Imo reject traditional ruler Leaders

 Accuse Judge of complicity

· Urge EFCC, NJC, others to probe her

· Ask Ihedioha to remove monarch

Imo leaders on Monday urged Governor Emeka Ihedioha to remove the Eshi of Nkwerre, Eze Chijioke Okwara from the throne for fomenting a crisis capable of destroying Nkwerre and making life insecure for the people.

The leaders spoke on the volatile situation, the high-handedness and selfish manipulations of the monarch and a judge in the state.

They also implored the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to act promptly and decisively because ‘’our people are in great danger.”

What appeared to have stirred the hornets is the decision of the Aba trained monarch to sack the leadership of the community union and lock up the village hall.

At a press conference in Lagos, the leaders descended on the monarch, accusing him of destroying the unity of the ancient kingdom, silencing the people and sponsoring thugs.

They urged the National Judicial Council to call the female judge to order.

President General of Nkwerre Aborigines Development Union, Engineer Sam Akanno, the Akaraka Nkwerre, Chief Mike Allison- Ikwuagwu and other leaders accused the traditional ruler of Nkwerre ancient kingdom of arrogating more powers to himself, igniting crisis and working against the interest of the people.

They said the monarch had no power to oust the executive committee from office and install his cronies to do his bidding.

The predicament of the community leaders started in 2003 when the people resolved to create more autonomous communities.  

The monarch’s strongest point of disagreement seemed to have been the call for the division of Nkwerre into four autonomous communities (Confederation of four Ofor).

"The monarch has never hidden his contempt for the division of Nkwerre into four autonomous communities’’ the leaders said.

Specifically, the monarch vowed that if the leaders failed to do his bidding, he would further wield a bigger hammer by taking stronger measures.

"The monarch showed his true colours when he angrily questioned the registration of the old union by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). After a futile effort to stop the registration of the union, the monarch sacked the executive committee. He moved a step further to bar members of the union from holding meetings. He drafted thugs to the hall to bar us from meeting” the leaders said.

Coming after the monarch’s supporters’ show of shame against the union, the eldest brother of the monarch, Ekezie Okpara and other members of the communities declared their opposition to the move by the monarch to become chairman of the union’s board of trustees.

"The Union’s Constitution has a function for the monarch. He is our Grand Patron. He cannot be grand patron and chairman of the Union’s Board of Trustees at the same time’’ the leaders said.

The community leaders accused the monarch of appropriating the resources of the communities, destroying Nkwerre Aborigines Union and plotting to create another village in view of taking the community lands.

"Our community is in crisis because of the selfish ambition of one man and his cronies. The monarch is not a good leader. He is creating problem in the kingdom. He is hiring thugs to destroy the kingdom’’

In a combative mood, Ikwuagwu accused the monarch, a former commissioner in Imo State, Chief Uzoma Nwosu-Iheme and other cronies of the monarch of plotting to remove him as OJI OFOR of Nnanato.

"The monarch is very desperate. This is against our tradition. He wants to kill me. The monarch, Chief Uzoma Nwosu Iheme and others directed thugs to lock Obinihu Hall, the venue of our annual meeting’’ Ikwuagwu said.

They alleged that a super-rich female judge was influencing the judiciary from hearing the matter and using strange wealth to oppress the people.

"We want President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Emeka Ihedioha, the police and NJC to rescue our people. We want the police to investigate and arrest those behind the killer squad that opened fire during our union’s meeting. We want NJC to probe the finances and activities of the judge conniving with the monarch. We want justice for our people’’ the leaders said.

Sunday’s declaration by Nkwerre leaders represents what observers considered as a vote of no confidence in the iron-fisted monarch.

Credit: Ebireri Henry Ovie

INCRAB Commends the Giant Strides Of NDDC

The Inter-ethnic Network for Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Buhari, INCRAB, a citizens advocacy group and society watchdog, after a careful study of the myriads of petition and allegations raised against the Prof. Braimbraifa-led management team of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, adds its voice in solidarity with other well-meaning and discerning individuals in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole to condemn in its entirety, the base, mischievous and politically engineered attacks on the Executive Management team of the NDDC.

