Category: Niger Delta

  • Senate orders probe, repairs of Ujevwu–Itakpe rail line after Dafinone’s motion

    Senate orders probe, repairs of Ujevwu–Itakpe rail line after Dafinone’s motion

    The Senate has directed an immediate investigation and rehabilitation of the Ujevwu–Itakpe rail corridor following a motion by Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central), who raised the alarm over recurring derailments, service suspensions, and growing safety concerns on the strategic national line.

    Speaking on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Senator Dafinone described the frequent derailments and poor maintenance of the Ujevwu–Itakpe Train Line as a threat to passenger safety and national economic growth. He called for “an urgent investigation, full rehabilitation, and stronger safety measures to protect passengers and safeguard this vital national infrastructure.”

    The Ujevwu–Itakpe corridor, which connects the South-South through Delta State to the North-Central region, serves as a major route for passengers, goods, and industrial materials. Dafinone emphasised that the line’s deterioration and repeated service interruptions have caused hardship for commuters and disrupted supply chains vital to the nation’s economy.

    The Delta Central lawmaker also urged the Federal Government to extend the rail line from Itakpe to Abuja to achieve “full national rail connectivity,” improve maintenance systems, and expand the operational fleet to meet the growing demand for passenger and cargo movement.

    READ ALSO: Fed Govt appoints Nwabueze as first tax Ombudsman

    Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted all resolutions contained in the motion, mandating immediate repairs of vandalised tracks, a comprehensive investigation into Nigeria’s rail infrastructure, and the consideration of the proposed Itakpe–Abuja extension.

    Senator Dafinone noted that the motion “reinforces our commitment to a safer, modern, and efficient rail system that drives economic growth and national development,” stressing that a reliable rail network remains critical to Nigeria’s industrial and regional integration efforts.

  • Excitement as Eno commences CBT exams for civil service recruitment

    Excitement as Eno commences CBT exams for civil service recruitment

    Excitement and optimism filled the atmosphere on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 as thousands of applicants from across the state thronged the Civil Service Auditorium, Uyo, to participate in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the ongoing Akwa Ibom State Civil Service recruitment exercise approved by Governor Umo Eno.

    In preparation for the CBT examinations, the administration had rehabilitated the Civil Service Auditorium and equipped it with over 400 brand-new computers, networking facilities, and a reliable power supply system, ensuring a seamless and fully digital testing environment.

    The examination, which commenced today, marks a major milestone in the Governor’s commitment to a transparent and merit-driven process in public service employment. The exercise will run in five streams daily, with candidates receiving their scores instantly upon submission of answers.

    READ ALSO: DSS dismisses 115 personnel, warns public against impostors

    Some candidates who spoke with reporters expressed excitement and appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for ensuring a level playing field for all applicants across the State. They commended the introduction of digital testing as a step forward in promoting fairness, accountability, and efficiency in the recruitment process.

    Present at the venue to supervise and monitor proceedings were the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, Rector of the Digital Academy and Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC), Prof. Enoidem Usoro, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Michael Effiong, as well as representatives of the Office of the Head of Civil Service and the Civil Service Commission.

    It would be recalled that Governor Eno had earlier approved the recruitment of 4,000 workers into the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service to strengthen the workforce and meet the personnel needs of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

  • Pulling down Ogbuku will push Niger Delta backwards, ex-agitators, others  warn

    Pulling down Ogbuku will push Niger Delta backwards, ex-agitators, others  warn

    Niger Delta ex-agitators and other critical stakeholders have warned the ongoing pull-down campaign against the Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, will only take the region backwards. 

    Rising from their emergency meeting in Port Harcourt at the weekend, they called on traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the region to rally round Ogbuku and protect him from what they described as an orchestrated conspiracy to bring him down.

    Speaking after the meeting, the Pioneer National Secretary of First Phase Ex-Agitators, and the Spokesman of the critical Ex-agitators Stakeholders Coalition in the Niger Delta (CESCND), Nature Dumale Kiegha, said it was high time the region stopped waging a war against itself insisting that a house divided against itself, can never stand. 

