The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has confirmed that the completed 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State, which it executed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) is ready for inauguration.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the road with seven bridges, 53 culverts and linking 14 communities, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir. Victor Antai said that the commission had opened discussions with the main contractor, SETRACO, to undertake some minor repairs on the road in preparation for the inauguration.
A statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said Antai, was accompanied by NDDC directors and engineers.
Antai said that the project was not only a flagship of intervention in the Niger Delta, but also a model of development partnership between the commission and international oil companies in the region.
He said that the current NDDC board and management would not relent in ensuring the completion and inauguration of legacy projects meant to transform the entire Niger Delta region.
He said: “The Ogbia-Nembe Road demonstrates the emphasis we place on high quality job delivery. This is the standard we will maintain for all our road projects. Going forward, we want to extend this to all our projects.”
Former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who will be buried today (Saturday) in his Igboukwu country home of Anambra State, has been proclaimed ‘hero of Igboland’ by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
This was announced Friday at the International Convention Center ICC, in Awka, Anambra State by the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
It was during the state commendation service of the late octogenarian, led by the state Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
Ezeife, who retired as a Federal permanent secretary and ruled Anambra State in 1992, was honoured Friday by the present and past governors of the state.
Though, he died an old man, the commendation service evoked emotions from Soludo; former Governor of Enugu State, Okwesilieze Nwodo; Ezeife’s daughter, Mrs Ogechukwu Ugorji; and Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP Mr. Peter Obi.
Addressing the mammoth crowd at the ICC, Iwuanyanwu, who described Ezeife as a great Nigerian, said that Ohanaeze had resolved to award him the ‘hero of Igbo.’
He said anyone that served Igbo land very well would automatically be the property of Igboland, while commending Soludo for always supporting Ohanaeze.
“Today, Ohanaeze proclaim Ezeife,’ hero of Igboland’, ” Iwuanyanwu said.
For Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, who was the chairman of the burial committee, “We decided to give him an extraordinary burial because of what he stood for and to encourage other leaders in Igboland to do like him.”
Ezeife’s daughter, Mrs Ogechukwu Ugorji, in an emotion-laden voice, said, “Our father was the voice of Igbo.”
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, failed to hold back tears, describing the late elder statesman as his mentor.
He further insisted that Ezeife would be buried according to the Anambra burial law, adding that after the commendation Friday, the burial would terminate on Saturday, saying that he left a legacy that would be difficult to match.
It is very emotional after almost two years, “we’ve buried two former Governors. Ezeife was indeed, a true Nigerian.
“He lived for many causes that will help us build a better society,” Soludo said.
Presidential candidate of LP, Peter Obi, said Ezeife lived for justice, was a fair Nigerian, and a Nigerian that lived for all.
In her eulogy, the first female Governor in Nigeria, Dame Virgy Etiaba, first, thanked Soludo for bringing out money for such a state burial for Ezeife, adding that some other persons would not have provided such support.
The crowd was in a frenzy because they knew the reference point.
However, she said Ezeife loved everyone, an activist who had a listening ear, adding that Okwadike signified a lot of things, noting that he fought for Igboland and made friends throughout the country.
It was a tearful farewell, yesterday, as Delta All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr Cairo Ojuogboh was, yesterday, buried in his home town, Alihame, Ika South LGA in Delta state.
Dr Ojuogboh was laid to rest at 12.57 p.m.
He was 64 years old.
There was a twelve canon salute in his honour shortly after his interment.
Dr Cairo who was a traditional Chief in Ika land was installed Akinuwa of Agbor Kingdom in
The event witnessed a large gathering of political associates, family members and sympathisers who thronged his residence to pay their last respects.
A funeral mass was held at St John Baptist Catholic church in Agbor, Agbor Obi in Ika South LGA.
The officiating priest, Very Reverend Father Dr Charles Uganwa extolled the virtues of the late politician, describing him as a man who impacted his community, state and Nigeria.