INCRAB in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja by Barr. Winnie Morganson,  Member, Interim Management Team said, “we view the Allegations of financial impropriety and other unneccesarry attacks against the management of NDDC as calculated attempts bereft of both fact ands common sense, targeted at putting the Executive management team of the Commission in bad light before Mr. President and entire Nigerians in a bid to seize the economic and political structures of the Niger Delta and use same to advance some selfish and desperate pursuit for political power.”

He stated that it is worrisome, that these unwholesome attacks are staged against the Management team of the NDDC despite its sterling performance and widespread interventions across all critical sectors including infrastructure, human capital development, agriculture, education, health, environment, empowerment and social welfare, noting that with all sense of responsibility and modesty that the massive achievements recorded by the 5-month old Prof. Braimbraifa-led management team do not only exist in the papers as may be the tradition with some government agencies but are tangible with known geographical locations within the Niger Delta and real beneficiaries across the region.

The statement reads: “We understand that the originators, fabricators, machinators and sponsors of these attacks and campaign of calumny are highly placed politicians domiciled outside the Niger Delta region but prides themselves in their far-reaching clout and influence across the six geopolitical zones of the nation, such political clout, which in their thoughts, outweighs that of the Presidency.

“In view of the shenanigans and dubious intent of the orchestrators of the allegations and campaign of calumny against the Executive management team of the Commission that has touched so much lives and performed laudably within a very short period, we urge the people of Niger Delta to brace up against any form of external intrusion through a few willing tools in the Niger Delta to sweep off a team that has brought back the NDDC to the people and given them a proud sense of belonging through its numerous programs and prompt interventions.

“NDDC cannot continue to be the cash cow of greedy politicians whose insatiable appetite for power spurs them into attempting to hijack the Commission at all costs for the sole purpose of promoting and financing their selfish political pursuits while undermining and demoting the development efforts of the management of the Commission.

“Having responded to the petition upon invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, and the petition found baseless, we call on Mr. President to completely disregard all the allegations and petitions against the Prof. Braimbraifa-led management team as they are mere political inventions intended to beguile the Presidency into effecting a change in the Management of the Commission despite its monumental achievements within a short period.

“We urge the Prof. Braimbraifa-led management team not to be distracted by the antics of detractors and focus on the good works they have been doing even within a very short period of time.”

Okowa Restates Commitment to Building a Stronger Delta Swears-In Five Special Advisers

Okowa Restates Commitment to Building a Stronger Delta Swears-In Five Special Advisers

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi  Okowa  administered oath of office on five Special Advisers saying that their knowledge, wisdom and experience will improve the performance of his administration in its strive to deliver on its electoral promise of a Stronger Delta.

According to the governor who spoke shortly after the oath was delivered on the Special Advisers at Government House, Asaba, “Special Advisers play important roles in our modern democratic setting; they are carefully selected for their specific policy expertise and ability to skilfully navigate the layers of bureaucracy and partisan viewpoints to deliver on the administration’s goals and objectives. Modern statecraft places a demand on them to lessen the burden of the demanding and complex workload of the Chief Executive.” 

Those who were sworn-in as Special Advisers at the well-attended ceremony were   Prof. Sylvester Monye  {Senior Policy Adviser}; Dr Kingsley Emu  {Chief Economic Adviser}; Senator Emmanuel Agwariawodo (Housing and Human Development; Rt. Hon Emmanuel Okoro  (Rural and Community Development; and Hon. Efe Ofoburuku  (Legislative Matters}.

“It is true that our first tenure ended on a high and even now, we continue to receive plaudits for our phenomenal achievements in job creation, human capital development and infrastructural renewal, but, we cannot afford to rest on our oars because, the next four years promise to be as fulfilling as it would be challenging,” Governor Okowa said, stating, “we must think outside the box in order to proffer creative solutions to unexpected developments as we march forward; we are resolved in our quest for a diversified, inclusive and self-reliant economy that will withstand any external shocks.”

