The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • Niger Delta monarch urges investigation of anti-Tantita protest’s sponsors

    Niger Delta monarch urges investigation of anti-Tantita protest’s sponsors

    Niger-Delta monarch, His Majesty Udurhie I, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, has condemned the protest against private surveillance firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), with a call for investigation of the “sponsors”.

    The royal father, who is the Chairman of the Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSCON) Traditional Rulers and Elders Advisory, while addressing reporters on Tuesday, called on the federal government and security agencies to unravel those behind the protest, which, according to him, is aimed at disrupting oil and gas production.

    “Their activity is nothing short of criminals coming out openly to identify their intentions and those behind the unending pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

    “If not, how could someone who wishes our great country well come out to carry out such an evil campaign without shame or realising the consequences of their evil action?                       

    “Why campaign for the cancellation of Tantita Security Services Limited when many others who were awarded the same job with no visible performance are retaining their job?

    “The question to be asked is why Tantita, and when has good job performance become a crime in Nigeria?          

    “For Nigerians who do not know the sorry state of the Niger Delta environment, the water body and the loss of aquatic lives and even the low oil production was due principally to criminal vandalisation and open stealing of crude oil that almost brought our nation’s economy to its knees and the current situation that will truly understand whose interest these elements represent.   

    “High Chief Government Ekpemupolo’s boldness, courage and risk to protecting sensitive, critical national oil/ gas installations should be commended by all who wish the Nigeria economy and the Niger Delta environment well.

    Read Also: Niger Delta monarchs unite against vandalism, oil theft

    “These faceless sponsored elements should hide their heads in shame because Tantita has brought an end to their evil enterprise.             

    “How on earth can someone protest against a security project simply because their sources of evil wealth have been blocked by a courageous individual hired by the federal government to protect its installations?   

    “The best way to reward High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo and his Tantita Security Services Limited is to expand the current scope of the job and grant more areas to be covered that will help the company to employ more of our able-bodied youths from the streets.

    “The fast return of aquatic lives, clean water bodies and the gradual environmental restoration are all traceable to the laudable job of Tantita Security Services Limited, and every attempt to sabotage it must be strongly condemned.

    “Issues of tribal bigotry and ethnic sentiments should not be brought into a performing enterprise of group or individuals; performances should be applauded instead of this show of shame,” the Traditional ruler stated.

  • NBM congratulates Oba of Benin over return of Artifacts from Netherlands

    NBM congratulates Oba of Benin over return of Artifacts from Netherlands

    Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa has congratulated the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II and the entire  Benin  Kingdom for the return of the kingdom’s artifacts  by the Government of Netherlands which were stolen from the Benin Kingdom during the British punitive expedition of 1897.

    In a statement by its national President Olorogun Ese Kakor, the body said it was a thing of joy that the stolen Artifacts from the kingdom were successfully returned home to its original owner- the ancient Benin Kingdom.

    According to the statement, there is no gain saying that the Artifacts are very important to the kingdom and their return signifies  more of good things to come to the kingdom. 

    Part of the statement reads: ” We, the Neo Black Movement of Africa hereby congratulate the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II and the entire Benin Kingdom for the return of Artifacts which were forcefully taken from the kingdom and its people years ago”.

    “This is a sign of more good things to come to the kingdom and it is hoped that more Artifacts in other countries would be returned in due course”.

    “The organisation also expressed gratitude to the government of Netherlands to have deemed it necessary and courageous enough to have returned the Artifacts as their action has made the Oba of Benin and his people proud.

    Read Also: Court begins hearing of NBM suit against Edo over property demolition

    Part of the statement reads:”

    “We thank specially the government of Netherlands for this gesture. It shows their love for the Oba of Benin and the entire kingdom”.

    NBM prayed for more synergy, unity and togetherness between the government of Netherlands and entire Benin Kingdom, even as it prayed God  for long reign of the Reverend Monarch.