He admonished politicians to put the interest of the people over personal goals, adding that the late politician’s life was worthy of emulation.
He said, “Dr Cairo Ojuogboh lived an impactful life. He is a man of the people whose life is worthy of emulation. He touched Alihame, Ika land and Nigeria as a whole.”
He said despite sixty four years of nationhood, Nigerians are still grappling with abject poverty and the lack of basic amenities.
Dignitaries at the occasion included Delta Governor Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, ex-Governors Ifeanyi Okowa, Ali Modu Sheriff, former Petroleum Minister, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, Chairman Board, Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), Chiedu Ebie and ex- Speaker, Delta state House of Assembly, Mr Victor Ochei.
The late politician reportedly slumped while watching the quarter final match between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana, the South African male team at the recently concluded 2024 African Nations Football Tournament hosted by Ivory Coast.
Her demise has brought immense sadness to the people of her immediate Okori community, Ogale Nchia and Eleme Kingdom at large.
Born on April 6th, 1972 in Aba City, Abia State, Queen Emereowi Njideka Appolus Chu was known for her wisdom and dedication to the welfare of her people and her absence will be deeply felt by all whose lives she touched.
Her demise has left a deep void in the community, which was greatly impacted by her contributions.
Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) have advised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) not to desecrate the courts in the course of carrying out its constitutional role of fighting corruption.
The CSOs and human rights crusaders cautioned the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies against trampling on the rights of supposed suspects of corruption in order to avoid breaking a law to enforce another law.
The activists, who spoke at a briefing in Lagos on Thursday, noted specifically that the recent public face-off between the EFCC and a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello in Abuja, was “both unnecessary and unfortunate.”
The Executive Chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), Debo Adeniran,suggested that the rush by the EFCC to make an arrest, when the Court of Appeal hearing on its application to vacate the restraining order was just in a few days, might give credence to allegations of political persecution.
“Mr. Olukoyede is my friend. But if he begins to trample on the rule of law, then that’s the terminal point of our friendship,” Adeniran said.
The CSOs noted that the EFCC’s action on Wednesday was “tantamount to the agency preempting the outcome of its appeal and also violating a subsisting and valid court order to pause action pending the determination of the case before it.”
“Our layman’s understanding is that a Court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot assume superiority over another,” they noted.
Gbenga Soloki of the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence, who also spoke, said civil societies in Nigeria would protest vehemently against any attempt to use the military to arrest an individual who had not been accused of treason.
“It is extremely disappointing to hear this afternoon that EFCC is threatening to involve the military in their desperation to forcefully or violently arrest an individual who has not been alleged of treason.
“Should that happen, we will be a laughing stock globally. Civil society will be active in protesting against such unforgivable infraction on our democracy should it happen as threatened. It should better not happen,” he said.
Adeniran stated, “We do not consider Yahaya Bello a saint, but even the devil deserves his rights under the law. Court documents at our disposal show that the former Governor had obtained a High Court restraining order on the EFCC not to arrest or prosecute him pending the determination of a case of the enforcement of his fundamental human rights, which the Commission has rightfully appealed with the intention of vacating.
“The Commission has done very well up to this point following the due processes of law because without vacating that order, it cannot proceed with arresting the suspect.
“According to available court documents, hearing on the appeal has been slated to come up on Monday April 22nd in Abuja. However, suddenly yesterday (Wednesday) the news of the foiled arrest of the former Governor by the Commission went viral. One would have expected the Commission to wait for the determination of its own appeal before going after the suspect.
“We think it is an abuse of court processes to ignore a court order still on appeal at the instance of the Commission and to obtain a warrant of arrest from another court on the same suspect.”
The CSOs urged the EFCC to fight, prevent and prosecute corruption cases strictly within the ambit of the law set up to regulate the interaction between them and corruption suspects.