He continued, “as Special Advisers, being experts in your respective fields, I expect nothing but sound, practical advice that meets global best practices because, this administration expects from you bold ideas and initiatives that will engender Prosperity, Peace and Progress. 

“The governor who observed that the expectations are high as his administration builds a Stronger Delta, asserted, “this administration is always ready and willing to work with Deltans at home and in Diaspora and from all walks of life; we welcome advice and suggestions that will help us better the lot of our people and make our beloved Delta State the pride of all and I also expect all and sundry people to continue to pray for the continued success of this administration because when we succeed, the citizens are all the better for it.”

 Responding on behalf of the Special Advisers who were sworn-in, Prof. Sylvester Monye thanked Governor Okowa for believing in their abilities to render advice and contribute to the success stories of his administration, assuring that they will do their best to contribute towards achieving a Stronger Delta State.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo kicks against RUGA scheme in Igboland

The attempt by the Federal Government to foist RUGA settlements on the country has met stiff resistance from some states.

Consequently,  the protagonists of the scheme are now said to be trying to use clandestine moves to surreptitiously bring it into dissenting states through the back door.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity,  Garba Shehu, was quoted to have said that because of misconceptions and opposition to the scheme, the Federal Government would no longer announce the states that enter into agreement for its establishment in their states, thereby suggesting that some states are secretly entering into an understanding with the Federal Government to establish the RUGA scheme in them.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, once more restates its objection to the RUGA scheme in Igboland and urges the South East State  Governments to stick to their earlier decision to reject the scheme.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo also warns Traditional Rulers, Town Union Presidents, Communities and individuals in the South East to be wary of lures, overtures and mouthwatering offers intended to induce them to part with their land ostensibly for industrial ventures but disguised approaches to obtain land for RUGA settlements.

Ohanaeze further warns that Ndigbo will not forgive any government, community or individual that falls into this trap and will collectively resist any such move.

Chief John Nnia Nwodo
President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

NDDC is Committed to the Development of the Niger Delta - Odili

NDDC is Committed to the Development of the Niger Delta - Odili

The management of the Niger Delta Development Commission said it has noticed a flurry of attacks in the media against the commission in the past three weeks, adding that the attacks bear the hallmark of a carefully choreographed campaign to bring down the executive management of the commission, and impair its ability to deliver on its mandate as an interventionist agency.

Mr. Charles Obi Odili the Director of Corporate Affairs of NDDC in a press statement today noted that the campaign “started with petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleging financial impropriety when there was none. It is instructive to note that officials of the crime commission being persons with proven intellect and integrity, saw through the pack of lies, and this exonerated the executive management from any malfeasance. The discerning public also saw through the monumental lie, as no person or entity in Nigeria can withdraw N2.8 billion, in cash, across the counter.”

The statement reads: Next came allegations of the 'Squandering of N750 billion by the executive management in four months '. Laughable as allegation sounds, it has been repeated in several online platforms. Thankfully, none of the mainstream media outlets has caught on to this for the simple reason that the allegations defies common sense. For a start, the entire budget of the commission in the last two years is not up to that amount. Funds available to the commission in the last two years, is no where near the amount. How anyone can claim a commission can squander what it does not have beats the imagination. Any one conversant with public sector rules, and the strict financial regulations enforced by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari , will know that a government agency cannot spend what amounts to more than twice it's two year's budget in four months.

The allegations against the commission flies in the face of the excellent work the present executive management, led by Prof Nelson Brambaifa has done to deliver on its core mandate of developing the region. This executive management on assumption of office drew up a strategy of intervention to kick start the economy of the region and drive progressive development. As a result, it decided to tackle the mountain of debt owed to contractors. As part of that process, payment had commenced for those owed N20 million and below. Dome of these date back to 2008. These debts, were not incurred nor contracts awarded by the present management. Those who have been paid did not need to engage with the commission before being paid. This, in fact, is a sea change in contractual responsibility on the part of the commission.