  • Sandy Onor’s pursuit of political relevance revisited

    Sandy Onor’s pursuit of political relevance revisited

    • By Linus Obogo 

    In recent times, a handful of political enthusiasts and loyalists have taken to the social media space, attempting to revive the fading memories of the once-formidable “Caterpillar” brand—an identity that suffered a decisive political defeat in the 2023 governorship election at the hands of Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu’s popular mandate.

    A few days ago, a video began circulating online, capturing a visibly agitated individual expressing views that bordered more on incitement than informed discourse. Initially, it seemed like another familiar episode of fringe actors seeking attention, but it soon emerged that the individual was part of a coordinated group presenting itself as the “PDP Support Group”—a platform now used to echo criticisms of the current administration under the guise of advocacy.

    Their press engagement had the makings of a carefully choreographed attempt to reclaim public sympathy, yet it fell short of substance. That this group would choose Senator Sandy Onor—still clearly reeling from his electoral loss in 2023—as their rallying figure raises legitimate questions about their grasp of present realities and political optics.

    Rather than reflect, recalibrate, and contribute meaningfully to the democratic process, Senator Onor has, unfortunately, aligned himself with divisive rhetoric and unfounded allegations. His post-election trajectory has focused less on constructive engagement and more on discrediting the visible progress being made under Governor Otu’s leadership. It’s a troubling posture that appears driven more by political regret than by public interest.

    The statement released by the group—purporting to speak for the PDP—read more like a politically charged broadside than a well-reasoned critique. Their assertions on economic performance and governance reflect selective analysis and overlook the broader national challenges confronting all subnational governments. That they would seek to frame ongoing reforms as failure is more a reflection of their intent than of any grounded assessment.

    One must wonder: is this truly a call to service, or simply an attempt to stay relevant by targeting a government steadily gaining public confidence? It appears more like the latter. Using the Governor’s rising popularity as a platform to reintroduce familiar political voices does not constitute a rescue mission—it reflects a strategic bid for attention in an increasingly discerning political climate.

    Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration has, in less than two years, recorded significant strides across key sectors—from infrastructure and tourism to healthcare and investment. His calm, deliberate style of leadership has restored confidence in government and given Cross Riverians a renewed sense of belonging. That these achievements are downplayed by detractors is unfortunate but not unexpected.

    The people of Cross River are not yearning for nostalgia. They are forward-looking and increasingly aligned with a leadership that prioritizes service, stability, and tangible results. The attempt to portray a return to the past as progress is not only misleading—it underestimates the political maturity of the electorate.

    Ultimately, this latest critique from the PDP Support Group and its allies may amount to little more than political theatre. Cross River has already made its choice—and under Governor Otu’s stewardship, that choice continues to yield dividends. While others may resort to rhetoric, the state is focused on results—and in that commitment, it remains unshaken.

    Obogo is Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Media and Publicity

  • Edo community protests over planned installation of Okpella monarch

    Edo community protests over planned installation of Okpella monarch

    Members of the Ukhomuyio Community in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Friday staged a protest against the planned installation of Michael Sado as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

    The protesters claimed that the selection process violated the provisions of the Declaration of the Customary Law governing succession to the traditional title.

    According to them, Sado was chosen by a group not recognised under the customary law guiding the selection of the traditional ruler.

    Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Obodeanokpella of Okpella, Chief Charles Adogah, said the Declaration clearly states that the power to nominate a new Okuokpellagbe lies with a designated component branch of the appropriate ruling house, under the supervision of the village head.

    Chief Adogah expressed concern over what he described as the endorsement of an alternative process allegedly approved by Governor Monday Okpebholo, which, he said, did not align with the recognised traditional procedures.

    The community called for adherence to the established customs and appealed to the authorities to respect the provisions of the Declaration to maintain peace and unity in the area.

    He said many of the community elders have been harrased, arrested and detained for speaking against the selection of Okuokpellagbe.

    He appealed to Governor Okpebholo to suspend what he termed unlawful coronation of Sado as well as cancellation of the flawed process that led to his appointment.

