NDDC : UNFOUNDED POLITICAL BLACKMAIL AGAINST IMC WON'T STOP THE FORENSIC AUDIT AS ORDERED BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI.( Part one)~Vincent Oshiagwu

Written by :

Vincent Oshiagwu. 

Let me begin by stating unequivocally that the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC was established in the Year 2000 and since then, over five Trillion naira argueably have been pumped into the Commission with nothing on ground to reflect such lump sum.

Obviously, some greedy political thieves may have converted the said huge fund into personal money and nobody is raising a voice but we must get to the root of all that through the forensic audit whether anyone likes it or not.

The forensic audit in my opinion has come to stay until the committee conclude their noble assignment. I support in total the President's bold move and noble idea which was premeditated at ensuring a perfect accounting of the Commission geared towards a re-organized management structure for effective operation in the interest of the Oil producing states of Nigeria, the Niger Delta region. 

Sadly and most unfortunately, some persons openly criticized and condemned the move to the extent  one now wonders why the hues and cries from some quarters to the level that the mere mention of the forensic audit sends tension rising anywhere in the region, especially within the political bracket. Some politicians suddendly developed cold feet and became dead-scared of the outcome of the NDDC Forensic Audit and now doing everything practically and politically possible, including blackmail to ensure it does not see the light of the day.

The president in line with his antigraft war has chosen to rejig the commission after taking a cursory study of the rot and high profile looting alongside petitions bothering on fraud in the Niger Delta Development  Commission, NDDC. He decided that it will be worthwhile to know the history of funding of the commission, so as to chart a course for the future. This has today resulted in the forensic audit of the 19 years of the commission. In a sane clime, such good intention will be applauded.

For example, several comments, narratives and press releases have in the last couple of weeks greeted the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC and the subsequent probing of the Interim Management Committee, IMC by the two chambers of the National Assembly, many of whom, themselves were fingered to be involved in the rot in the NDDC. Many too, who think the forensic audit can only be done over their dead bodies are unrelentedly fighting the audit committee and now see members of the Interim Management Committee as a political obstacle that should be crushed and removed at all cost before 2023, hence, hellbent on giving the audit committee some terrible names. 

At first, it was the allegation of a missing 40 billion naira which the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC management openly denied any of such lump sum missing from its confer. At some point, the Minister of the Niger Delta Ministry, former governor of Akwa Ibom state and one time two term senator, Godswill Akpabio was openly criticized for backing the Interim Management, IMC. Series of allegations of corrupt practices were levelled against senator Akpbio all in a bid to submerge and drown the audit to ensure the Interim Management Committee, IMC fails. 

The allegations against the IMC, range from awards of imaginary contracts running into millions of naira and many more which political analysts and observers saw as blackmails, cooked up lies and swiftly threw into the trash bin for lack of weight and evidence. In summary, the allegations against the IMC is unsubstantiated and borne out of fear of being exposed. Since then, the war of words between the two groups has continued to rage. In fact, it provoked national uproar. Out of fear that the Acting  Executive Director, EDP, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a man of truth and impeccable character will always speak truth to power and expose criminal elements that placed the Commission in ruins without fear or favour , corruption began to fight back just to truncate the forensic audit. One thing, they failed. 

As the audit-provoked war raged, the NDDC came up with list of companies that were made to be paid by the commission on pressure from the NASS committee leaders. The audit was given the tone of a witch-hunting exercise and those who raped the Commission dry and silly since it's inception became so afraid of being called to give account of their stewardship. Many may have whispered that such communication style could attract more detractors and rather kill the audit scheme instead of enhance it. The question is why kill an audit intended to account for the stewardship of those who mismanaged the Commission for the past 19 years and  better the lives of the people of the region?

To be continued.

NASS LEADERSHIP : APC SUPPORT GROUP THREATENS PROTEST

Matty Demes

A Coalition of APC Support Groups South South has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to review the chairmanship positions of it is committees on NDDC in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

In an open letter written to NASS tagged " REQUEST TO NASS LEADERSHIP LAWAN GBAJABIAMILA  TO PROBE/SACK COMMITTEE CHIARMEN ON NDDC AS A MATTER OF URGENCY AND IMPORTANCE" which was signed and disseminated by Comr. Lucky Onajite (Agbarho),

Secretary Coalition of APC Support Groups South South, the group has stated that  the party will no longer tolerate leaving viable and sensitive positions that has a direct  impact with PMB's mandate in delivering his administration's dividends of democracy and next level agenda to the people of Niger Delta region, in the hands of the opposition that will stop at nothing than frustrates PMB good works in the region.

Further stated in the letter thus, " let me inform all our members across the country that PDP which is the main opposition party in the country has held sway of the leadership of both committees of NDDC in the National Assembly since 1999 even when APC came into power recently. 

Therefore, we call on all good spirited leaders of our Great PARTY to rise to the occasion of saving our great PARTY from the imminent collapse and stop empowering the opposition party into juicy positions in the National Assembly or any other positions of GOVERNANCE in PMB and APC administration".

" As a result of the above mentioned realities steering in our faces as leaders and members of our great party APC, we call on the leadership of the National Assembly, Senate President and the Honourable speaker of the House  Representatives to change the current chairmen of both committees and replace them with APC law makers within two weeks that will support the good work Mr President is doing in the region. Failure, the Coalition of APC Support Groups will embark on a peaceful protest and occupation of the National Assembly, the National Secretariat of APC and the Presidency for a period of one week", it concludes.

