo man as the current NDDC Chairman is illegal as it violates the act of the commission of year 2000, volume 4.

The appointment of Benin who do not produced a drop of oil in Edo state as chairman in NDDC board is unacceptable. It is preferable to appoint Ijaws of Edo who produced the oil to the NDDC board and not Benin who do not produced a drop of oil. It is disguesting,  an injustice need to be corrected in immediate effect.

Again, the MD of the commission is to be rotated by production quantum and currently Bayelsa produced the highest quantum of oil and not Delta. It is also expected that the MD position be zoned to Bayelsa state, and the Chairman position return back to Delta State , and the current two illegal boards; both alleged substantive and interim be dissolved and fresh board inline with the NDDC establishment act be consituted.

Besides, we see no necessity to set up an Interim Management Board to pilot the affairs of the foresic audit. It's a deliberate clog on the wheel of development in the region and to distract smooth running of the commission.

We are aware that during President Goodluck Jonathan administration there was a forensic audit in NNPC. It does not shutdown NNPC activities, and no interim management board was set up to oversee the audit.

Similar thing happened in Oando PLC, a forensic audit was carried out by Deloitte and Touche, which indicted the oil firm of various scandals and infractions that led to its suspension by Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. This was carried out without a shutdown of activities in Oando, and was not done by an interim Management committee.
Audit is normally Carried out by government internal and external auditors. The Akpabio interim committee is set up with interior motives as it is unnecessary borthering to the government. A simple question to answer, If Akpabio does not have confidence in the substantive NDDC board to suppervise the forensic audit, what makes him to believe that Joy Gbeneh Nunieh who is a Rivers State representative in the substantive NDDC board will not compromise being appointed as chairman of the interim Management committee?

It is a fact that, the NDDC substantive Board too is faulty. With the zoning of the chairmanship to Edo state which is a violation or contravention of the NDDC establishment ACT. We want it to be corrected as well but if the authorities concerned fail to correct it ,we believe it will be corrected through various legal actions pending in the law court.

Similarly, It is Ijaws turn to produce the current Chairman of NDDC board, apart from acting capacity since the creation of the commission no Ijaw man in Delta State has been appointed as substantive chairman of NDDC board.

It is disgusting, the Uhrobo's produced the nation's deputy Senate president, the minister of labour and illegal board MD Uhrobo and Ed project , Uhrobo. It is unfair, Uhrobo's are not the only tribe or oil producing ethnic nationality in Delta State. Senator Omo_agege is turning a greedy politician, and this will affect him of his guber ambition in 2023 in Delta State.

In same vein, we want presidency to take over suppervision of  NDDC back from Niger Delta ministry led by Godswill Akpabio, a power drunked Niger Delta Minister. We have lost confidence in him,we do not believe that he has the capacity to function as Niger Delta Minister, looking at the political diversity and ethnic complexity of the region. It is glaring that NDDC will die a natural death and its purpose of creation will be defeated if allowed to be watch over by Godswill Akpabio who is desperate to farm on it.

Signed:

Comrade Ozobo Austin,
National president Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI.

Senate Confirms 15 NDDC Board Nominees, Rejects Nunieh Joy Of Rivers State On Refusal To Appear Before The Panel For Screening

Senate Confirms 15 NDDC Board Nominees, Rejects Nunieh Joy Of Rivers State On Refusal To Appear Before The Panel For Screening

…confirms appointments of Tosho as Chief Judge, Kanyip as NIC President

…Holds a minute silence in honour of Jummai Tafawa Balewa, Mobolaji Johnson

Francis Tayor

Abuja_____ The Senate on Tuesday confirmed fifteen out of the sixteen nominees forwarded by President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly for confirmation as board members of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The nominees confirmed by the Senate are: Dr. Pius Odubu (Edo), Chairman; Bernard Okumagba (Delta), Managing Director; Engr. Otobong Ndem (Akwa-Ibom), Executive Director (Projects); Maxwell Oko (Bayelsa), Executive Director, Finance and Admin; Jones Erue (Delta), and Chief Victor Ekhator (Edo).

Others are: Nwogu N. Nwogu (Abia), Theordore Allison (Bayelsa), Victor Antai (Akwa-Ibom), Maurice Effiwatt (Cross River), Olugbenga Edema (Ondo), Hon. Uchegbu Chidiebere Kyrian (Imo), Aisha Murtala Muhammed (Kano), Shuaibu Ardo Zubairu (Adamawa), and Ambassador Abdullahi Bage (Nasarawa).