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    He sai Komunio village of the Oteku ruling house be allowed, without interference, to carry out its traditional and lawful responsibility of selecting a candidate to the exalted throne of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

    According to him, “The selection process proceeds strictly in line with the Declaration of Customary Law regulating the selection.

    “All arrests and harassment of peaceful innocent community members should cease immediately and those arrested be released unconditionally without delay.

    “Your Excellency, your kinsman, Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, is remembered with reverence and pride in Okpella. We pray that your name, too, will be etched not in controversy, but in honor. Let your legacy be one of justice, not of injustice dressed in political convenience.

    “To all Okpella sons and daughters, we say remain calm, but resolute. Remain peaceful, but firm. Our culture, our voice, and our heritage must not be silenced.”

    Edo Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky Eseigbe, said the protest against the installation was ‘too late.’

    Eseigbe stated that the Governor approved Sado’s selection being the nominee from the community.

    He urged the aggrieved Ukhomuyio Community members to seek legal action.

  • NDDC Board chairman debunks claims of irregularities in Calabar projects

    NDDC Board chairman debunks claims of irregularities in Calabar projects

    The Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Governing Board, Barrister Chiedu Ebie, has expressed deep concern over the spread of false narratives regarding the recently commissioned road projects in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality Local Government Areas of Cross River State. 

    Speaking during the NDDC@25 celebration and commissioning of projects held in Bayelsa State, Ebie cautioned against politicising developmental efforts, describing such actions as counterproductive to the progress of the Niger Delta region.

    Read Also: NDDC denies constructing C/River community road, warns against politicisation of projects

    Ebie firmly stated that all NDDC projects, including those in Calabar, strictly adhered to due process from procurement to execution. 

    He lauded the contractors and Commission staff for maintaining high standards of professionalism and compliance with regulatory procedures. According to him, the projects were executed by the NDDC.

    This clarification comes in response to claims made by the NDDC Board member representing Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, who had alleged that the Calabar projects neither followed due process nor were the executed by the NDDC. 

    Ebie dismissed these assertions as misleading and urged stakeholders to focus on facts and support the Commission’s efforts to deliver quality infrastructure and sustainable development across the Niger Delta.

  • PIND trains 90 Niger Delta youths on conflicts

    PIND trains 90 Niger Delta youths on conflicts

    The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has trained 90 young people in conflict prevention, early warning systems, and community-level peacebuilding.

    The two-day 2025 Niger Delta Peace Champions Workshop, held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state, brought together youths from across the region to equip them with essential skills for promoting peace and stability.

    Speaking at the workshop, Effiong Essien, acting executive director of PIND, described young people as catalysts for peace, adding that the transformative power of youth-led peacebuilding cannot be overstated.

    He commended Akwa Ibom for serving as a model of peaceful coexistence and community-driven development.

    “This workshop underscores PIND’s commitment to fostering youth-led, data-driven, and community-based peacebuilding in the Niger Delta,” Essien said. “By investing in human capital and promoting inter-community cooperation, the initiative strengthens local resilience to conflict and drives economic and social progress.”

    David Udofia, peacebuilding programme manager at PIND, said the participants — known as peace champions — have been equipped to return to their communities and become agents of transformation.

    “Peacebuilding begins with preparation, vision, and collaboration. These champions are returning to their communities not only with new skills but with a renewed commitment to transform their environments,” he said.

    Read Also: PIND, Ministry of Niger Delta Development validate Niger Delta Regional Peacebuilding Strategy (NDRPS)

    The peace champions, aged 18 to 35

     and drawn from the nine Niger Delta states, were trained on PIND’s SMS-based conflict early warning and early response (EWER) system — a tool designed to support real-time conflict monitoring and grassroots intervention.

    Participants also engaged in sessions on mindset transformation, conflict analysis and management, leadership, volunteerism, and entrepreneurship.