Eid-el-Kabir: Ojougboh felicitates with Muslims, urges prayers for peaceful co-existence

Photo Source: Sunnewsonline.com

Matty Demes

The Executive Director of Projects Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Dr. Cairo Ojougboh has congratulated Nigerian Muslims on the celebration of Eid ul-Adha, urging prayers for peaceful Co-existence.

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In a statement with which through his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sir Gabriel Choba, a copy was received, the Acting EDP, has said that the celebration should be marked by a re-dedication to faith and complete submission to the will of God in other to build greater unity amongst Nigerians.

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In Ojuogboh's words viz , “I congratulate our Muslim faithful in Niger Delta and Nigeria in general as they celebrate the Eid-ul-Adha.”

Further speaking , “It is a celebration for Muslims all over to reflect and re-dedicate themselves so as to  increase their faith and remain close to God. Hence, it is worth honouring”

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“ As such, It is my wish that we all use this opportunity to render ourselves conscious of the importance of our faith and the significance of our submission to the almighty creator.”

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Meanwhile, as we celebrate in good fate, “I would not hesitate to  urge everyone to take responsible actions as we celebrate in light of COVID-19 and adhere strictly to all health and safety precautions". Ojougboh added conclusively.

NDDC PROBE: Dr Cairo Ojuogboh speaks on Contracts Disbursement.

The existing supposed relationship of checks and balance between the IMC and the NASS has without doubt been characterized with attacks and counter attacks from both ends lately.

Following the ongoing probe against the IMC audit team, it could be recalled that Dr Cairo Ojougboh, executive director of projects at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has earlier said that getting a contract at the agency is like winning a lottery".

As the agency, which  could be best defined as an eye  in the present storm over a series of allegations revolving around corruption and being investigated by the national assembly,  an interview with Arise Television dated May 25th 2020, which features Dr Cairo Ojougboh has accusatorily revealed that the past managements of the commission are being responsible for deep-seated corruption in NDDC.

According to the IMC's EDP Boss, The agency prior the inception of the IMC could award a project worth N700 million to a contractor but would unfortunately be  executed with just a sum of N10 million naira which is not even a percentage of the total amount given alongside output expected.

Further said, “Between 2016 and 2019, emergency contracts of over N2 trillion were awarded under the supervision of the chairmen of both committees,” Ojugboh revealed in his interview .

According to Dr Cairo, “The chairman of senate committee collected one thousand jobs and said he was going to give it to the senate. The records are there. The 1,000 contracts were collected by a man called Nelson Agbamuche on behalf of the senate".

Also speaking on the IMC's crisis, he also asserted that “The immediate crisis that came was as a result of the budget". And further making his points clearer as percieved , the crisis all began with a problem  that can be traced to NDDC 2016's budget. 

According to him, "The bureaucracy told us when we came in that there was no budget from 2016 to 2018. Still, The budget for 2019 was just passed some few days ago. What led to it?.

Infact, “A chairman of senate in 2015 called the bureaucracy that they need to include for him a N15 billion project in the budget. The bureaucracy said it was fair enough and therefore went behind and worked it out. When they came back, the chairman said I didn’t say N15 billion. I said N150 billion".

In response to the chairman's displeasure, “The bureaucracy went back but they couldn’t comply because there was no way they could do that. Notwithstanding the difficulty earlier experienced,  "The chairman went back to the bureaucracy asking them to award emergency contracts without due process. And that was how the emergency procedures were breached thereby leaving the commission with over a  N3 trillion commitment. How much more can this continue?"-He asked in grief.

Further said, “We were not paying as they used to. So, the contractors became very angry. Normally, once you have a contract in NDDC, it is like you have won a lottery. A contract that they will award for you in NDDC for N700 million, you can use N10 or N20 million to do it.”

Meanwhile , speaking before the house of representatives committee probing the commission on Monday 20th July'20, Godswill Akpabio, minister of Niger Delta affairs, has confirmed previous ulterations by Dr. Cairo  Ojuogboh as  regards to NDDC contract sharing and hijacking by members of the NASS. In his words, " Most of the contracts awarded by the NDDC are given to the National Assembly Members".

More interesting facts to be revealed. 

Culled from 

Niger Delta Today 

ITS OKAY-NDDC : WHY ARE THEY SO AFRAID OF THE FORENSIC AUDIT ?~ Vincent Oshiagwu.

I have keenly watched and followed the recent probe into the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC by the two chambers of the National Assembly and shocked at the revelations and unwantom attacks on the Forensic Audit committee set up by President Muhammadu Buhari which I see as a timeless necessity. And as a citizen of Nigeria and a Niger Deltan, posterity will surely judge me wrongly if I choose to be silent in the face of a high profile rot in a commission supposedly meant to better the lives of the people of the region but crippled by corruption. 

As far as I am concerned, an audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC is of immense imperative at this very critical period of our political sojourn and it must be done without any iota of politicking nor further delay or distractions to ascertain and expose criminal elements of the National Assembly and others as alleged by the Minister of the Niger Delta Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Those who serially raped the Commission dry and silly since it's inception in 2001, for example should be made to account for their unholy stewardship that created the ugly rot we are in today. By this, I mean they should be brought to book to face the law in the overall interest of our people who have been mostly robbed and denied the purpose of setting up the Commission ab initio.

Truth be told that many people, mostly senators and House of Representatives members from the Niger Delta region, for political reasons are against the Forensic Audit because of some fear of the unknown and sheer hatred for the Interim Management Committee, IMC especially Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a Soja of truth who will never cover up the mess of any criminal element and it feels bad that those who have been mostly hit by the actions and inactions of these dubious elements in our midst are the same people calling for the head and even the disbandment of the IMC because they do not want the forensic audit to see the light of the day as it will expose their looting escapades. 