The upper chamber however rejected the nomination of Dr. Joy Yimebe Nunieh, as nominee representing Rivers State on the board.

Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, in his presentation of the committee’s report, explained that the committee sent an invitation to the nominee twice to attend the screening exercise last week.

The lawmaker, however, told his colleagues on the floor that the nominee on both occasions refused to appear before the panel for screening.

Nwaoboshi drew the attention of the upper chamber to the three-man Interim Management Committee to oversee the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

According to him, the nominee, Dr. Joy Yimebe Nunieh is Acting Managing Director of the Interim Committee.

The committee has Dr. Cairo Ojougboh as Acting Executive Director, Projects and Chief Ibanga Bassey Etang as the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration.

The upper chamber, in a committee of the whole, thereafter unanimously rejected the nomination of Nunieh as nominee representing Rivers State over his refusal to appear before the NDDC panel for screening.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, while speaking on the existence of the interim committee to oversee the NDDC said, “I think there’s no ambiguity in this matter. Mr. President sent to the Senate his request for us to confirm his nominees.

“As soon as they (nominees) are confirmed, I’m sure any other structure that exists now is vitiated.

“I don’t think we have anything to worry about, because this is something that is clearly established by the law.”

Lawan tasked the Senate Committee on NDDC on the need to properly oversight the commission as soon as the new board takes over the management of the agency.

“The NDDC is a special case. We recall that the President had cause to ask for a total probe of what happened with the finances of the NDDC.

“We are supposed to continually oversight wherever public funds are put out for the development of the country,” Lawan added.

Recall that the upper chamber had last week Tuesday received a formal request from President Muhammadu Buhari for the confirmation of their appointments.

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Honourable Justice J.T. Tosho as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria; and Hon. Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip as the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.

The upper chamber also on Tuesday resolved to send a delegation to condole with the families of Tafawa Balewa and Mobolaji Johnson over the death of Hajiya Jummai Tafawa Balewa and Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson.

The decision was reached after a one minute silence was held in honour of the deceased following two motions brought to the floor by Senators Muhammad Bulkchuwa (APC, Bauchi North) and Oluremi Tinubu (APC, Lagos Central), respectively.

Hajiya Jummai Tafawa Balewa was the last surviving wife of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa; while Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson was the first Military Governor of Lagos State from May 1967 to July 1975.

The Senate, in a motion, also urged the Federal Government to immortalise Hajiya Jummai Tafawa Balewa.

NDDC: Federal Government To Collaborate With Foreign Partners To Develop The Niger Delta Region, Says Sen Godswill Akpabio

NDDC: Federal Government To Collaborate With Foreign Partners To Develop The Niger Delta Region, Says Sen Godswill Akpabio

Francis Tayor

Abuja____ The Federal Government is to partner with African Export and Import Bank and other International Agencies that can give its funds at Zero percent or single digit for the building of major industries and factories in the Niger Delta region.

Senator Akpabio said this when the President of Ijaw Youth Council, Barr. Oweilami Pereotubo with other Ethnic Youth Leaders from the Niger Delta Region paid a courtesy call on the Minister on Tuesday November 5th, 2019, in Abuja.

According to Senator Akpabio, the partnership will create the platform for the youths to explore the opportunities in the agricultural and crude oil value chain. He added that this will create employment opportunities and also bring sustainable peace and development in the region.

The Minister called on the people who are sponsoring the youths to protest against the 3-Man Interim Committee recently inaugurated to oversee the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to toe the part of dialogue. Adding that nobody is opposed to the inauguration of the NDDC Board which has been screened by the National Assembly.

Senator Akpabio noted that the NDDC has the capacity to turn around the fortune of the Niger Delta Region. He commended the youth for bringing peace to the region and also congratulated them for their commitment and tenacity which brought about the creation of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

Speaking further, he said that human capital development most go hand in hand with infrastructural development and called on the youth to diversify the economy
of the region, because according to him “any country or region that has failed to plan has planned to fail”.
Senator Akpabio stressed that anybody who is given the responsibility to run the region should know that blood had flowed and whoever is stealing NDDC money is stealing blood money. He pledged to work with the youths to improve and alleviate the suffering of the people in the region.

The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry is planning to consult with Stakeholders and conduct Basic Needs Assessment from State to State to find out programmes and activities required from each communities. “Working together we can make the difference, I am an agent of change, Niger Delta will not be the same.” He said.
Earlier the leader of the delegation Elder Timi Kaiser Ogouriba, said that the region had been deprived for very long time and called on anyone who has the responsibility of taking care of the region to do it properly for posterity. He implored the Minister to leave his foot prints on the sand of time.