    Facilitators included Nwamara Amadikwa, CEO of Amy6015 Global Enterprise, alongside PIND’s peacebuilding experts: Afeno Odomovo, Chukwudi Njoku, and Abiodun Akanbi.

  • Ikechukwu Afakwu applauds Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructure strides

    Ikechukwu Afakwu applauds Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructure strides

    …as the governor commissions new commissioner’s quarters

    The Managing Director of ABI Projects Concepts Limited, Afakwu Ikechukwu, has commended the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, for the remarkable transformation the state has witnessed under his leadership.

    Ikechukwu stated this in Asaba during the commissioning of eight newly built eight (8) units of four- bedroom duplexes by the governor.

    The Delta State Governor had embarked on the construction of an additional eight units of four-bedroom duplexes at the Commissioners Quarters, as the existing twenty-two units of houses at the quarters had become inadequate.

    According to the governor, “We are here to commission eight units of four-bedroom duplexes, each with two boys’ quarters attached. We decided to build these because, when we came in, we discovered that there were only 22 buildings here at the Commissioners’ Quarters, and the number of commissioners is more than 22”.

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    “So, there was no way we could accommodate all of them, which led us to this decision. This is a demonstration of our commitment to the well-being of top government functionaries.”

    Ikechukwu, who was impressed with the governor’s scorecard less than two years into the governor’s first term in office, revealed that Oborevwori has already completed some key infrastructure projects across the state.

    According to him, the Oborevwori led administration is undoubtedly rewriting Delta’s story with projects that are alreading boosting the economic growth of the state.

    The governor, Ikechukwu, said, has already completed key infrastructure projects.

  • PINL announces scholarships, other CSR packages for 215 host communities

    PINL announces scholarships, other CSR packages for 215 host communities

    The management of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has approved 646 scholarships and other packages for the 215  communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).

    PINL’s Community Relations Executive, Seriaki Alamieseigha, announced this during the company’s monthly stakeholders’ meeting. 

    The meeting convened in Port Harcourt for Rivers, Abia and Imo Communities was aimed at reviewing the operations of the company on the Trans Niger Pipeline TNP.

    Alamieseigha also noted ongoing strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening community relations, security of the local people and empowering of women.

    He said: “I bring good news from PINL. Management has approved  scholarship for 3 persons per community bringing the total to 645 persons across board and it is to take effect immediately.

    “Also, management has partnered with the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, in building a facility to address challenges with regards to investigations and prosecution across the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP. Also there is a proposal for a skill acquisition designed for women underway”.

    Read Also: Ijaw stakeholders urge NNPCL to expand PINL contract in Niger Delta

    He noted that the company’s  collaboration with the host communities have led to significant boost in oil production and called for increased synergy.

    “I thank you for this collaborative effort to boost oil production inline with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With your collaboration and with your effort, we’ve been able to see economic growth in the nation,” he added.

    On his part, the Director of Energy Security in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, warned against illegal bunkering activities emphasizing that anyone found guilty of such acts would be prosecuted and imprisoned.

    Flag-Amachree who was represented by Young Harry Amakiri, noted that the Office of the National Security Council has already prosecuted over 100 individuals involved in these criminal activities.

    He appealed to stakeholders and community leaders to talk their children and youths to desist from vandalism. 

    “We want to plead with you to talk to our brothers, we all know these persons involved in these acts. Talk them out of these, it would help, because the business is not as usual as before, it has changed.

    “As I’m talking to you, more than 100 persons have been prosecuted, who you are doesn’t matter, even though you are a general in the army, you are a military personnel, whatever you are, if you are found guilty, you are going in for it,” he warned.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri hailed PINL for regular engagement with host communities and discouraging the youths from engaging in illegal bunkering.

    The Minister who was represented by his Special Assistant on Host Communities, Julius Eddie, acknowledged that the efforts of PINL has boosted oil production in the country and also earned the ministry several high profile recognitions.

    “I want to encourage you, what you are doing for the host communities and for the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a win to all of us.

