NDDC saga: Group raises alarm of plot to divert IOCs monthly remittance in EFCC custody

NDDC saga: Group raises alarm of plot to divert IOCs monthly remittance in EFCC custody

The people of the Niger Delta oil rich region have risen alarm of planned diversion of millions of dollars in the custody of Economic and finance crime commission (EFCC) belong ing to Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which paid by International Oil Companies (IOCs) for the past six months following directive by federal government to stop remitting NDDC until final investigation on the current financial mismanagement of NDDC's  IMC is over.

vowed to stage a demonstration to the streets the non-remittance of funds paid by the International Oil Companies to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

 National Coordinator of Ijaw Interest Advocate, otherwise called Izanzan camp  Amb. Arerebo Salaco Yerinmene, and the Chairman Emeritus of Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC, Eastern Zone and National President of Patriotic Ijaw Youth Leaders disclosed during a press conference in Warri at the weekend had  accused the anti-graft agency of diversion of funds meant for the development of the region, urging the President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the issue and stop the injustice melting on the people of Niger Delta region.

 Sir Sammy George, in Yenagoa, alleged that the Interim Management Committee of NDDC has been restricted from having access to IOC's funds for about six months now following law enforcement agencies recommendation.

The group noted that the collective sensibility has been taken for granted and jeopardized, while fingering some ministers from the region to conniving with the EFCC in the diversion of IOC for personal reasons.

The group vowed "we shall never, for any reason, allow anybody, for any reason whatsoever, to impoverish us further and any further attempt to loot the commonwealth of our people, we shall resort to occupying the streets of the Niger Delta. We shall use all means necessary to fight against this move, if it is not stopped immediately". 

The group reemphasized that they will not allow anybody or institution, for any reason whatsoever, to impoverish the people of Niger Delta through executive corrupt practices, looting the commonwealth of our people. We shall resist every force against our development, even in the midst of persecution, relegation and oppression, as we have resolved to occupy the streets of the Niger Delta to disrupt the operation of the IOC's and their facilities until such perceived broad day light manoeuvring of funds is stopped.

The statement reads in part:

''As we go down to express our fears, I want to believe that we are all genuinely in this challenging course, targeted to change the ugly narratives of our all-round developmental deprivation.

Going further, "We are all here to express our fears exhaustively over the way and manner the Niger Delta region is being treated. We are all here to openly reject how we are being treated as second class citizens in this country. We are all here to unveil to the Nigerian state how the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, in alliance  with the some ministers is said to be diverting funds belonging to the Niger Delta region for whatever strange reasons we don't know. If this is really true, we want our dear President to investigate and do justice to this matter. 

"Having postulated the reason why we have reassembled here, I want to clearly  open to Nigerians, particularly Niger Deltans, that our collective sensibility has been taken for granted and jeopardized by these group of people. 

However,  by this information, "We are stating that if our information is true, there is a rumour that the IOC's paid remittance funds meant for  the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to  the EFCC Gauranty Trust Bank (GTB) account months ago and we are also aware of their plans over this strange and worrisome development, therefore it is in their  best interest to return the remitted funds to the appropriate quarter in the Commission. 

" It will specifically shock the general public, especially Niger Deltans, to know that over the last six (6) months,  the NDDC's Interim Management Committee (IMC) has been restricted from having access to IOC's remitted funds by the directive of the Presidency, following law enforcement agencies recommendation. 

"Despite all the looting going on in the country, we are very shocked that President Buhari is yet to act as expected by the peace loving people of the Niger Delta, thus we still believe that the needful will be done soon enough. 

"If the information is correct, we are calling on all Niger Deltans to rise up against this gang up against our development as a people.  

"For clarity purposes, information in our situation room clearly reveals that over a month ago, all the IOCs' remitted to the mother host of all the IOCs across the nation, which is the NNPC. The NNPC credited the remittances to the EFCC Gauranty Trust Bank (GTB) account.

"And as we speak, instead of some  ministers that have hint on the matter  to be patriotic in reporting this questionable move, they decided to be part and parcel of impoverishing the Niger Delta region in collaboration with very strange elements in the Nigerian State.