    Nature said Ogbuku remained the only NDDC Managing Director in the history of the commission that had established the culture of undertaking a need assessment process before executing projects in the region.

    He named the project light up Niger Delta as one of the products of the Ogbuku’s developmental revolution, which he said for the first time benefited people at the grassroots.

    He said such project had given people in rural communities a sense of belonging and had helped in tackling cultism, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the region.

    Nature said: “We cannot continue to live our lives with the pulling down syndrome. We cannot continue to fight ourselves and expect meaningful development. These stones that are thrown against the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku are uncalled for.

    “This is the time for all the traditional rulers, political leaders and critical stakeholders to rally round him and support him with all the encouragement he needs to be able to keep executing laudable projects in the Niger Delta region. 

    “Dr Samuel Ogbuku is the only MD that has instituted the culture of carrying out needs assessment before embarking on projects and that is why the project light-up Niger Delta became a landmark project in the history of the NDDC. That project has given people at the grassroots a sense of belonging. It is the first time the Niger Delta people in the rural areas are benefiting from the interventionist projects of NDDC.

    “Besides, in today’s NDDC under the leadership of Samuel Ogbuku people are getting their payments as at when due. The M.D is making very good use of the resources he is receiving. 

    So, we should stop this habit of pulling down ourselves. some are envious that during their time they couldn’t do what the current MD is doing. The only thing we owe Ogbuku is to encourage him”.

    Nature called on the Niger Delta stakeholders to support others in leadership because tomorrow might be their turn and commended Ogbuku for remaining focused amidst unprovoked attacks from detractors.

    “Ogbuku has refused to be distracted that is why strategic stakeholders of the Niger Delta region need to put our voices in this matter. Why are we accusing him for things he didn’t do; what do we intend to achieve?” He queried.

    Nature recalled that in the third quarter of 2024 alone, the NDDC under Ogbuku completed a total of 311 projects across the nine states in the region including roads and bridges, renewable energy, housing facilities, water supply, electricity among others.

    He said under Ogbuku, the commission had engaged more youths in meaningful ventures through Project Hope; reactivated and expanded the scholarship scheme of the commission; kick-started massive agricultural revolution to make the region a food hub of the nation among other initiatives.

    He said: “This is the first time in the history of NDDC where almost every state in the the Niger Delta region has a beautiful  NDDC office for faster and more effective representation of the Niger Delta people, It has never happened before in the history of NDDC. So, why won’t we rally round this man and support him? 

    “At what point are we going to know that the enemy of this region always want to divide and rule us. But when we resist the enemy and remain united, we become stronger and achieve greater things”.

    Nature appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore mischief makers known for their penchant in causing division and instigating crisis in the region for their selfish interest.

    He said: “Mr President thank you for the support you have given to our brother, our leader, Dr Samuel Ogbuku. He has done very well and we appeal to you to continue to give him all the support he needs because he has changed the narrative and dynamics of the NDDC”.

  • Gov Otu divine gift to Cross Rivers – CoS Ironbar

    Gov Otu divine gift to Cross Rivers – CoS Ironbar

    ‎The Chief of Staff to Cross River Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, has commended Bassey Edet Otu, describing him as “a divine gift to Cross River State and to Nigeria at large.”

    ‎In a birthday tribute, Ironbar described the Governor as “a visionary, a reformer, and a lighthouse of hope whose leadership has transformed lives and rekindled faith across the state.”

    ‎The Chief of Staff said the Governor’s 66th birthday presented “a moment not just to celebrate Your Excellency’s life, but to pause, ponder and reflect on the blessing you have been — to me, to my family, and to the entire people of Cross River State.” He said Governor Otu has continued to prove that leadership, when rooted in faith and love for humanity, becomes a channel of divine sweetness.

    ‎According to him: “Your Excellency, you have consistently and unequivocally demonstrated that you are not only a leader but a visionary and a reformer. Through your unwavering faith in God and virtuous example, you have ushered in an era of sustainable sweetness, transforming our beloved state from a civil service enclave into a thriving hub of entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive growth.”