    “Today, because of the solutions you have proffered, illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, popularly known as kpofire has tremendously reduced in the region.

    “Because of your efforts, today the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, was listed among the team of influential leaders in policy and leadership direction in Thisday Newspaper and Arise TV.

    “I want to encourage and challenge you to continue to discourage the youths from tampering with the pipelines, because in all, we are the victims because the pollution affects the environment and as farmers and fishermen that we are, we are most affected,” he stated.

    Additionally, the Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL, Engr Akponine Omojevwe, cautioned sub-contractors against connivance and  employment of personnel without proper background checks and due diligence.

    He called for proper synergy between the the subcontractors and PINL to increase the performance rating of the company and to maintain zero-tolerance on the TNP.

    “The problem we are still having here is connivance, that’s why I want to talk to the PINL sub-contractors to be careful. For PINL ratings to be going up, you their subcontractors need to be carrying out your jobs effectively and as your employments are being made from the communities, please before you employ, carryout due diligence because most times you will suffer for it,” he said.

    The forum allowed stakeholders from various communities to assess the company’s performance and present their challenges. Most of the stakeholders commended the management of PINL for actively engaging with host communities and offered suggestions to further strengthen community relations and enhance the company’s operations.

  • Lawyer petitions police over alleged land encroachment

    Lawyer petitions police over alleged land encroachment

    A land buyer in Asaba,  Delta State Engr, Osemele Theophilus Marshal, has petitioned Delta Police Commissioner, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, over an alleged encroachment and malicious damage of his  land located at Max Height, Admiralty Drive, Umuedi, off Ibusa Expressway, Delta State 

    Specifically, he indicted the trio of Augustine,  Stephen and Hilary, all staff of PWAN Max Property And Business Solutions, Asaba, Delta state, for selling the land he already acquired and documented to another person, thereby breaching the legal agreement of ownership reached with him on the property.

    Counsel to the property owner, Maureen Ugwuyi (Esq), with B. A. Ndigwe & Cc, located at No. 32 Summit Road, Asaba-Delta State, in a petition dated March 5, 2025, noted that all transaction regarding the land was concluded and a deed of conveyance was executed and since then his client had been in  possession of the land without any form of encumbrances. 

    It stated that in order to secure the land, the client mounted a survey beacon on the land, noting that it was however surprising on the 4th  day of March 2025, when he found out that someone has forcefully entered the land and maliciously damaged the beacons, thereby damaging the structure and topography of the land and erected a fence on it.

    It noted that on discovering this development on land, the client had no choice but to  contact the said Hillary who is the Estate Surveyor, and it was acknowledged that the said land has been encroached upon”.

    The petition read in part; “In order to save his face, Hillary however offered to allocate another land which belongs  to another person whose name appears on the beacon, this, Engr. Marshal rejected on the ground that, the  land  has been allocated to another person within the Estate

    “This prompted Engr. Marshal to draw the attention of the  General Manager of PWAN, Dr. Augustine Onwumere who also acknowledged that the land was encroached upon  by an unknown persons and vowed that the illegal structures must be brought down.

    “Stephen and Hillary’s behaviour towards the whole issue  indicates that they had either sold another person’s land to Engr Marshal or sold the particular land to more than one persons.

    “It has become clear that the said Stephen and Hillary are bent on dispossessing Engr Marshal of the land on the ground that it (the land) has appreciated a lot over the years”.

    It further disclosed: “Our client also called the General Manager of PWAN by name Dr. Augustine Onwumere and he acknowledged that the land was encroached by an unknown persons and vowed that the illegal structures must be removed.

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    “However Stephen and Hillary were saying another different thing which is an indication that they had either sold another person’s land to our client or sold the particular land to more than one persons in addition constituting a criminal offence”.

    “It is obvious that the said Stephen and Hillary are bent on dispossessing our client of the land because the land has appreciated a lot over the years.