The Forensic Audit committee is just seven months in office and doing very well as expected by the President. This is an incontestable fact known only by people of sane mindset but what about those who have been running the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC for about 19 years?  They should be brought to answer questions too rather than attacking a team with good intention. Many of these lawmakers are indeed criminals who have converted the NDDC into a cash cow to milk money into their personal pockets and bank accounts. Why are they so afraid of the forensic audit if their hands are clean? 

You see, the most saddening and mostly shameful part of it all is that those who are suffering hunger, deprivation and poverty are joining these thieves to pull down the audit committee just to truncate their mandate and thwart their effort. In a sane clime, the people should be rejoicing that political looters and rapists who plunged them into untold hardship are being exposed to face the wrath of the law. Why not allow the committee conclude their assignment and probe them thereafter? To me, an auditor can be audited. With all of this comedy of absurdity, these lawmakers in my opinion are culpable and are even the real looters that should be investigated.

Given recent developments, however, I hope the two chambers of the National Assembly will get to the root of it all and identify culprits and bring them to justice for raping the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC dry and silly for many years. To be quite honest, the recent order of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Gbajabiamila on the Minister of the Niger Delta Ministry, Senator Akpabio to produce names of corrupt members of the National Assembly involved in the rot in the NDDC within 48 hours is a clarion call that should be lauded by all Niger Deltan. Enough is enough.

vincentjude4c@gmail.com.

RE: ACCUSATIONS AGAINST HONOURABLE MINISTER GOD'SWILL AKPABIO - FACTS OF THE MATTER.

Anonymously Shared.

We are bewildered about this terrible image backslash and orchestrated grandstanding against the Honourable Minister for The Niger Delta, Chief God'swill Akpabio by Joy Nunie, former acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and are compelled to state the following facts relative to these occurrences. 

1. This is indeed a paradox and a calculated calumny to defame the person of the Honourable Minister in a power play quagmire intended to sap the goodwill and good intentions of God'swill Akpabio at the expense of greed and desire for the orchestrants to seek for relevance which they have long lost. 

From our findings and even from what we already know,  Akpabio can never and will never condescend too low as to possibly fiddle Joy Nunie either for sexual urge or gratification for political placement.  

For the avoidance of doubt, it is pertinent to state here that over 30percent of the Minister's workforce are women even of repute ever since he came into political limelight,  yet has he not witnessed a scandal of any sort whatsoever.  

Why would Joy Nunie choose this part of destruction?

Couldn't he (Akpabio) have gone after Bobrisky in order to satisfy that urge instead?  

For the avoidance of doubt,  the Palliatives were widely and succesfully distributed to nooks and crannies with proofs of collection from recipients/beneficiaries.  

SOME QUESTIONS 

Why do many Niger Deltans love to destroy our own?

Why do we always love to pull down our best? 

This was exactly what she intended to do with the man of David Ibiyeomie when she scandalously commented that the man of God was fake. It was the curse of the man of God that sieved her into the dustbin and she lost relevance before SHE ONLY WAS SACKED IN THE PREVIOUS BOARD. 

The hammer that fell on her was a proof that she has no honour for spiritually engraced offices nor respect for any constituted authority.  May God help her.  

 

2. We are actually in shock to hear Mrs Nunieh  Joy insinuate that Senator God'swill Akpabio compelled her to an oath of secrecy as proof of avowed loyalty which she said she resisted or refused on the ground of being a saint declining the offer of a sinner.  

So what then happened to the records and books of NDDC that showed how in her 6months of stewardship, approved for herself and collected monies meant for treatment of LASSA FEVER patients which ran into several hundreds of millions of Naira and diverted same into her personal coffers. 

With whom did she cut the secret covenant for this theft?

How come there were massive funds movement during her 6months stewardship yet genuine contractors reeled in persistent pain over Hugh interests accrued on their loans both from banks and black market lenders because they weren't paid?

Again the attempted arrest on her by a purported police command has really unearthed the fact that she lived a lavish lifestyle  that was not consistent with the paraphernalia of her office as an MD. 

How much is her monthly remuneration that she quickly moved into that highbrow palatial mansion?

We would love to really commend the Federal Government for your resolute fight against corruption but at the same time we would caution that you never allow sentiments to rule reason in a bid to getting this matter resolved. 

Giving the dog a bad name in order to kill it can  never light the darkness in the Niger Delta.  

Let us all team up to explore the enormous potentials in the Niger Delta rather than breaking horns in a bull-fight and getting the bull-shit in shame,  ignominy,  cracks and divisions. 

Long live Nigeria!

Long live Niger Delta!!

THOSE WHOSE HANDS ARE STAINED IN NDDC~Hon. U Itoro

Written by:

Hon. U Itoro

The Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC ) was established in June 2000 by the Obasanjo Administration with the mandate to bring accelerated development to the oil bearing States of the Niger Delta region.

In 2008, the Administration of then President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua established the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and made the NDDC which was already in existence a parastatal of that ministry with late Obong Uffot Joseph Ekaette as the pioneer Minister.

It is on record that NDDC was moved to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation . Curiously, no Niger Deltan has been Secretary to the Government of the Federation after late Obong Uffot Ekaette who served in that office during the Obasanjo Administration. So when the likes of Godsday Orubebe and Usaini Usaini served in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs as ministers at various times, it is unlikely that NDDC was under the ministry's supervision. It obviously remained in the office of the SGF.