    He added that under the Governor’s inspiring stewardship, “dreams have taken root, destinies have been transformed, and hope has found a home once again in the hearts of our people.”

    ‎Reflecting on the sweeping impact of the Otu administration, Ironbar declared: “From the sun-lit mangrove-curated shores of Calabar, across the emerald rainforests of Boki, to the cloud-crowned hills of Obanliku, your administration exudes a sweet fragrance of peace, mending fissures and drying the tears of the people.”

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    He lauded the Governor’s “prayerful and compassionate diligence” which, he said, “has knitted our people together, forged hope in place of despair, nurtured socio-cultural progress instead of retrogression, and generated economic development in place of stagnation.”

    ‎The Chief of Staff observed that Governor Otu’s “uncompromising commitment to transparency, integrity, and magnanimity has rekindled public trust in governance.”

    He noted that the Governor’s people-first philosophy “has built bridges across political divides, embraced every creed and culture, and ensured that no citizen is left behind.”

    According to him: “From rural electrification to expansive road networks, from empowering security services to revitalising tourism, Your Excellency has governed and fathered a renaissance — one defined by peace, opportunity, and shared prosperity.”

    ‎He continued: “Your Excellency, you are the blessing the Most High sent to Cross River State at the appointed time. You have brought sweetness to our polity, hope to our people, and direction to our development.”

    Ironbar praised the Governor’s humility and spiritual depth, describing him as “a man whose faith anchors his leadership and whose compassion binds the state as one family under God.”

    ‎On this “glorious occasion of your birthday,” Ironbar said, “we join the heavens and the earth to celebrate a man whose life is a divine gift, a leader whose light continues to illuminate the path of greatness for our state and nation.” He prayed that God would “continue to bless you with excellent health, divine wisdom, unshakable strength, and boundless courage.”

    ‎“Happy Birthday, Your Excellency, my Boss,” the Chief of Staff concluded. “May your days be long, your legacy eternal, and your leadership continue to inspire future generations. May the sweetness you have brought to Cross River State flow endlessly, and may your name remain inscribed in gold as the symbol of hope, unity, and purposeful governance.”

  • Celebrating a heart immersed in service: Gov Bassey Edet Otu at 66

    Celebrating a heart immersed in service: Gov Bassey Edet Otu at 66

    By Linus Obogo 

    At 66, he tells you there is nothing more to struggle, hustle and live for other than to devote himself to the service of God, humanity and his state. For over 20 years, he has religiously observed this creed without fail.

    Just yesterday, he reinforced this belief when he chose to flag off his pre-birthday gig with a large throng of widows from across the 18 local government councils. The gesture continues today with similar compassion for the orphans and the elderly. 

    A leader without airs and graces, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has seen both the rough and tumble of life and politics. He has experienced both disappointments and reappointments by God, trajectories that have shaped his life of passion for service and compassion for humanity.

    Today, he stands as a glittering portrait of grace, purpose, and people-centred leadership, a man whose voyage mirrors the enduring beauty of the land he governs. Even as he clocks 66 today, time has not dulled his passion nor wearied his pursuit of the collective good; instead, it has forged and refined his vision and deepened his empathy. His life is a tapestry woven with threads of humility, service, and divine purpose, an odyssey that continues to inspire confidence and rekindle faith in governance anchored on compassion and justice.

    From the serene creeks of Adiabo to the pristine hills of Obudu, the “Sweet Prince” is redefining leadership as an act of stewardship, not dominion. His governance style is a reflection of his soul, gentle yet firm, visionary yet pragmatic, genteel yet unyielding in the face of adversity. He leads not as one consumed by power, but as a shepherd guided by conviction. Each policy, each reform, each act of governance bears the unmistakable imprint of a man devoted to the prosperity and dignity of his people. In every sense, Governor Otu’s leadership is a moral compass for a generation yearning for integrity and hope.

