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NDDC Contract: Lawmakers Debunk Akpabio’s Allegation

28Jul

By Obiajulu Joel NwoluNo Comments

Corruption, Crime, Economy, Finance, Interview, Justice, Legislature, News, Niger Delta, Nigeria

NDDC Contract: Lawmakers Debunk Akpabio’s Allegation

Senators mentioned as beneficiaries of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) contracts by Senator Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, have denied the allegation and asked the minister to give account of N81.5 billion spent by the commission instead. Speaking with reporters yesterday, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Chairman of Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs and his forerunner Senator James Manager, said that they were not awarded any contract by NDDC between 2017 and 2019 as alleged by Akpabio. In his reaction, Nwaoboshi dared the minister to submit the list to anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies if he can prove that he was awarded 53 NDDC projects as alleged. Nwaoboshi said, “The unsubstantiated allegation is in line with Mr. Akpabio’s well-known age...

My Self Life – And The 1999 Nigeria Constitution

27Jul

By Ndidi UwechueNo Comments

Africa, Human Rights, Justice, News, Niger Delta, Nigeria

My Self Life – And The 1999 Nigeria Constitution

When there is a social problem, or a problem that affects the community, this is how in general a Nigerian thinks: “I can see the problem. But it does not affect me at all. So what does it concern me?... I can see the problem. But I have a way to bypass it for myself. So I will let it be…. I can see the problem. But I have the means to escape its effects. I eat well. My children are safe. Let the hungry and the poor who suffer it, stop it, not me….” These are the evident values of socially accepted Nigerian Culture, for SELF is writ large in the heart of many Nigerians. Thus, “Nigerian Culture” revolves around “What’s in it for ME?” Even though many live by the Nigerian Culture, and by their behaviour have defined it for what it is, and for the whole world to see, a precious f...

NDDC-gate: Another Gory Exposure of An Ailing Nation

21Jul

By Obiajulu Joel NwoluNo Comments

Corruption, Features, News, Niger Delta, Nigeria

NDDC-gate: Another Gory Exposure of An Ailing Nation

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was developed by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration in pursuant of a concerted effort at genuinely developing the Niger Delta region which is blessed with natural resources. Nigeria has built its revenue generation around the income generated from crude oil such that sectors like agriculture have been sacrificed on the altar of oil. During the administration of former President Obasanjo, agitation heightened in the Niger Delta due to what they perceived as neglect of the region in spite of its contribution to the treasury of the nation. Youths in the area rose in arms destroying pipelines and vandalizing oil installations to attract the attention to the people of the region who were facing underdevelopment and threat to health due to oil s...

Reps Accuse Akpabio of Distorted Testimony During NDDC Misappropriation Hearing

20Jul

By Obiajulu Joel NwoluNo Comments

Corruption, Finance, News, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Reps Accuse Akpabio of Distorted Testimony During NDDC Misappropriation Hearing

Members of Nigeria’s lower legislative chamber, House of Representative Committee panel probing mismanagement of fund in the Niger Delta Development Commission have faulted Godswill Akpabio, Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs of giving disparaging testimony during hearing. The presiding lawmaker, Honourable Thomas Ereyi-Tobi equally alleged that Akpabio lied under oath during his testimony. The lawmaker said, "I have listened attentively through all your submissions but I just want to tell you one thing, you came here to mislead the parliament and you are under oath. That is what you have done deliberately. "You decided to just come here and mislead the parliament. I want to put it to you that your submission and all the annexures, 8,9,10 and 11 are misleading. "Before then, y...

NDDC Defends Collapse of Acting MD, Pondei at Reps Hearing

20Jul

By Obiajulu Joel NwoluNo Comments

Corruption, Legislature, News, Niger Delta, Nigeria

NDDC Defends Collapse of Acting MD, Pondei at Reps Hearing

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has attributed the collapse of its acting Managing Director, Prof. Keme Pondei, to a medical condition which his doctors have warned him against. Charles Odili, Director, Corporate Affairs said in a statement that Pondei went against the warning of his doctors who had warned him against attending the hearing given his medical condition. Odili said that his state of health had degenerated after two weeks of illness prompting the instruction from his doctors. According to Odili, "The commission wishes to disclose that Prof Pondei has been ill for the past two weeks. This morning, his condition deteriorated, and his doctors advised against attending the hearing. "However, he ignored his doctors’ advice because of the realisation that his ...