They noted that laws, including the Nigerian criminal justice system regulations and court processes, were meant to be obeyed non-selectively by both state and non-state actors.
The CSOs recalled that when the current Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, came on board last year, one of his promises was to operate strictly within the rule of law.
“For those who are likely to misinterpret this intervention as it is their regular trademark, this goes beyond Yahaya Bello. Injustice to anyone should not be allowed to stand because it may be your turn tomorrow,” they noted.
The activists therefore urged the EFCC to revert to status quo antebellum pending the determination of its appeal and a vacation of the restraining order placed on it, saying “that is the way and dictate of the law.”
The press conference was attended by Comrades Debo Adeniran, Executive Chairman, Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership CACOL); Sina Loremikan, (Campaign Against Impunity); Declan Ihekhaire, (Activists for Good Governance); Gbenga Soloki, CADOV; Ochiaga Ohaneze, (Ohaneze Youth Council); Funmi Jolade, (Women Democratic Vanguard); Kola Abe, (Centre for Socioeconomic Rights); Ologun Ayodeji, (Transparency and Accountability Group); Femi Lawson, (Centre for Public Accountability) and Gbenga Ganzallo (Media Rights Campaign), among others.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was established in 2000 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, with the sole mandate to developing the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. It was created as a quick response to end youth restiveness that degenerated into daily kidnapping and maiming of oil workers in the area which nearly crippled the economy of the country. Despite its creation, the minorities of the Niger Delta have continued to agitate and demand for greater autonomy and control of the area’s petroleum resources.
The people of the Niger Delta justified their grievances by reference to the extensive environmental degradation and pollution from oil activities that have occurred in the region since the late 1950s.
Till date, through the NDDC, the Niger Delta region has witnessed developmental strides in infrastructure such as housing/renovations, road construction/rehabilitation, building of hospitals, university/schools and granting of scholarships to indigent students in the area, among other interventions.
In the same vein, the establishment of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), in 2017, was primarily to coordinate the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of infrastructures which was damaged as a result of insurgency (Boko Haram menace), as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy, ecological challenges in the North Eastern States and other related matter. So far, both NDDC and NEDC, are living up to the mandates to which they were established.
However, the people of the South East region of Nigeria, appears to be in the huge disadvantage in all ramifications of life decades after the civil war which has left the entire region in ruin ever since. Regrettably, the 3Rs vision of reconciliation, rehabilitation and re-integration by the General Gowon regime aimed at addressing the plights of the region was without success. This is even as they have chosen to pursue their genuine demands ever since in a subtle disposition.
Luckily, there seems to be a ray of hope with the passage of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The South East Development Commission bill is not a new phenomenon in the National Assembly, but it has gained traction at the beginning of the 10th Assembly, due to the enigmatic and pragmatic leadership of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker. The SEDC bill has since received the nod of the Green Chamber.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and his colleagues have equally passed the bill and the next step will be to step up the Conference Committee to reconcile any differences.
The rapid acceleration of the SEDC bill in this 10th Assembly, is indeed a cheering news. This same bill never saw the light of the day in both the 8th and 9th Assemblies and Kudos to the remarkable leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who has truly demonstrated the Renewed Hope agenda to the Southeast region.
No doubt, the President will assent to the bill when presented to his office, considering the positive and meaningful impact of similar commissions in the Niger Delta and North East.
Ndigbo are hopeful that the South East Development Commission will address the untold marginalization faced by her region since the end of the civil war.
Above all, the SEDC, when established, will definitely address infrastructural deficit in the area, provide quality education and advance our school infrastructure and its standard by offering teachers continuing education as well as providing scholarships to indigent students, skill acquisition, employment opportunity to the people, including the restive youths, provide quality health care and improve socio-economic activities.
The people of the South East have suffered for so long and have been made to retrogress due to lack of commitment to their general well-being by successive government. But President Bola Tinubu’s name is about to be written in gold as the President who signed the SEDC bill into law when it finally lands on his table. Ndigbo will eternally remain grateful to him if this is achieved, bearing in mind that the vision of reconciliation, rehabilitation and re-integration have finally been realized after many years in abeyance.