    Since mounting the saddle of leadership in 2023, the governor has breathed fresh energy into the socio-economic lungs of Cross River State. Under his People First agenda, government has been humanized; governance has become a dialogue between power and the people. Roads are being reborn from neglect, schools and health centres restored to life, and rural communities reconnected to the heartbeat of development. His administration’s inclusive reforms have restored confidence, rekindled enterprise, and reignited the once-muted optimism of the Cross River spirit. Indeed, he has proven that leadership can be both visionary and tender-hearted—anchored on results but powered by love.

    Governor Otu’s understanding of governance transcends the arithmetic of infrastructure. His, is a holistic vision that sees human capital as the artery of transformation. The empowerment of youths, the revitalization of agriculture, the expansion of tourism, and the pursuit of fiscal prudence all reflect a leader with eyes fixed on sustainability. His commitment to transparency and accountability has restored public trust, while his unassuming disposition has opened the corridors of government to even the most distant of voices. Through it all, he has remained resolutely focused on building a state where every citizen feels seen, valued, and included.

    Beneath his calm demeanour lies a relentless will, a quiet embers that propel him toward the realization of a prosperous, self-sufficient Cross River. His passion for education stems from his belief that the truest wealth of a people lies in the enlightenment of their minds. His deep investment in rural transformation arises from his conviction that development must never be elitist. His push for economic diversification reflects his desire to secure the future of generations yet unborn. To witness him govern is to see a man wholly surrendered to purpose—undaunted by challenges, unwavering in principle, and unswerving in faith.

    As he clocks sixty-six, Bassey Otu remains a study in balance, firm in duty yet gracious in conduct, authoritative yet approachable, princely yet profoundly humane. The years have crowned him with wisdom and steadied his hands for greater exploits. His heart beats for Cross River, and his every stride echoes the melody of service. Few leaders have so effortlessly embodied the poetry of empathy and the discipline of governance; fewer still have so seamlessly united the moral and the political, the ideal and the real. In Governor Otu, Cross River finds not just a leader, but a guardian of its collective dream.

    Today, we celebrate more than the passing of years; we celebrate a life poured out in service—a man who has become both the servant and the symbol of his people’s aspirations. At sixty-six, the Sweet Prince remains a nectar, a sweet fragrance, a beacon of hope, a testament to the grace of God, and a reminder that true greatness lies not in the trappings of office, but in the quiet, consistent pursuit of the common good. May the winds of divine favour continue to guide your sail, Your Excellency and may your years ahead bloom with even greater wisdom, compassion, and triumph for the land you so dearly love, our Cross River State, our Pride!

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

  • Tompolo donates N10b to support Delta security drive

    Tompolo donates N10b to support Delta security drive

    In a significant gesture of support for enhancing peace and security in Delta State, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has pledged a substantial contribution of ₦10 billion to the Delta State Security Trust Fund.

    Tompolo, who serves as the chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), made the announcement during the official launch of the Trust Fund at the Government House in Asaba.

    The event is attended by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, prominent government officials, security heads, and community leaders.

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    The TSSNL Chair’s donation is recognized as one of the largest private contributions to a state security initiative in Nigeria, further solidifying his position as a prominent advocate for stability and development in the Niger Delta region.

    This initiative reflects a collaborative effort between the government and the private sector to address security challenges and foster a peaceful environment for growth and progress in the state.

  • Group rallies support for Tinubu, Oborevwori’s re-election

    Group rallies support for Tinubu, Oborevwori’s re-election

    Convener of Deltans Want MORE: Deltans want Renewed Hope, Olorogun Ese Kakor, has thrown his weight behind the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for a second term in office by stakeholders of the Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The endorsement took place on Sunday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the APC in Asaba, where party leaders cited the impressive performance of both the President and the Governor as justification for the early support.

    In a statement in Warri, Kakor described the decision as a strategic move to consolidate the gains already recorded in governance at both the federal and state levels. He urged other political parties to emulate the APC by endorsing the incumbents, stressing that continuity in leadership is crucial for sustainable development.