"In as much as the development of the North-East, through the North-East Development Commission, is a top priority to the northerners, the develoment of the oil rich-Niger Delta region is also a top priority to us. As such, any attempt to embezzle the IOCs' remittances, we shall take over the streets of Niger Delta with peaceful protests.

"Therefore, we are calling on President Buhari to heed our call and pay attention to our revelations and take necessary actions to stop further looting at the NDDC. We are ever ready to confront any force set against the development of our oil-rich region, especially when the ordeals of the revelations of the massive looting of the commonwealth of the people is still fresh in our memories, a situation that kept us wondering if the Presidency is celebrating corruption, thereby putting a serious credibility question on the government's acclaimed anti-corruption war. We are beginning to wonder if the said anti-corruption crusade is a reality or a hoax. 

" To this end, we are appealing to President Buahri to look into this matter by  not allowing anyone to  tamper with the IOCs fund, which is primary meant for the development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region". They said.

Miss Sovereignty Killing: IPDI Demands For Justice, Calls On IGP To Prosecute, Disband Oviwan Vigilante Group

Miss Sovereignty Killing: IPDI Demands For Justice, Calls On IGP To Prosecute, Disband Oviwan Vigilante Group

 

Warri____ A  Renowned human right group under the aegis of Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI, has vehemently condemned the killing of one Miss Sovereignty Iseregbe, a native of Isaba community by the Ovwian Vigilante group.

The group via its National Secretary, Comr. Keneware Emmanuel in a press release made available to newsmen on Tuesday in warri, demanded justice for the extra-judicial killing of Miss Sovereignty.

IPDI added that human life is sacred and sacrosanct, hence, for a security outfit to deliberately claimed the live of an innocent civilian means that such security outfit is inexperienced, brutally tasty for blood and had no respect for human life.

The group therefore called on the lnspector General of police, Delta State Commissioner of police to arrest, prosecute and disband the Ovwian Vigilante group with immediate effects.

"It's very glaring that the untimely and the extrajudicial killing of miss Sovereignty Iseregbe is capable of fomenting crisis and disrupting the peace moves between Aladja, Ogbe-Ijoh and Isaba communities.

IPDI further reiterated call on the CP Delta State to quickly disband the vigilante group and the perpetrators be brought to book with immediate alarcrity.

Gov. Okowa's aide, Ozobo blasts Buhari over illegal Zamfara 5billion gold deals

Gov. Okowa's aide, Ozobo blasts Buhari over illegal Zamfara 5billion gold deals

The Special assistant to the governor of Delta State, His Excellency senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on political matters, Comrade Ozobo Austin has said that president Muhammadu Buhari now lacks power to proscribed artisanal refineries in Niger Delta region for supporting and endorsing illegal gold mining in Zamfara and Kebbi states.

Ozobo added in a press statement that the Federal government open endorsement on the Zamfara illegal gold mining had automatically legalized Niger Delta artisanal refineries. 

Comrade Ozobo who is also a foremost Niger Delta Agitator asserted that the Federal government who now ordered CBN to buy 5billion gold from Zamfara government, despite the prohibiting laws of state control of solid mineral resources, does not had power to declared Niger Delta artisanal refineries illegal.

The activist said the Federal government had unlawfully launched the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMI) in Zamfara and Kebbi states which is a comprehensive artisanal and small-scale gold mining development programme, initiated in 2019 to foster the formalisation and integration of artisanal gold mining activities into Nigeria’s legal, economic, and institutional framework.

Ozobo said Niger Delta artisanal oil refineries operators need same presidential artisanal oil refineries development initiative, PAORDI, as a comprehensive artisanal and small scale oil refining development programme if Buhari is not biased.

He further posited that the Federal government, in collaboration with the Kebbi State Government had already inaugurated the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining and Biometric Data Capture and Enrolment Exercise in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi in February this year.