Elder Ogouriba noted that the youths are ready to synergies with the Ministry to bring succor to the region. Adding that this will bring peace and development to the people who are major contributor to the country’s economy. He charged the Minister to relate with stakeholders so that issues that may lead to further agitation can be addressed before it escalates.

In his remark, the President of Urhobo Youth Council Worldwide, Comrade Terry Obuieh pleaded with the Minister to ignore the call for his sack from some quarters as a result of the Interim Management Committee recently inaugurated by the Federal Government to oversee the NDDC during the forensic audit. He described the Minister as a man of action who is determined to bring accountability and good governance to the people of the Niger Delta.

Comrade Obuieh added that all the youths in the region are in support of the forensic audit directed by the Federal Government.

CEPEJ 10th Annual Conference To Hold 12th Nov. 2019 At Abuja, Corruption, Insecurity Tops Discussion, As Mulade Advocates Good Living For Nigerian Citizens

CEPEJ 10th Annual Conference To Hold 12th Nov. 2019 At Abuja, Corruption, Insecurity Tops Discussion, As Mulade Advocates Good Living For Nigerian Citizens

Francis Tayor

Abuja____ The management of Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice CEPEJ, has roll out date for its 10th Annual Conference scheduled to hold on the 12th of November, 2019 at the Nigeria Air force Conference Centre, Abuja.

A statement made available to newsmen in a Press Briefing yesterday 4th November, 2019 by the CEO/National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade at CEPEJ's operational office Abuja, stated that corruption, insecurity would be the burning issues to be discussed by prominent Nigerians and United Nations representatives at the event.

Comrade Mulade stressed that government alone cannot combat corruption and insecurity to a stand still, hence it needs the collaboration of private organizations to support the effort of government to succeed. It is for this reason that CEPEJ is in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in politics, government, civil society, as well as international organizations to look at current issues, statistics and measures towards developing Africa.

According to the Press Briefing reads; "  Gentlemen of the Press, other distinguished personalities here present.
May I thank you all for your presence, it is my pleasure to welcome you to CEPEJ's operational office here in Abuja.

We are particularly delighted to see our colleagues and CEPEJ's partners from the government and international agencies here today. We have in this gathering very distinguished personalities as representatives of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes, UNODC, the National Orientation Agency, NOA, as well as the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, IPCR.

CEPEJ is collaborating with these key agencies to ensure that Justice is done to the theme of this year’s annual conference, which is  “ the development implications of insecurity and corruption for Africa”.

CEPEJ is happy to hinge this year’s conference on pertinent issues affecting Africa's development in modern times. As a frontline advocacy NGO for sustainable development goals, CEPEJ will continue to champion conferences and activities that will enhance quality living for the people.

It is a common knowledge that corruption and insecurity are global challenges that require global solutions. It is for this reason that CEPEJ is in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in politics, government, civil society, as well as international organizations, to look at current issues, statistics and measures towards developing Africa.

We are aware that government is saddled with the responsibility of combating corruption and insecurity, which is  the mantra of the current administration, and we acknowledge the fact that governmant cannot do it all alone.

One thing is clear, words are not enough. Just by simply saying that we need development in our countries, communities, towns and villages will not make it happen. We need multilateral efforts more than ever before to achieve development.

This is why in line with our vision and mission as a not-for-profit NGO with limited resources, we have self-funded this conference so as to reach out to participants and facilitators who will use their expertise to highlight focused areas  and ensure that the different perspectives of the topic are captured and documented.

This will then be issued as a communiqué for use in policy reforms by all stakeholders and to serve as a benchmark for measuring growth and development. We need to be effective in asserting our values and in addressing the root causes of corruption and insecurity which include but are not limited to fear, mistrust, anxiety and anger.

Participants invited for the conference cut across students from secondary and tertiary institutions, Youth Corps members, the Nigerian military and paramilitary bodies, government and its agencies, as well as other CSOs and NGOs.

Expected keynote speakers are the Honourable Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Malami Abubakar and his counterpart from the Ministry of Interior His Excellency, Rauf Aregbesola and the lead paper will be presented by team leads from UNODC, while day two is equally loaded with speakers.