    “As a law abiding citizen of Nigeria, Engr Marshal does not want to take  law into his hands by resorting to self help as this would lead to  breakdown of law and order”, it stated

    The petition called on the Commissioner of police  to investigate the matter with a view to  bringing  Stephen, Hillary and  their cohorts in this matter to book for justice to prevail.

    In a swift reaction to the issue raised in the petition, a top management staff of Pwan Max Property And Business Solutions, Asaba, Delta state, who spore under anonymity in a telephone conversation, said there was never a time the land bought by Engr. Osemele Theophilus Marshal, was denied his land on their Estate even though he admitted that there was an encroachment on the plot.

    He noted that it was when it was clearly established that there was an encroachment on his land that the management decided to made up for the shortage from a closed by open land to capture the exact space he acquired from them, adding that his land was still very intact.

  • Cross River rejects narratives on NDDC projects commissioning in Calabar

    Cross River rejects narratives on NDDC projects commissioning in Calabar

    The Cross River State Government has firmly rejected reports it described as surrounding the recent commissioning of select projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Calabar, describing the narratives as inaccurate and politically motivated.

    On Friday, June 13, 2025, the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, officially commissioned several NDDC projects in Cross River State. 

    These included a newly acquired office complex now serving as the NDDC Secretariat in the state, agricultural equipment, and a road project on Idang Street. 

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Cross Rivers Governor Bassey Otu, Nsa Gil, pointed out the event was conducted peacefully and broadcast live on TVC, contrary to certain media reports suggesting controversy or disruption.

    It said: “The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, was ably represented at the event by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ankpo P. Edet. 

    “At no point was the event disrupted, either by the Governor or any other state official. Governor Otu, a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), remains committed to supporting federal initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and livelihoods across the state.

    “Cross River, it is worth noting, was the first APC-governed state in the South-South region and continues to benefit significantly from federal government projects. 

    “These include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Special Agro-Processing Zones, and the Federal Housing Scheme, among others. The state government reiterated that no level of “sponsored blackmail” by fifth columnists would succeed in straining the existing cordial relationship between Cross River and the Federal Government, which share a common progressive ideology.

    “Among the projects listed for commissioning was the Nyaghasang Community Road, which was eventually postponed. The state clarified that this particular road project was not initiated by the NDDC but by the Cross River State Government.”

    Speaking on the matter, Hon. Pius Ankpo stated: “The Nyaghasang road was initiated and funded by the Cross River State Government. We have completed the drainage, concrete works, and channelization of the area, with construction still ongoing.”

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    He explained that the NDDC was never formally involved in the planning or execution of the project, and emphasized the importance of coordination when implementing infrastructure projects within the state. According to Edet, the NDDC has been advised that, going forward, it must engage the State Government, review the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), and adhere to state construction standards before undertaking any project.

    The Cross River State Government reiterated its openness to development partnerships but emphasized that all interventions must be transparent and coordinated for the greater good of the people.

    “We are not in conflict with the NDDC or any federal agency,” Edet clarified. “However, for the sake of public trust and historical accuracy, it is important to state unequivocally that the NDDC projects were commissioned peacefully, and without any form of disruption.”

    Supporting the government’s position, the Secretary-General of the Nyaghasang Qua Clan Council, Mr. Iso Bassey Edim, recalled that Governor Otu had personally pledged to address the road infrastructure in the community during a health center commissioning in July 2024. “True to his word, work began on the roads just three weeks later, led by the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure,” he said.

    Edim noted that while work was ongoing, the NDDC appeared to have intervened by asphalting certain sections of the road, only to later return and announce a commissioning. “We advise the NDDC, as an interventionist agency, to align and synergize with the state government to avoid duplication and confusion,” he cautioned.

    The Mayor of Calabar Municipality, Apostle James Anam, confirmed that the project contract had already been awarded by the state and was actively in progress before the NDDC’s involvement. “What we need now is constructive collaboration between the NDDC and the state government. Projects should not be initiated or claimed without proper consultation,” he stressed.