The executive management had also cleared all arrears of tuition and maintenance fees owed scholars of the commission studying abroad. In the last four months, at least N2 billion have been remitted. The liability in respect of the scholars dates back to 2018, before this executive management assumed office on January 25, 2019.

The commission has also prioritised key projects for completion. One of such, is the N24 billion 29 kilometre Ogbia Nembe road which is due for commissioning. This road creates a land route to Nembe, and also opens up arable lands for economic activity. The management has also embarked on the emergency repair of roads. One of such roads, Reclamation Road in Port Harcourt had revived the fortunes of the Nigerian Naval Shipyard, and dozens of industries in the vicinity of the Port Harcourt Port.

As part of its strategy, the management has also focused on small population segments who are often neglected. It has intervened in women and youth empowerment as well as providing support for those with disability.

Another priority of this management is the completion of the head office project, which it is pursuing with relentless vigour.

The executive management, made up of only technocrats, is working assiduously to address the multifarious challenges of development of the region. It is doing this in tha face of scarce resources. For the purpose of clarity, the revenue inflow to the commission is an average of N7 billion a month. Rather than become the victim of a smear campaign, this management deserves acclaim. We are happy that the ordinary people of the region (silent majority) who are beneficiaries of the work of the present management in the past four months have appreciated our efforts and given resounding approval.

We wish to plead with the political class not to see the commission as a collateral target in the fight for power and influence. The NDDC is an interventionist agency. We have a sacred duty to the people of the region and sue for the latitude to deliver on our historic mandate.
The NDDC is working for the common good, for the corporate citizens of the Niger delta region

 

Gbajabiamila is the best thing to happen to Nigeria, says Hon. Adedoyin

An All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Lagos State, Hon Adeyinka Adedoyin, on Tuesday said the election of Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the House of Representatives was a sign of further development, true federalism and respect for the rule of law in Nigeria.

Adedoyin spoke at a gathering of religious leaders, politicians, women and youth leaders in Surulere.

He said Gbajabiamila’s victory was well deserved as “it is the result of hard work, confidence and above all, God’s intervention.”

 “I consider it remarkable that the representative of Surulere Constituency 1 is occupying the speakership position. I am confident that those values which inspired the Honourable Members to elect him will be maintained and even surpassed.”

He called on Gbajabiamila to engage the National Assembly members, Presidency and the leadership of APC in new and exciting ways.  

Adedoyin who congratulated Gbajabiamila on his election as Speaker urged him to fashion out strategies to run his office efficiently and work out how to relate with the presidency without losing the confidence and respect of Nigerians or his colleagues in the National Assembly.

“I am sure with the impeccable credentials, strong character, honest disposition and accessibility, Gbajabiamila will discharge the burden of the new office and take Nigeria to new heights.”

Specifically, he urged Gbajabiamila to ensure that his words and actions promote peace, harmony and development.

He appealed to members of the 9^th Assembly to be committed to their legislative and oversight functions.

Credit: Ebireri Henry Ovie

Okparanta Chides Kennedy Friday for Unwarranted Abuse on the Minister of Transportation

According to Mr. Oge Okparanta a Rivers State Youth Leader, "I read with tears in my eyes the unwarranted  media attacks on a national asset and statesman, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze and Nigeria' s pride, Rt. Hon. CR Amaechi by one disgruntled Kennedy Friday, Sen. Abe's untutored and kindergarten media aide.

I think Kennedy Friday and his paymaster can focus squarely on issues without derailing into the gutter. Name calling and personality attacks are products of ill-education and contrary to every recognized standards of civilized behaviors. Abe and his media boys should focus on issues and criticize constructively as is the case in civilized polities. Better still, they can learn from Chief Eze's style of publications which only attacks the forces of evil with the view to restoring sanity in the society.

In fact, it is unfortunate to observe that Kennedy Friday has taken the media to the cleaners. As a patriotic Nigerian, I advice Abe to hire some  competent hands into his media cartel. This times are too serious for confused social media kids like Kennedy Friday who is only good at heaping praises on Abe just to get some 'pocket-money' for himself while attacking national figures like HE., Rt. Hon. CR Amaechi, the APC leader, South-South and Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze who have contributed and are still contributing to national  development.