But in October, 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari graciously extricated the NDDC from the Office of the SGF and annexed it to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. This came on the heels of appointment of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Minister of that Ministry.

Senator Godwill Akpabio the uncommon transformer took the mantle of leadership with the redeployment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC ) by PMB to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to enhance the quality of life and improve the living standards of the people in the Niger Delta through coordinated and appropriate programmes".

Senator Akpabio being a round peg in a round hole was chosen to faithfully execute the vision. His record breaking service as Governor of Akwa Ibom State may have propelled his choice.

Since the appointment of Akpabio as minister and the knitting of NDDC to the Ministry of Niger Delta many things to our value system have taken place.

Let us examine one very important point to our collective sensibilities. And that is while NDDC was domiciled at the office of the SGF, all of us were content without any complaints. Even though the occupants of the office over time were not Niger Deltans, our people preferred them even when they knew nothing about our pains, challenges and our fears.

Those people kicking and calling on Mr President to revert to status-quo are the enemies of Niger Deltans the same body they enriched themselves with but pride, pomp and pageantry has taken whole of them. As the saying goes, no man can understand a people’s problem more than the people affected. Yet in our disparate upbringing, we prefer the outsider who knows little about us to our brother who knows our problems.

NDDC is known to be in existence for about two decades. During the period, about N15 trillion is said to have graced the coffers of the Commission. But NDDC has nothing tangible to show to justify this whopping and mind boggling sum, yet nobody raised a whimper. Corruption eat into the Agency for 20 years with everybody looking the other way. Advocates and anti-corruption crusaders were lulled into slumber and everything appeared good.

But in the last few months, the entire Nation is wide awake to all kinds of allegations of corruption involving first N40 billion as against N15 trillion just because change is set to visit the Commission. Many believe that the deafening noise is part of the resistance to the change that is being envisaged in the Agency. Those whose hands are in the cookie jar do not want to let go resulting in the fabrication of weighty allegations against those commissioned to exact the change.

Moreso, why are the allegations of corruption coming at the time of the investigation of the activities of the Agency? Where were these advocates before now? Is it a case of politics and elections come 2023 or a case of manifestation of the popular phrase, "corruption fighting back? I have reminisced over this incident but without answers to what is happening.

It is intriguing that of all the boards, agencies and commissions that either custody or are allocated huge resources of government, NDDC is the one singled out for negative and unwholesome publicity. Sadly, some of those behind these scandalous acts are from the Niger Delta. But daily, NDDC loses development time with all kinds of distraction. Are those at the helms of affairs in the other agencies beyond reproach? Why is NDDC getting this special attention it never had in the past 19 years? These are basic questions Nigerians should ask.

But it is without doubt that forensic audit is ongoing. Those whose hands are stained with the 19 years of waste do not want the audit to see the light of the day. They would do anything to scuttle it.

This is a tug of war between people who are willing to take the darts to protect the interest of the people and a few corrupt elites who want to sustain the status-quo.

As Niger Deltans, we must carefully choose where we stand in this war less we lose the chance of this liberation that is about to come through the leadership of Senator Godswill Akapbio.

IYC 2020: "As far as I am concerned there is no contest but the need for an election only stands as a fair play ground in adherence to the principle of democracy". M.T Demebide, Nacsp.

Following the quest  for the next team of administrators of the youth wing of the Ijaw Nation under the auspice of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide, Master Tony Demebide, Nacsp.  An indigene of the  Ijaw  Nation from both Delta and Bayelsa states has casted a vote of confidence for Comrade Obiri Ebilade Esq. , who aspires to serve the council as a legal advicer and in same regards congratulate him in advance.

In a statement which was signed by the Ijaw breed  which reads thus; " I have sat quietly and watched from a hill top several  political interest which are all evident with rainbow like campaigns and social media displays. But without doubt and with a high sense of optimism, I am sure comrade Obiri will come out victorious. Hence, I congratulate him in advance". 

Further stating , " as far as I am concerned there is no opposing party and contest  but the need for an election only stands as a fair play ground in adherence  to the principle of democracy".  

Meanwhile, the optimistic ijaw breed has also advised all aspirants, delegates , committee and coordinators alongside law enforcement agencies to shun electoral violence and put forward first the life of every individual as previously done by not just the former president of Nigeria Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan but an hero and father in the Ijaw Nation which has made him stand out in the global world today.

Conclusively however, "as we all vote and contest for several positions, the Ijaw kena wen mo ideology should be our priority . If  you happen to win, do not neglect your opponent and if it happens it is not yet your time, humbly accept in good fate and support the other. Meanwhile, I also extend my congratulatory remarks in advance to you all as I have done to Comrade Obiri Ebilade,Esq", he said.

POLITICS : RELISHING THE PACEMARK OF A PACESETTER, DR CAIRO OJOUGBOH

Written By:

Ojemeh Emmanuel

Unarguably, one of Delta State's seasoned political icon endowed with immeasurable quintessence and dexterity towards advancing the course of humankind, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh's astituteness and political dossier will blow your mind anytime and any day.

Indeed , his landmark achievements and strong political tentacles that cut across the Nigerian political sphere speak volumes of a pragmatic leader with a difference and clear vision to liberate the oppressed.

Going by his professional training as a medical doctor coupled with his robust political record, this rare breed and energetic political trailblazer is both a great gift and priceless asset to humanity. 