Ukoha is former Minority Whip Abia State House of Assembly.
Akwa Ibom state governor on Saturday visited the family of the late Nollywood Make-up artist, Abigail Edith Frederick in Ikot Udoma, Eket local government of the state.
Late Edith in a boat mishap recently alongside Junior Pope and other artists while on a journey to a movie location.
Eno, on arrival from an official engagement in Abuja drove straight to the family compound of the late Nollywood make-up artist, where he consoled the bereaved family.
Showing deep emotions, the governor made offers to assuage the pains suffered by the grieving family members.
He thereafter gave an automatic employment in the State Civil Service to the surviving elder sister of the deceased, and directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo to renovate the family house and bring it to modern standards.
The governor also assured of the state government’s assistance to the two sisters of the bereaved who are undergraduates at the University of Uyo, said to be sponsored by the late Nollywood make-up artist.
“This is deeply unfortunate, a young girl, 24 years old, who finished her Youth Service just last year, and decided to pursue her passion.
“This is a reflection of our Arise spirit. It shows that our young people are willing to go out there, not begging, not waiting for handouts, but to pursue their passions.
“It is sad and unfortunate that her life ended the way it did.
“Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of the Government to console and encourage the family.
“You are not just the governor when people are celebrating. In times and moments like this, you become the Mourner-in-Chief and give them hope.
Hails ex-militant leader’s efforts towards Niger Delta’s political, economic survival
The apex Ijaw youths’ body, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, has described a foremost ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as a harbinger of hope and development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
In a statement yesterday by the national spokesman for the group, Amb. Binebai Princewill, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Tompolo, the IYC said the renowned Niger Delta and Ijaw leader had paid his dues for the economic and political survival of the people of Ijaw nation and the region.
Princewill said the entire Ijaw nation is proud of Tompolo as their highly revered leader owing to his sacrifices in the struggle to emancipate his people.
The spokesman said through his company, Tantita Security Services, Tompolo had played a crucial role in securing crude oil pipelines, thereby preventing oil theft and sabotage.
He said: “We are very lucky to have Tompolo in this present era of our nascent movement for resource control.
“Tompolo’s leadership has been marked by unwavering dedication, resilience, and a commitment to the betterment of our communities. His vision for a prosperous and empowered Niger Delta has inspired countless youths to actively participate in the struggle for justice and equity.
“Furthermore, Tompolo’s exemplary leadership has been recognised and honoured by reputable organisations and citadels of learning. He has been bestowed with numerous awards and honorary doctorates in recognition of his outstanding contributions to society and his relentless pursuit of justice and equity.”
The Presidential Amnesty Programme has again reassured beneficiaries that it has paid the stipends for the month of March into their accounts.
The Office explained in a statement at the weekend that the monies meant for all the beneficiaries have been released to the banks for lodgment into their accounts a week ago.
The statement urged those who are yet to receive the stipends to check their accounts (transaction history) as the money would be in the accounts.
The office commended the delegates for their maturity in dealing with the unforeseen development urging them to exercise more patients as all such funds have been paid directly into their accounts
”We wish to state that the funds for the disbursement of the March stipends have left the Amnesty account and we have received positive feedback from many of the beneficiaries.
“The Office commends the delegates who are yet to receive the stipends for their patience and assures them that in no time the issues will be resolved.
“The Amnesty Office has no reason to delay the payment of the monthly stipends and has not changed its process for the disbursement of the monthly allowance.
Rivers State Governor, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to protect the interest of the state especially the youths.
Fubara spoke when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, noted that his administration put in place modalities to boost the livelihood and wellbeing of Rivers citizens
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, said that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, were part of deliberate measures to open up the council to make life conducive and meaningful for the people.
He said: “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.”