Sourc: Oge Okparanta

Niger Delta leaders decry marginalization of Delta State

….Urge Buhari to appoint Indigenes as NDDC Chairman, Managing Director

Niger Delta leaders on Friday vowed to take up the marginalisation issue of Delta State with the highest authority in Nigeria.

The leaders said there was no reason whatsoever for Delta State to be so treated compared with Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom and Cross River in the appointment of Chairman and Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

At a meeting in Abuja, the leaders said it was the turn of Delta State to produce the chairman and managing director of the Commission.

‘’The NDDC Act stated that the office of the chairman shall rotate amongst the member states of the commission in the following alphabetical order; Abia State, Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa State, Cross River State, Delta State, Edo State, Imo State, Ondo State and Rivers State.’’

‘Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Umaru Musa YarÁdua, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Onyema Ugochukwu (Chairman 2001-2005) Abia State, Sam Edem (Chairman, 2005-2007), Akwa-Ibom, Dan Abia (Acting Chairman 2007-2009), Akwa-Ibom, Larry Koinyan (Chairman (2009-2011), Bayelsa State, Tarifa Tebepah (Chairman 2011-2013, Bayelsa State, Bassey Henshaw (Chairman 2013-2015), Cross River State and Ndoma Egba (Chairman 2016-2019), Cross River State.’’

Leader of the Niger Delta Front (NDF), Chief John Harry who addressed journalists in Abuja said the leaders urged Nigerians to impress on President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint Delta State indigenes as chairman and managing director of the commission.

‘’ The NDDC Act requires that there shall be for the commission, a Managing Director and two Executive Directors who shall be indigenes of oil producing areas starting with the member states of the Commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate among member states in the order of production.’’

They said Rivers State occupied the position of Executive Director (Finance and Administration) for years through Itonanen Ogiri (EDFA 2013-2015), Mene Derek (EDFA 2016-2019), and Chris Amadi (Transition Acting EDFA 2019-2019.

‘’The right thing to do is to appoint someone from Bayelsa or Akwa-Ibom as the Executive Director (Finance and Administration) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).’’

Viewed against the background of the provisions of the NDDC Act, the leaders urged the authorities not to compound the problems of the Niger Delta region or make absolute nonsense of the NDDC Act.

‘’It is time to exhibit fairness.’’

The leaders commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the effort he was making to develop the region.

They called on well-meaning people within and outside the Niger Delta region to prevail on President Buhari to Delta indigenes as chairman and managing director.

 ‘We expect the President to use the next NDDC Board to correct the imbalances of previous appointments. We believe in Mr President’s sense of justice and fair play’’ the leaders added.

Meanwhile, some leaders of the region on Wednesday reached a consensus on how to consolidate the unity and political stability of the region.

They also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint Deltans as Chairman and Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

‘Mr. President, Nations are built when existing laws are implemented in its entirety. As you apply the Law and zero on Delta State for the appointment of the Chairman and Managing Director, we plead with you to pick men or women who would further your Next Agenda, serve the interest of the country and the aspirations of the Niger Delta people.’

In a letter to President Buhari, the leaders said there were no doubts as to whether Delta State would produce the Chairman and Managing Director of the intervention agency.

‘The ranking of the highest producing states is not in doubt and the state whose turn it is to be appointed the Managing Director of the next board for which Delta State comes top on all fronts and consideration knowing that Bayelsa State, Rivers State, and Akwa – Ibom State have completed their terms in successive ranking order’.

Entitled “Letter establishing the fact on which state should produce the next Chairman and Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)”, the leaders said the letter was not to create controversy but to forestall such or any controversy due to the peculiarity of the circumstance created by the Law or Act.

‘Your Excellency, your stance on the Rule of Law and love for fairness and justice no matter the opinion of a few dissenting voices necessitated this letter of great importance from the people of Delta State and the Niger Delta at large. We were never in doubt as to where the pendulum would swing to, having seen the sincerity of your administration in fixing the problems inherited by your Government.’