The statement reads in part: "it should be noted that Federal government of Nigeria has loss power to proscribe Artisanal refinery operation in Niger Delta, so long the Federal government does not see anything wrong with illegal gold mining in Zamfara state"

"I made it clear in my recent interview with ActionAid international, an international organization, when its coordinator and other team members visited me in Warri during the weekend, While discussing other sundry issues, I draw my inference from Zamfara illegal gold deals by the Federal government"

"The Federal government action on the Zamfara illegal gold mining has automatically legalized Niger Delta artisanal refineries. The Federal government who now ordered CBN to buy 5billion gold from Zamfara government, despite the prohibiting laws of state control of solid mineral resources, do not has power to declare Niger Delta artisanal refineries illegal"

"There is truly a saying that he that comes to equity must come with a clean hands. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. I told ActionAid international that my people will resisted further attacks on our local oil refineries, except the Federal government do the needful by clamping down on  Zamfara illegal gold dealers,  makes Zamfara gold a national cake and the proceeds shared among all federating states in the country"

"I told ActionAid international that our oil is no longer for all, if Zamfara gold is not for all. This is injustice of the highest order, and would be further resisted with all vehements"

"It should be noted again that since the military and the sectional government of Nigeria federation are okay with the illegal gold mining activities in Zamfara state, my people in Niger Delta should be equally allowed to go into local refining of crude oil without molestation"

"Therefore, I call on Niger Delta governors, lawmakers and youth elites to support this campaign and demand for Niger Delta States control of state resources and continued to resist further destruction of local refineries in Niger Delta by the Federal government"

Commander Biggy Appreciate Friends, Well Wishers On Son's Dedication ln Warri

Commander Biggy Appreciate Friends, Well Wishers On The Occasion Of His Son's Dedication

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ The Chief Executive Officer CEO/Chairman Biggy Foundation Worldwide, Double Chief. Ebi Pinapinawei alias Commander Biggy has expressed his profound gratitude to friends, family members and well wishers as they honoured him on the occasion of his son's dedication, Master Wealth Tamaramiensinde Ebi Pinapinawei during the week end.

The epoch making event took place on sunday 15th at Salem City Church Usiefrun, in Udu local government area of Delta State attracted many dignitaries far and near across the Niger Delta region, especially from Ekeni, Egbema and Gbaramantu kingdoms precisely.

After christening the child in the church, friends and well wishers of Mr/Mrs. Ebi Praise Pinapinawei where given an exceptional reception at the popular Peabody hotel in Udu, with varieties of delicacy, such as pepper soup, kpomo sauce, jollof rice, assorted drinks as well as a blend of ljaw high life owigiri music live band entertainment from the likes of Chief. Joseph Ekeremieye, Sir. Coded Buku Tubor, Endurance Isaiah aka young Karinto, young Joseph Endurance Fiyebo, Jnr lzonebi, Jnr born singer among others.

The guests where carried away at the reception as the Aleibiri Bayelsa born talented comedian, Akpenzigha Gabriel Eyerinbikekeme popularly known as Mr Right, MC Tonbra alongside MC Abioka seized the central stage with their superlative performances as they display rib cracking jokes to spice up the event.  

Other heart blowing side attraction was when Commander Biggy three beautiful wives in unity and love dance to the rhethyms of their wonderful husband as he took over the stage with his anticipating latest album to the admiration of the invited guests. According to Biggy, said his latest album would be released on or before 15th December, 2020 and the songs are dedicated to his wives as he found unity, peace and love among them.

However, among some personalities present at the occasion include; Chief. Jonah Jack from Ekeni kingdom, Kingsley Amakiri, Valentine Amaegberi, Comr. Oyinbi Onduku, Chief Alhaji. Yusuf Eregbene, Comr.  Isaac Seiyefa, Prince Austin Ozobo, Mokondo June, Enaibo Asiayei, Engr. Andrew Bebenemibo, Comr. Gilor Kelly, Comr. Paul Akpowaide, Hon. Jigbale, Hon. Austin Sule, Mrs. Felix Bebenemibo, Mrs. Simeon Bebenemibo among others too numerous to mentioned.