    READ ALSO: Why we left PDP for APC — Mbah

    Kakor particularly highlighted the giant strides of Governor Oborevwori since assuming office, noting that the current administration has demonstrated visible capacity, focus, and people-centred governance across critical sectors.

    He pointed to the ongoing expansion and dualisation of the Asaba–Ughelli Road, a flagship project aimed at improving connectivity between the state capital and the oil-producing areas, as well as the construction of three major flyovers and road interchanges in Warri and Effurun, handled by Julius Berger. These projects, valued at over ₦78 billion, are designed to decongest traffic, stimulate commerce, and redefine urban infrastructure in Delta State.

    Kakor also commended the Governor’s intensive urban renewal drive, which has delivered new internal roads and drainages in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, Sapele, and several other towns, improving mobility and reducing flooding in previously neglected communities.

    In the education sector, he acknowledged the construction and renovation of hundreds of classroom blocks, equipping of technical colleges, and upgrading of tertiary institutions to meet modern standards. These, he said, reflect the Governor’s commitment to youth development and quality education.

    He further praised Oborevwori’s social welfare and empowerment programmes, including grants and soft loans for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), skills acquisition schemes for youths and women, and targeted interventions for vulnerable groups under the MORE Agenda, an acronym for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.

    On healthcare, Kakor cited the strengthening of the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme and the renovation of several primary health centres to expand access to affordable healthcare across rural and urban communities.

    “Since the return of democracy, the performance of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori has remained unparalleled. Their leadership has brought tangible progress to the nation and our state in particular,” Kakor declared.

    He pledged his group’s continued support for both leaders, expressing optimism that their second terms would deepen reforms, accelerate infrastructure development, and further stabilize the political and economic landscape.

  • Chevron reaffirms commitment to local content development, media capacity building

    Chevron reaffirms commitment to local content development, media capacity building

    Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has reiterated its commitment to advancing local content development and strengthening the role of the media in fostering mutual understanding between International Oil Companies (IOCs) and their host communities.

    Speaking at a Media Capacity Building Programme organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Chevron’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Olusoga Oduselu — represented by Mr. Saheed Praise Akinbola — said the company remains dedicated to human capital development and sustainable partnerships with both the media and host communities.

    “Through initiatives such as AWARES and this ongoing journalism training, we continue to improve professional capacity and build lasting relationships with our media stakeholders,” Oduselu stated. “We believe that the success of the larger society translates to success in our business, which is why we keep investing in human and community development.”

    Oduselu disclosed that since 2023, Chevron has trained more than 400 journalists across Nigeria through similar capacity-building programmes. He added that the company’s strong support for Nigerian Content development generates over $1 billion in annual contract opportunities for Nigerians.

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    He further highlighted that Chevron’s Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) model, along with its transition to the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, underscores the company’s commitment to community-driven, sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

    “Through our GMoU and now HCDTs, we have supported hundreds of projects and empowered communities. We also remain one of the largest contributors of high-quality domestic gas in Nigeria, having reduced routine flaring by over 97% in the past decade,” Oduselu added.

    At the event, experts from the Delta State University, Abraka, emphasized the crucial role of the media in bridging the communication gap between IOCs and host communities.

    Delivering a lecture titled “The Role of the Media in Strengthening Relationships between IOCs and Host Communities,” Dr. Favour Atubi stressed that the media must act as educators, watchdogs, and peacebuilders.

    “The media must educate host communities about their rights, carry out investigative journalism, and report grievances before they escalate. Transparency, cultural sensitivity, and balanced reporting are essential for building trust and healthy relationships,” Atubi noted.

    She added that journalists should put pressure on IOCs to fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), promote dialogue, and ensure factual reporting to prevent misinformation.

    Similarly, Professor Majority Oji, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Delta State University, in his presentation on “PIA: Roles of the Media in Educating the Host Communities,” urged journalists to deepen their understanding of the Petroleum Industry Act to effectively enlighten residents about their rights and benefits.

    “We need the NUJ to spearhead a media-led enlightenment campaign in the Niger Delta on the PIA,” Prof. Oji said, emphasizing the media’s role in shaping awareness and accountability.