Signed by the Convener, Enlightened Delta Forum, Bestman Odibo and Publicity Secretary, Christopher Orushani, the leaders urged President Buhari to consider fairness and justice in constituting the next board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

‘For the first time, Your Excellency, a peculiar but interesting and lawful scenario backed by the act establishing the NDDC Board on the next Chairman of the board which is rotated amongst member states in alphabetic order as stated in the Act establishing the board and also the Managing Director (MD) position which is appointed and rotated based on the “highest” quantum of oil produced amongst the states emanating from one state. In applying the law that supports quantum as the basis for succession, Delta State falls next in line after Akwa – Ibom.’

They stressed that the scenario would not start and end with Delta State as the First beneficiary of this unique position of the Law but that other states would experience same in future rotation.

 ‘Your Excellency, we are glad to point to you the convergence of the positions of the Chairman and the Managing Director to Delta State though the first of its kind but a true reflection of the position of the Act establishing the Board of the NDDC’ the leaders added.

Onyema Ugochukwu (Chairman 2001-2005) Abia State, Godwin Omene (MD/CEO 2001-2003), Delta State, Timi Alaibe (EDFA 2001-2005) Bayelsa State, Ndo Mboro (EDP 2001-2002), Akwa-Ibom State, Emmanuel Agwariavwode (MD/CEO 2003-2005) Delta State, Ukot Ukot (EDP 2002-2005), Akwa-Ibom State.

Sam Edem (Chairman, 2005-2007), Akwa-Ibom, Emmanuel Agwariavwodo (MD/CEO 2005-2006), Delta State, Timi Alaibe (EDFA 2005-2006), Bayelsa State, Timi Alaibe (Acting MD/CEO 2006-2006), Bayelsa, PZ Aginighan (Acting EDFA 2006-2006), Delta State, Beniah Ojum (EDP 2005-2009), Rivers State.

Dan Abia (Acting Chairman 2007-2009), Akwa-Ibom, Timi Alaibe (Substantive MD/CEO 2006-2009) Bayelsa State, PZ Aginighan (Acting EDFA 2007-2009), Delta State, PZ Aginighan ( Transition Acting MD/CEO 2009-2009), Delta State.

Larry Koinyan (Chairman (2009-2011), Bayelsa State, Chibuzor Uguoha (Substantive MD/CEO 2009-2011), Rivers State, PZ Aginighan (EDFA 2009-2011), Delta State, El Etteh (EDP 2009-2011), Akwa-Ibom State, Osato Arenyeka-Iyasere (Transition Acting MD/CEO 2011-2011), Edo State.

Tarifa Tebepah (Chairman 2011-2013, Bayelsa State, Christian Oboh (Substantive MD/CEO 2011-2013), Rivers State, L.E.J. Komboye (EDFA 2011-2013), Delta State, E. Eshiet (EDP 2011-2013), Akwa-Ibom State, Christy Atako (Transition Acting MD/CEO 2013-2013), Rivers State.

Bassey Henshaw (Chairman 2013-2015), Cross River State, Dan Abia (Substantive MD/CEO 2013-2015), Akwa-Ibom State, Itonanen Ogiri (EDFA 2013-2015),Rivers State, Omasuli Tuoyo (EDP 2013-2015), Delta State, Ibim Semenitari (Transition Acting MD/CEO 2015-2016), Rivers State

Ndoma Egba (Chairman 2016-2019), Cross River State, Nsima Ekere (Substantive MD/CEO 2016-2019), Akwa-Ibom State, Mene Derek (EDFA 2016-2019), Rivers State, Adjogbe Samuel (EDP 2016-2019), Delta State.

Nelson Brambaila (Transition Acting MD/CEO 2019-2019), Bayelsa, Chris Amadi (Transition Acting EDFA 2019-2019), Rivers State, Adjogbe Samuel (Transition Acting EDP 2019-2019), Bayels State.



Credit: Ebireri Henry Ovie