Constitution Amendment: Ozobo Calls for Split of Burutu LGA into Burutu North, South, Central

Constitution Amendment: Ozobo Calls for Split of Burutu LGA into Burutu North, South, Central

Warri_____ The President of Ijaw People's Development initiative, IPDI, Comrade Ozobo Austin has thrown his weight behind the call for the split of Burutu Local government areas into two or three LGA, being one of the largest and the oldest LGAs in the country.

The right activist in an interview called on Delta South senator, Sen.James Manager, and Hon. Julius Pondi, member House of representatives, presenting Burutu Federal constituency to ceased the medium of the constitution amendment to agitate for the split of Burutu LGA to two or three separate LGAs.

Ozobo said almost all the LGAs created much more later after the creation of Burutu in Delta State had been splited into two or more but Burutu case remained a sad tale.

The group said the LGA be splited into Burutu North, Burutu South and Burutu Central, being one of the largest and oldest LGAs in the country. 

He said there was no better times than now to agitate for the split of Burutu LGA into two or more LGAs.

Ozobo added that Burutu LGA has been overdued to be splited into two or three separate LGAs in Delta State but had suffered backlash and neglected during creation of additional LGAs in the country.

Master Wealth Pinapinawei Goes To Church On Sunday 15th, As Biggy lnvites Well Wishers

Master Wealth Pinapinawei Goes To Church On Sunday 15th, As Biggy lnvites Well Wishers

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ The families of Mr/Mrs. Double Chief. Ebi Praise Pinapinawei has invited loved ones, friends, well wishers and the general public to the dedication of their son, Master Wealth Pinapinawei to God on Sunday 15th November, 2020.

In a statement released on Friday signed by Commander Biggy, noted that the dedication will start by 8:am prompt, first Mass service at Salem City Church, Oruwhorun along Usiefrun road, opp Winferu Filling station in Udu local government area of Delta State.

The statement further adds that there shall be a warm reception immediately after the Mass Service at Pee-Body Hotels, along Udu express road, Warri.

However, by this notice, Mr/Mrs. Biggy Pinapinawei is using this medium to invite family and friends to join them thank God and celebrate as they take Master Wealth Pinapinawei to Church.

Signed:

Double Chief. Ebi Pinapinawei, the Abade lgere 1 of Niger Delta.

DESIEC Proposes 1billion For Delta State LGA Polls Early 2021

DESIEC Proposes 1billion For Delta State LGA Polls Early 2021

Francis Tayor

Asaba_____ The Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DESIEC has proposed the sum of one billion, One Hundred and Forty Seven million naira for the conduct of the forthcoming Local Government Councils election in the State.

The Chairman of the Commission, Chief Mike Ogbodu, who disclosed this while defending the 2021 budget proposal before the State House of Assembly Committee on Establishment, Ethics and Privileges, Chaired by the Minority Leader, Hon Innocent Anidi, said the election is to hold early next year.

 

“The DESIEC boss, Chief Mike Ogbodu said nine hundred million naira is proposed for the conduct of the elections, while two hundred and forty-seven million naira is for related activities, including legal matters, post election seminars, trainings among others.

Briefing the House Committee members on the activities of the Commission in the 2020 fiscal year as well as its projections for 2021, Chief Ogbodu said that the Commission is already putting measures in place towards achieving seamless Local Government election in the State.

He stated that the Commission is already considering possible date early next year for the proposed date for the Local Government election in the State, hence the proposed amount to be captured in the 2021 Appropriation law.

The DSIEC boss said the thirty two point five cap limit given to the Commission to spend as capital expenditure for 2021 was inadequate and stressed the need for increase amongst other demands.

“The Chairman of the Committee, Hon Innocent Anidi, while commending DSIEC for its roles so far, urged it to sustain the tempo, particularly in the forth coming Local Government elections in the State.

For his part, a members of the Committee, Hon Reuben Izeze urged the Commission to continue to uphold its integrity as an independent institution in the discharge of its duties.

Hon Izeze also charged the officials to strive to maintain absolute independent of the Commission in its operations

The DSIEC boss was accompanied to the State House of Assembly Complex, the venue of the budget defense session by Commissioners in the Commission and other management team.