    Also speaking, Mr. Philip Nwosu, in a paper on “IOCs: The Importance of AI and Fact-Check in the 21st Century Media Reportage,” highlighted the relevance of technology in improving journalism. 

    He noted that while Artificial Intelligence saves time and builds trust, journalists must remain vigilant about potential errors and misinformation.

    The chairman of NUJ, Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, his predecessor, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and chairman of the host chapel, Victor Okpomor were among journalists who participated in the training.

  • NDYM commends Tinubu, Akpabio, Wike for restoring democratic governance in Rivers

    NDYM commends Tinubu, Akpabio, Wike for restoring democratic governance in Rivers

    The Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM) has applauded President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for their roles in restoring democratic governance in Rivers State.

    In a statement signed by its national president, Comrade Ekene Frank, and issued in Uyo on Friday, the group also cautioned youths, elders, and stakeholders in Rivers State against inflammatory statements or actions capable of plunging the state back into political crisis.

    According to NDYM, Rivers State — being the central point of the Niger Delta — must remain peaceful for stability and progress to resonate across the region.

    “The Niger Delta Youth Movement, as the umbrella youth organization in the region, is delighted that full democratic governance has resumed in Rivers state,” the statement read.

    The group commended President Tinubu for his leadership in restoring peace, the Akpabio-led National Assembly for its support, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and other stakeholders for their sacrifices toward reconciliation and harmony in the state.

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    It further noted that normalcy has returned, with the local government system functioning again, Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, back in office, and the Rivers State House of Assembly under Speaker Martins Amaewhule resuming legislative duties.

    NDYM urged both Wike and Fubara to refrain from actions or utterances that could reignite tension, while calling on their supporters and Rivers youths to maintain peace and view themselves as future leaders.

  • Reps begin investigation of alleged mismanagement of oil spill funds

    Reps begin investigation of alleged mismanagement of oil spill funds

    The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of funds allocated for the clean-up of oil spillage in the Niger Delta.

    Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the ad hoc committee set up by the House to carry out the investigation, the chairman of the committee, Okpolupm Etteh, said the Niger Delta has faced years of environmental degradation and untold damage due to oil exploration and frequent spills.

    He said the establishment of the Committee by this House underscores the shared commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency, and environmental justice for the people of the Niger Delta.

    According to him, the Niger Delta has faced years of environmental degradation and untold damage due to oil exploration and frequent spills, while various government agencies have been created or assigned the responsibility of conducting environmental remediation and clean-up operations.

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    He said, “Unfortunately, troubling reports of alleged mismanagement, inefficiency, and poor coordination have overshadowed these initiatives.

    “Similarly, this House has also received reports that Funds allocated for clean-up efforts have not produced the anticipated outcomes, leaving communities still affected, livelihoods in jeopardy, and public trust diminished.

    “Our Committee has been assigned the critical task of uncovering the truth, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and proposing reforms for sustainable solutions.

    “Our objectives are clear. We will investigate the utilization of funds designated for environmental remediation, review the actual execution of clean-up projects, identify deficiencies in the institutional framework, and engage with all relevant stakeholders, including host communities, experts, and civil society. Most importantly, we will recommend specific actions to enhance performance and rebuild public trust.”

    He emphasised that the Committee is not on a quest for a witch-hunt, but will not hesitate to ask tough questions to unravel the truth for posterity and to uphold the integrity of our mission.

    He said, “We will operate transparently, seek broad consultations, and conduct field visits to witness the situation first-hand. Agencies will be held accountable, community perspectives will be valued, and our conclusions will be based on factual evidence rather than emotions.

    “Our aim is to illuminate the truth and ensure that the Niger Delta receives the justice it rightfully deserves. We will conduct our work with professionalism, patriotism, and a strong respect for the rule of law.

    “The task ahead is both urgent and essential. The Niger Delta cannot endure another decade of unfulfilled promises. It is high time we transformed words into action. We, therefore, seek the cooperation of all stakeholders—government agencies, communities, civil society, and the media—to help us effectively achieve our mandate.”