Little wonder he has continued to capture the attention of reknown democrats in the political field of play  due to his obvious sagacity and clear demonstration as a man who knows his values and the rules to abide regardless of the circumstances he faces while speaking for the downtrodden.

Call him the "Soja" of truth or truth personified, you are neither wrong nor far from the truth. It has remained the core of his integrity and influence over the years to lead forthrightly.

In fact, it has really endeared him immensely to the hearts of his people and true democrats and allowed them to understand the political values they are committed to uphold and relish. 

As a union leader as an undergraduate during his days in the University, he stood firmely that equity, justice and fairplay have no substitute and he has till date justified this truism through his resillience to uphold it and constantly demonstrating that politics is service to the people; what a rooted humanist.

Often misunderstood for gluing to the side of truth at any given time and his ideas misconstrued by naive political opponents, the one-time Federal Lawmaker, has remained unmoved and unperturbed for as long as truth remains the only potent weapon againt misgovernance and injustice. It will therefore, not be out of place to call the traducers of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh the haters of truth.

For example, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh has neither minced his words nor shifted his grounds on his irrevocable commitment to ensuring that the well-nourished and well-nurtured impunity in Nigeria is eradicated in the interest of Nigerians and our narcent democracy. A gross impunity and this is what Dr. Cairo Ojougboh stands against and as he often express "Impunity anywhere is the height of political rascality, intimidation and oppression and it is unhealthy and unacceptable".

On my end, I can't help nodding in agreement with this rare breed medical doctor cum politician that impunity is anti-democracy and open injustice in its entirety. 

In fact, am delighted at Dr. Cairo Ojougboh's stand against it especially as he firmly hold onto his stands.

NDDC LOOTS: HOW THEY GANG RAPED, PILLAGED AND PLUNDERED NDDC FOR 20 YEARS -Ojemeh Emmanuel.

Written by:

Ojemeh Emmanuel

The siege over the years is  finally over and sanity is coming to the most violated, plundered, pressed, squeezed, ravaged and raped institution in the  East of the Niger- Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

The  19 years siege on the Commission is over as the Interim Management Committee led by Prof. Kemebradikumor Daniel Pondei and backed by the supervising Minister, Godswill Akpabio dares to tread where others has failed.

For the first time, the real tormentors and looting experts in the Nddc from the defunct OMPADEC have been axed.  Indeed, since the President approved a Forensic Audit of the bleeding Commission, all hell has been let loose as Senior Civil Servants who were green snakes under green grasses have been massively transferred out of the Dappa Biriye Building, Headquarters of the Commission.

Infact, the last straw which was discovered, investigated and cancelled by the IMC management was an illicit contract letter awarded as a result of a conspiracy by a serving Director in charge of procurement who in cahoots with some National Assembly Members  to illegally award a contract for the supply of COVID-19 equipment to the nine states under the NDDC with primary aim to syphone. 

To this aim, the letter which was unauthorized by the Management alleged that the contract was awarded to a company called SIGNORA to the tune of N5 billion; indeed, an act of inhuman treatment detrimental to the development of the Niger Delta region . However, the effort was aborted as the management found out and sought to investigate those behind it.

Meanwhile, the senior staff involved in the illicit award letter quickly played a fast one by making the said letter public, in a bid to indict and cause public opprobium against the IMC and the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio. 

A game of wits you may say, Yes! a diverssionary tactics indeed.

Of course the scandal trended in the cyber space and all mass/social media platforms. Not deterred by non jurisdictional impediments and deterritorization, the finetunned and polished illicit act which was not detrimental to the uninvolved IMC was  now rattled a the public outcry against the IMC and the Minister.

However, the Management yesterday after a meeting, took a stern decision to punish all those who were part of the sleaze and the plot to further cast aspersions on the integrity of the Commission.  Meanwhile, they were all ordered to go on a compulsory leave with which  they would be retired from there.

It is no longer news that these set of Civil Servants have held the Commission hostage with fake and inflated contracts, fraudulent payments and padding of emergency jobs which they award to their companies through some of their cronies and other youth organizations. They had consistently blackmailed every politician appointed into submission, to either do their bidding or be petitioned out. Every document in the Commission want being  photocopied and transmitted to certain "Youths" who are on their payroll to carry out the nefarious activities of holding Press Conferences and petition writing to EFCC and ICPC. 

These groups of public servants claim to run things in the Commission and had ways of covering their tracks. Yes! , they have been their for too long and they aid and abet the politicians assigned to manage the affairs of the Commission alongside their long over due stay.

With a huge financial war chest, they can prosecute and sponsor any media war against any management who would not suit their purpose. But unknown to many, these set of senior staff flaunt their wealth often sourced in a saint like corrupt manner unhindered. Infact , they own porsche hotels and houses all over the country and even overseas; What an illicitly achieved wealth.

Infact, the latest trend in the media and sponsored attacks on the present Management was triggered as a result of a  catalysis caused by an unfavorable view of Akpabio's audacity and that of  the IMC to transfer over 50 of them, who have held the Commission and the Niger Delta region hostage for almost 20 years. 

Also, the decision by the President for a forensic audit which has lasted for over 6 months is another reason for the heightened media attacks and trial of the Management. 

For the 19 year period under probe, the PDP held sway for 15 years under President Obasanjo, Yaradua and Jonathan, while the APC under President Buhari has been in charge for 4 years. Presently, the Senate Committee on NDDC at the National Assembly is headed by PDP members who were alleged to have paid their ways into those Committees.  They have been at logger heads with every management appointed by Buhari to head the Commission, contrary to the easy passage of Budgets and approvals in the past when their party held sway. 