Date: 12th November 2019.
Venue: Nigeria Air force Conference Centre, Abuja.Time:10am prompt

CEPEJ will also present awards to deserving individuals and bodies selected from within Africa by an independent committee comprising academics, researchers and professionals from the different geo-political zones of Nigeria. We do believe that the selected individuals represent the change we desire to see in our systems, therefore, honouring them will take others in the direction that leads to growth and development for all.

That is why we are much more committed to this year's edition of CEPEJ's 10th annual conference, and making sure that it provides a platform for action.

It is worthy of note to mention that CEPEJ is fully committed to the implemention of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) and in line with this CEPEJ is building bridges of Peaceful coexistence through the use of sports to promote unity between two rival ethnic groups in Delta State, the IJAWS of Warri and their ITSEKIRI neighbours in Delta State, to mark the INTERNATIONAL DAY OF TOLERANCE, on the 16th of November, 2019, at Ugborodo an itsekiri town and Benikrukru an Ijaw Community. Both communities are hosting  the second edition of this year Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Cup football tournament from on 16th to 30th of November, 2019.

Gentlemen of the Press, I wish to pause here and allow our partners to speak briefly on the conference ahead of us as significant stakeholders."

Thank you very much for your attention.

Comrade Sheriff Mulade, CEO/National Coordinator, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ.

Just In: Ijaw Women Connect Congratulates Dr. Julius Takeme With Portrait Photograph, As Takeme, Oromoni, Alubeze, Afore Charges IWC Members To Maintain Integrity And Protect The Pride Of Ijaw Women In The Society

Just In: Ijaw Women Connect Congratulates Dr. Julius Takeme With Portrait Photograph, As Takeme, Oromoni, Alubeze, Afore Charges IWC Members To Maintain Integrity And Protect The Pride Of Ijaw Women In The Society

Francis Tayor

Warri____ Members of the popular ljaw female interest advocate group under the aegis of Ijaw Women Connect (IWC) Western Zone, has congratulated the Chairman PDP Delta South Senatorial District, Chief Dr. Julius Takeme with amazing portrait photograph on his appointment as Chairman PDP Delta South to pilot the affairs of the umbrella party in the district.

The colourful buffet like making event took place yesterday Sunday 3rd November, 2019 at the Chairman's resident Okotokoto, along Urhuwhorun road in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. The occasion attracted so many dignitaries from both the political and business class in Burutu, including the honorable member representing Burutu South in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Pullah Ekpotuayerin, the Executive Chairman Burutu LGA, Hon Godknows Angele, the Leader of Burutu Legislative Arm, Hon Joseph Alubeze, the Chairman PDP Burutu LGA, Hon Ebike Oromoni, Dr. Sunny Afore, Barr David Otutufegha, Chief. Love Torulolo, Hon Kofi Amasuomo, Engr. Mike Akpi, Hon Solomon Gbegha, Mr. Teddy Benikurukuru, Hon Spencer Takeme, Hon Number one Alfred, Hon Ebisine and others too numerous to mentioned.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Chairperson Ijaw Women Connect (IWC) Western Zone, Comrade Mrs. Evelyn Ogilika congratulated Chief Takeme on his appointment as PDP Chairman Delta South Senatorial District, stressing that the visit was to also identify with him, as well as to invite him officially in their forthcoming Conference scheduled to hold on the 8th/9th November, 2019 in Warri.

According to Mrs Ogilika said; " Ijaw Women Connect is an advocate group with the aim of protecting the value of ljaw woman in our society. IWC was founded in 2016 at Yenagoa, and we are spread all over the world including U.S.A and UK. Our National President is Comrade Rosemary Naingba from Amasuomo Town in Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State . We sensitized our women on the need to participate in politics, as well as teach them on various skill acquisition programmes, such as soap making, bead making, fashion design etc. We have come to identify with you as a worthy son of ljaw Nation to partner with us, as well as to support our programmes, Mrs Ogilika stated."

In his response, Chief Takeme thank IWC for the visit and the honour bestowed on him. " I never expected this from you people. l will try my best to attend your forthcoming Conference, as well as support your programmes whenever the need arises. However, l charged your body to do more in the area of publicity, so as to engage more of our women in the rural areas. Also, you must be united to always protect the pride of ljaw women before the world, Chief Takeme asserted. "

Speaking from the business class, Dr Sunny Afore charges the women to maintain their integrity, noting that they should protect the ljaw cultural value, as well as the pride of ljaw women in our society. He urged them to make ljaw nation proud as the virtuous woman in the Bible.