Surprisingly, the NASS is controlled by the ruling APC, yet, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the APC controlled Management of the Commission to have easy access to funds for the development of the region. 

The big questions  viz.

Who is then responsible for this mess?

Could  it be an orchestrated plot by some people to frustrate the development of the oil producing states which have been the pillar of the Nigerian economy? .

The intrigues and power play behind the scene will shock many as details of those involved will be unveiled soon.

 Stay with me as I bring you more shocking revelations.

NDDC: Right Group ask Tunji-Ojo to step aside as House Committe Chairman over weighty allegations of Corruption

Following the 'walk out' which took place during a meeting of the House Committe on NDDC with the Interim Management Committee of NDDC, a Right Group known as Crusade for Democracy and Good Governance (CDGG) has called on the House of Representatives' Committee Chairman on NDDC, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to immediately step aside for probe over the weighty corruption allegations against him on NDDC matters.

In a press conference held Friday after a crucial meeting of the Right Group over the continued attacks and counter attacks between members of NASS and IMC, the Executive Director of CDGG, John Oghenekevwe Ifaka PhD, wondered why the Leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives are still keeping mute over the public outcry on weighty allegations against their NDDC house committee Chairmen.

The Right Group said; "We are pained to come out and speak following the walk out that took place in the Reps house committe on NDDC where it's Chairman, Hon. Tunji-Ojo was asked to step aside because he is an interested party in the allegation issues surrounding the commission. 

The right Group said; "We want to state unequivocally that we have watch carefully how these NDDC NASS committee Chairmen of both Senate and House of Representatives use board Members of the Commission to award phatom contracts to themselves and even got paid without jobs done and the IMC which is overseeing the Commission have severally raised allegations against these two house committee Chairmen, but the NASS leadership have allegedly hiden these accused members under their canopy as if nothing has happened as regards fraud in the Commission for over the years.

"Nigerians hereby demand that the Chairman House of Representatives' Committe on NDDC and the Chairman Senate Committee on NDDC, Sen. Peter Nwaboshi should immediately step aside for probe over the Allegations against them and allow the vice Chairmen of the Committees take over in Acting capacity which is the only way for a soft landing and proper investigations on both sides as commanded by President Muhamadu Buhari yesterday Thursday." 

"The NASS leadership should look into these issues as Niger Deltans and Nigeria at large are watching with vested interest the unfolding attitude of NASS as regards probe of NDDC. We have also carefully viewed the submission of the IMC on monies spent in the period of time they came in and discovered that all their financial transactions followed due processes according the Procurement act." 

While we thank President Buhari for quick intervention in the battle against the IMC, we however urge the House of Representatives Leader to as a matter of urgency ask the Chairman House of Representatives committee on NDDC step aside for equity and justice in the ongoing Investigation as regards NDDC. 

"We also warn the former MD Joi Nunieh to stop acting scripts that has no meaning in the presentations of reports in the probe. We wonder how a disciplined women with high pedigree could go so low to accuse a Minister of corruption and sexual harrassment when she allegedly paint companies were is a director, millions of naira. It is a shame on those allegedly sponsoring her to malign The Honorable Minister of Niger Delta".

THE HERO IN CAIRO, HIS STRUGGLES AND HIS DREAMS.

 

Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, is one refined and decorous politician of immense repute whose political sagacity reverberates across the nooks and crannies of the country, Nigeria. 

His colorful political dossier and antecedence which has remained the envy of numerous of his equals who now see him as a threat each time he makes any political move or exhibits his high sense of political duty is second to none. 

He's a medical doctor by training, an erudite speaker with excellent public relation, an astute politician, a political gladiator and a high chief of Agbor kingdom who is irrevocably determined and committed to liberating his people from the stronghold of political cynics and shackles of political enslavement. 

Hate him or loathe him, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh remains one man with a bravely large heart who threads where others fear to thread and who will stop at nothing to tell the truth at all times without minding whose ox is gored. Seemingly, one thing you cannot take away from him is his boldness, sound intelligectual oratory prowess and love for his people.Indeed, he's one man who cannot be pocketed, subdued nor subjected to submission on any worthwhile battle in the struggle for the political emancipation of his people just like Moses , replicating him with a biblical figure.

Dr. Cairo Ojougboh has consistently stirred up the passions of the Delta people and indeed Niger Delta at large to replace their dispairs with hope and their political enslavement with political emancipation and freedom. And over the years, he has doggedly and single handedly fought to protect and preserve the political right, unity, dignity and intergrity of the Deltans. 

To Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, if we, the Deltans and the entire South South people of Niger Delta must survive and be politically relevant in the scheme of things in our dear state, we must not undermine the place of political cohession as a veritable panacea to advancing our course. We must refused to be politically ensnared, caged or enslaved. 

To him, no one begs the oppressor to free him. You must take your destiny in your own hands and say no to the oppressor. Delta state have been enslaved for too long by some cabals and this anormally must stop. 

One thing we must know and assimilate as a people is that the oppressor will never let you go until you make sacrifices and determine completely to be free, then the fetters will fall. Politically, for as long as Delta state  political class whom are visibly enslaved refuses to be politically liberated but choses to be shortsighted and lost under the oppressor's table, they will never stop eating crumbs. It cannot be disputed nor argued that Delta state  people have suffered severe manipulations and strong political confusion, disunity and instability in the hands of some politically overzealous cynics within the State who want to remain in control of its affairs. This is already fuelling the anger of the people and brewing another round of confusion and if nothing is urgently done to salvage the situation, it could further derail the development of the area. 

All these, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a man of peace is working hard to correct and stabilise. His dream is to see Delta state move forward and favourably compete with other local government areas in the federation where the people can chose their leaders without undue interferance by external forces, selfish imposition of candidates and flagrant impunity that hold sway. His dream is to see Delta state liberated. His dream is to see our people emancipated. And thank heavens our political class are now waking up to this reality that they have a visionary leader in Dr. Cairo Ojougboh and equally seeing and embracing the hero in him. Dr. Cairo Ojougboh remains the indisputable political leader in Delta state and the earlier we realise it and rally round him, the better it will be for us all and our fatherland.

THE OVER STRETCHED DISPOSITION OF LOOTERS TO ABORT A PROCESS

It is no longer news that the endemic corruption inherent in the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) was almost irredeemable, thereby necessitating the Presidency towards the setting of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) to midwife an audit and reposition the Commission to assume the purpose for which it was created. However,  if there is any instance Prof Wole Soyinka's expression " Corruption Fights Back" is more appropriate, it is in the New Niger Delta Commission.  

The composition of the IMC has not gone down well with the charismatic looters in the NDDC. From inception it has been from one propaganda to the other, one blackmail to another. 

Recent onslaught on the Commission regarding COVID-19 contracts is not an Isolated case. It appears there is no length those that have been scavenging on the Commission will not go to distract a process with the sole intent of  breaking the resolve of the principal actors of the IMC. Otherwise, how else would one put together the direction of the detractors that has staged a deliberate attack on a process that has a span and is sure to be subjected to probity eventually. 

WHAT ARE THESE INVISIBLE ACTORS AFRAID OF?

The IMC of the NDDC has not hidden the ills and the notable characters that were strangulating the interventionist Commission. However, what they seemed to have underestimated was how much and how far "corruption would fight back" going to pseudo media platform to mention but few of their propaganda dance of shame.

NDDC by design is an interventionist commission, and nothing in the global world now can be more notable than the COVID-19 PANDEMIC. 

While  government at all levels are doing everything to combat it one could but imagine the fiduciary responsibility on NDDC to act swiftly and provide succor to the people of their region of operation.

 How insensitive it would have appeared had it been the Commission looked the other way at this auspicious time. 

On a National Television few days ago, the NDDC Director of Projects was on hand to give accounts of the activities of the Commission and he did shed light on the concerns raised on the COVID-19 intervention, stating in clear terms that while there were preparations and arrangements, that there is a process that has to be followed and the Commission was following; levels of clearance and approval.

 It bits one's imagination where the interest of mischief makers lie in sparing no efforts at spreading falsehood, expecting that the unsuspecting Nigerians will swallow falsehood and ask question later. Whatever goes on in the NDDC is not expected to fly below the rather and the disposition of the IMC of the NDDC has not given alternate indication. 

While it is expected that, public servants and public corporations be transparent in their dealings, the  President Buhari administration has not shown any intent of deviating from accountability. 

For the sake of the Niger Delta People, whose sake the NDDC was established, the perpetrators of evil should give the ongoing process a chance.

DR OJOUGBOH AND HIS IMC TEAM MEMBERS ARE DOING A GREAT JOB, DESPITE THE MASSIVE AND BASELESS AND ALLEGATIONS~Comrade Mudiaga

A Human  Right Activist and member of Warri Masses Conscious Group (MCG) Comrade Mudiaga Agbogu have assured the people of Niger Delta Region that this is the 

Season of no  untouchables and one where NOBODY is  above the Law. 

Agbogu expressed his believe that Dr. Cairo Ojougboh and the IMCs' are doing a great job despite the massive criticism and baseless accusations bombarded on him and his amiable team members of the IMC. 

 He further said that most accusations launched against Dr. Cairo Ojougboh  are mere Speculations just to thwart the original purpose of the Forensic Audit. 

He however encourage the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC to keep on the good work, noting that since the beginning of the FORENIC AUDIT, the great people of Niger Delta have experienced more of the completion of projects that has been abandoned by some heartless individuals who have been enriching themselves with the funds meant for the development of the region. 

On the constant Blackmail against the IMC which has become the currency of politics in Nigeria, Comr. Agbogu advised politicians in both local, state and federal level  to begin to see themselves as Drivers meant to move this Great Nation to a higher ground of prosperity. 

He further warned some youths of Niger Deltans to stop acting as tools in the hands of those selfish and self centered politicians who use them to fight other major stakeholders who mean well for the Region.

He said; "Politicians are paying BLACKMAILERS and Facebook E-RATS  on social media to dent the mind of the masses against the members that are in charge of the  Forensic Audit, in order to divert their attentions from their previous public funds that has been missappropriated". 

Further speaking, "Myopic people will not consider the global picture. They won't look at the gross embezzlements of funds by the formal NDDC Managements  to compare and contrast hurdles faced by  the New face of NDDC in other to achieve a positive result. However, We have been  counting progress and positive achievements since the inception of the Forensic Audit;

So anyone who sees this otherwise from honesty and  industriousness  must be heavily steeped in LIES. Indeed, We appreciate Dr Cairo Ojougboh  and his team to keep on the good work".