In his piece of advice, Hon Ebike Oromoni urges lWC to be fully involved in active party politics, stressing with that, ljaw politicians would be able to attract more women into political appointment.

Also speaking is the leader of Burutu Legislative Arm, Hon Joseph Alubeze, he charges lWC to be well organized, so as the government will recognize them accordingly. He urged them to come up with women friendly bills, and that his office is always  open and ready to welcome them, Hon Joe stated.

However, climax of the occasion was the presentation of portrait photograph to the Chairman PDP Delta South Senatorial District, Chief Dr. Julius Takeme by the Chairperson IWC, Mrs Evelyn Ogilika.

Gov Okowa's Aide On Security, Daniel Ezekiel Synergizes With The Chairman Delta State Waterways/Land Security Committee, Evang Boro Opudu To Curb Insecurity Across The State

Gov Okowa's Aide On Security, Daniel Ezekiel Synergizes With The Chairman Delta State Waterways/Land Security Committee, Evang Boro Opudu To Curb Insecurity Across The State

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Delta State Governor on Security Matters, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman Delta State Waterways/Land Security Committee, Evang. Boro Opudu to synergize with him and also tap from his wealth of experience in the security business.

The August visit took place yesterday 1st November, 2019 at the office of the Chairman, Governor's office Annex Warri, also create an avenue for both government officials to familiarize themselves in order to work in harmony to ensure peaceful society for all Deltans.

In his speech, the Senior Special Assistant Comrade Ezekiel commended Chief Boro Opudu for his good works in the area of security across Delta State. He further stressed that, " I have come to synergize with your office, as well as to tap from your wealth of experience in the area of security in order to ensure peaceful society across Delta State."

In his reaction, the Chairman Delta State Waterways/Land Security Committee, Evang. Boro Opudu appreciated the efforts of the visiting SSA, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel for his proactiveness in the past three months in office, urges him to keep the good work.

Evang. Opudu noted that, as a security personnel, " we work with information, especially Intelligence gathering. We don't carry arms neither go to war. We are to work with every other security agencies, such as the Police, Army, Navy and the DSS in the state. We will work together to achieve the Prosperity Agenda of our Governor, His Excellency, Sen Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for all Deltans. Once again, congratulations on your appointment and welcome to the business of security, Boro Opudu stated."

Just-In : Bomadi Council Boss, Hon William Angadi Bags Delta State Award Of Best Performing Local Government Chairman In lnfrastructural Development

Just-In : Bomadi Council Boss, Hon William Angadi Bags Delta State Award Of Best Performing Local Government Chairman In lnfrastructural Development

Francis Tayor

Bomadi___ The Executive Chairman of Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon William Angadi has bagged the Award of Best performing Executive Chairman in Infrastructural Development in Delta State. The Award was presented to him today 1st November, 2019 by the leader of the Centre For Democratic Governance in Africa, Dr. Dafe Apocha and his team at the Council's Secretariat, Bomadi.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, the team leader, Dr. Dafe Apocha who is the Director General of the Centre described Hon William Angadi as a pacesetter, a man who has placed excellence to his work and also a man with taste, stating that his leadership style is none to compare with.

Dr Dafe in his words said; " We know how this Council used to look like few years ago, and how other council Secretariat looks like. But today, because we have visited the 25 Local Government Areas of the State and could not find any to beat the standard of the Bomadi local government council secretariat. He described some council secretariats as where they rare pigs and chicken not beffiting for human living.

He futher expressed that the era of governing and not governing well is gone and that Hon William Angadi has distinguished himself among others.

Presenting the award, the centre also inducted him into the centre's fellowship and gave him a visa free cum ticket free visit to Canada fully sponsored by the centre.

When receiving the Award on behalf of the Council boss, Chief Mrs Flora Biripu, the Executive Vice Chairman thanked the centre for recognising her boss, noting that what the chairman deserves is that of truth. She said the facelift of the Council secratariat is unprecedented and it is obvious for all to see and to commend. She promised that she will relay their message back to the Council boss and will still charge him to do more.

In his reaction, the Scribe, Hon Gbekubor when addressing the Press immediately after the presentation, said we have gotten the best this time, a man who have standard and understands the rudiments of good governance. He also congratulated the Council boss for a well deserved award.

Speaking on behalf of the Supervisory Councillors, Hon Pius Funtoru, described the performance of the chairman as above average, that he has placed excellence in everything he does. He also thanked Engr Titus Clark the HOD works for been supportive, the statement adds.