Crusade For Democracy And Good Governance (CDGG) Fires Back at Edidjala over outburst against Dr. Ojougboh

Following the report made by a group named 'Urhobo Patriot Front' (UPF)and signed by former Caretaker Committe Chairman under the Platform of PDP Mr. Raymond Edijala, accusing the Executive Director of Projects in NDDC, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh to be known as a man operating under the heavy weight of covert deficit, the Crusade for Democracy and Good Governance (CDGG) have lambasted Mr. Raymond Edidjala, saying that he as a former caretaker committee Chairman Udu L.G.A, could not account for the stolen funds allegedly syphoned during his time hence he was kicked out of the race during the Chairmanship Struggle. 

In a statement duly signed by the Spokesman, Dr. Bigbemi David, the group warned mischievous Politicians to desist from using the name of Urhobo groups to cause fake news and Blackmail at the detriment of Niger Deltans, noting that when Mr. Edidjala was in the council, there were series of financial misappropriations rumming the chamber which he could not defend but were swept under the carpet. 

The statement reads; " Those who have been hugely paid to join the so-called Mr. Edidjala to sink the rising profile of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh should know that, Dr. Ojougboh is not deterred from speaking the truth and performing the positive wonders of transformation in the Niger Delta Region.

"It should be noted that, NDDC is not like the so-called SURE-P that was wasted by these Caretaker Committe Chairmen like Mr. Raymond Edidjala who allegedly shot change the people of Udu Local government and put in his cronies as beneficiaries at the the detriment of the masses. We therefore forbids the so-called Raymond Edidjala who may have per taken in the financial indicement taking place by the opposition to write series of fake news and Blackmail against the IMC just to see if their names would be in the next year's List of substantive board. But President Muhamadu Buhari is an upright man who will not even look at those who destroyed the economy of Delta State and ran to the Senate to seek cover against their multiple fraud.

NDDC CAN NEVER BE YOUR CIRCUIT PIPE, NIGER DELTA ACTIVIST CAUTIONED OMO-AGEGE AND HIS ALLIES

Concerned with the raging war of propaganda highly sponsored by the Senate Deputy President, Senator Ovie Omo-age, a Niger Delta born activist, Mr. James Akpofure had called on his Urhobo Brother Augustine Omo-agege to desist from the act of blackmailing the interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission...

Akpofure in news chat at Abuja recently revealed that the Senator representing Delta Central at the red Chamber, had conspired with some PDP Senators, Governors, and Members of the House of Representatives from the region to ensure the presidential directive on the forensic audit of the commission is frustrated.

Reacting to the alleged corruption of the IMC, the Human Rights Activist insisted that the various allegations are made up tales to discredit the team Constituted by the President to oversee the forensic audit. "I have carefully listened to the acting Executive Director of Project, NDDC, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh on Channels and Arise Television News, his explanations are clear and i must commend him for been very discretional regarding his comments on their findings so far even though the IMC oppositions are trying hard to force words from his mouth".

While commenting on the Leadership of Omo-agege in the South-South particularly Delta State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Mr Akpofure stated that "i am not aware of Ovie Omo-agege being Leader of the ruling party in South-South, but i understand he is the Leader of the Party in Delta State by virtue of his position as the Deputy President of the Senate. I am not a member of the Party but it clear that he is yet to prove himself as leader of the party before the public. You Journalist get some these information before us, since after the 2019 elections, Omo-agege have been involved in various media wars or what you media people called propaganda with eventually all well-meaning leaders of the party in the State. First it was him and Olorogun O'tega Emerhor,    Chief Great Ogboru (the Man whose political assets catapulted Omo-agege to his current political fortune), Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and now Dr Cairo Ojougboh." 

James Akpofure who is also a Leader of the Niger Delta Renaissance Movement, called on the Leadership of the National Assembly to steer clear of the forensic audit as the constant comments coming from the National Assembly have proven that the National Assembly is not in agreement with the  President directive for proper cleansing of the Commission before substantial management board would be inaugurated. "I have watched carefully the recent activities of the National Assembly regarding the NDDC and i must say i am disappointed with them. The current crisis rocking the NDDC-IMC could be traced to the failed nominated board of Odubu/Okumagba. Recall there was power tussle between the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio and Sen. Omo-agege/Oshiomhole over the Constitution of the board that was suppose to take over from the then acting board led by Professor Nelson Braimbraifa. The National Chairman of the APC and Ovie Omo-agege connived with some powerful persons in the presidency and formed a list of Nominees who were urgently screened and confirmed by the Senate contrary to the act that established NDDC. By the NDDC act, the Chairman and Managing Director of any substantial board to take over leadership of the Commission within this current dispensation, ought to come from Delta State but Omo-agege in his desperation to be in charge of the Agency ignored the position of the NDDC act and a lot of Niger Deltans including the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs who doubles as the Supervising Minister of the Commission vehemently rejected the formulation. Sen Godswill Akpabio been a man of uncommon wisdom draw the attention of the President to the error and later suggested to the President the idea of forensic audit and the interim management Committee which the President in his wisdom approved."

"It is very obvious that the leadership of the National Assembly have interest they are protecting hence they could pay attention to conspiracy theories regarding corruption in the NDDC under the supervision of the Interim Management Committee. Though we (Niger Deltans) have welcomed their much talk about probe but we won't keep quiet and watch them derail into unnecessary politicking and leadership tussle sprang up by Omo-agege simply because he is pained that the President and the people of Niger Delta rejected and uncovered his plans to be the de facto head of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)."

"For me as an Urhobo Man, i do not support the desperation of Ovie Omo-agege and his group of detractors. The Urhobo people and indeed the Niger Delta people in general strongly believe in legitimate means of power and not cutting corners to take over power and influence at the detriment of the people".