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Tag: Godswill Akpabio

  • NDDC: Senator Okon warns Akpabio over friction with South/South Governors

    NDDC: Senator Okon warns Akpabio over friction with South/South Governors

    Pioneer National Publicity/Organizing  Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Anietie Okon has advised  the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio to steer clear from politics that may consume him warning that his recent vituperations against the south south Governors is insulting and unfortunate. 

    Okon spoke on Sunday with journalists in Uyo while reacting to the minister’s comments that the south-south governors lack the moral grounds to dictate how the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) funds should be used. Akpabio, who is also the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom, had told them to focus instead on ensuring that local governments in their respective states have elected executives and not caretaker committees

    He further described Akpabio’s warning to the South South governors as mischievous and ill conceived.

    He warned Akpabio to desist from his known antics of misinterpreting the genuine advice made by the South South governors which was in the overall interest of people of the region.

    His words, “I feel disappointed at Godswill Akpabio’s posturing that the governors of the South South were in no position to issue directives to president Buhari on how to run the Niger Delta Development Commission.

    “This utterance amongst others paints an indelible picture of a Minister whose actions and inactions portray a grim indication of an absence of concern for the well-being of the Niger-Delta region. To put the record straight, no South-South Governor issued directives or an authoritative instruction to president Buhari  

    “I support Governors of the South-South States demanded on upward review of the provision of 2.5 per cent as Host Community Trust Fund in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to 10 per cent in the best interest of oil communities and the nation.

    “They only made demands for the betterment of their respective States and region regarding the effective and efficient management of the NDDC wherein the development and prosperity of the region has lost its course. And the governor’s demand was properly expressed, it is a justified demand. 

    “Regrettably, we are in a country where unity, peace and progress unfortunately hang in disequilibrium, where governments of the federation units are forced to pick up the baton of responsibilities neglected by an unhinged Federal government”

    The South South Governors Forum (SSGF) had during their meeting held in Port Harcourt weekend noted that the NDDC was still being run without a substantive board for more than a year.

    The governors also advised President Mohammadu Buhari that in the absence of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), funds for the commission beyond the payment of salaries should be put in an escrow account until he constitutes the board. Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum and Governor of Delta State

     According to Senator Okon“ The Governors have discussed with our people and collectively as leaders of the people in our various States and as leaders standing in on behalf of our people, I urge that the National Assembly should increase the provision in the host community fund from 2.5 percent to 10 percent in the best interest of our communities, in the best interest of our nation.”

    He expressed strong belief that if the communities feel satisfied with provision of funds for them in the PIB, they are more likely going to be watchdog on behalf of the federal government, the States and oil companies

    “The peaceful environment that would be seen in the various oil communities would enable us to have greater production and a seamless production in which we do not have any form disruption in our oil productions going into the future”, he added.

  • Buhari, a dependable leader, says Akpabio

    Buhari, a dependable leader, says Akpabio

    The Minster of Niger Delta Affairs and former governor of Akwa Ibom , Chief Godswill Akpabio, has described President Muhammadu Buhari as a dependable leader who is genuinely interested in the progress of Niger Delta region and Nigeria.

    Akpabio made the claim during the inauguration of the executives of a political support group, Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF) in Abak local council yesterday.

    According to the Minister, Buhari’s commitment and determination towards accelerated development of the Niger Delta as demonstrated in the increased work pace on East/West Road, remained a clear evidence of his commitment to the speedy development of the region.

    “Work on the construction of the bridge on the Ikot Abasi/Oruk Anam axis is going on at feverish speed, the bridge would be ready by March, 2021, after which the Oron/Calabar bridge would be the next focus, for the East/West Road to be fully completed.” He said.

    He expressed gratitude to the President for being resolute, adding that, by his actions, he has shown himself as a dependable leader.

    The inauguration of the group which was performed by the Minister and witnessed by other stakeholders, saw Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo appointed as the Director-General and Arc. Ubokutom Nyah as the Co-Director General.

    Akpabio who was unanimously appointed as the Grand Leader for the group said that, he was excited with the motto of the organization which is “Dependable Leadership.

    “Dependable Leadership” means dividends of democracy to the people. “Dependable Leadership” means water for the people; “Dependable Leadership” means education for our children. “Dependable Leadership” means an end to COVID-19 or at least, the control of COVID-19. It means the provision of medical care… “Dependable Leadership” means quality infrastructure…”, citing what happened between 2007-2015 in Akwa ibom state as example.

    He charged the leadership of Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF) to demonstrate transparency in leadership, stating that, it was the only known attribute that can enhance the survival of the group.

    Earlier, the Director-General of the group, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo in his address said the Forum has resolved to come together in solidarity to Akpabio’s uncommon and selfless service to humanity with little regard to political affiliation.

    According to the former House of Representatives member, the mission of the group was to support, promote and encourage transparent and dedicated leaders like Akpabio as well as correct leaders who derail with a view to ensuring the delivery of the dividends of democracy to the citizenry.

    The Forum thanked Mr. President for appointing Akpabio as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs adding that, he possessed enormous untapped potentials to turn things around for the region citing the accomplishments of his past 18 months as Minister including the completion of the Corporate headquarters of NDDC as most commendable.

    The group said it has declared 100 percent loyalty to his current and future leadership, stating that, the inauguration of the Forum would kick start the journey of mobilising ardent faithfuls across Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and across Akwa Ibom State for unwavering support for the Minister.

  • NDDC’s IMC Suspension: Arrest, Investigate, Prosecute Akpabio Now – Ex-militants Tell EFCC

    NDDC’s IMC Suspension: Arrest, Investigate, Prosecute Akpabio Now – Ex-militants Tell EFCC

    A coalition of ex-militants under the aegis of the National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, NCNDEA has called on the federal government through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to immediately arrest, investigate and sack the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Godswill Akpabio, for misleading President Muhammadu Buhari, into appointing an Interim administration for the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in lieu of the statutorily acceptable board for the intervention agency.

    The national Coordinator of the NCNDEA, Eshanekpe Israel, a.k.a Akpodoro made the call in Ughelli Delta State , Thursday while reacting to the suspension by a Federal High Court sitting at Abuja which suspended the Interim Management Committee, IMC, of the NDDC led by Professor Pondei recently. Akpodoro wondered why the EFCC has not swung into action since the order was made saying it was important that the anti graft agency arrests Akpabio if only to show to the world that the war against corruption is still alive.

    The action of the former governor according to the former warrior was aching to the suspension of the constitution which he noted was a coup plot against constitutional provisions adding that not only should the President swear-in the Pius Odubu and Bernard Okumagba led screened management board but that all the accomplices in the looting of the NDDC must be brought to book.

    The Urhobo-born who doubles as the Coordinator of the Urhobo Youth Forum for Change, UYFC expressed regret over the delayed inauguration of the Odubu board noting that it was a very wrong precedent for the President to have unconditionally inaugurated an IMC at the instance of a politician in the would of Akpabio whose activities remain shrouded in suspicion of graft.

    Akpodoro wants the all past members of the management board to be probed and punished if anyone is found culpable adding that billions of naira have gone under drain in the intervention agency owing to wanton corruption.

    “We heard the revelations from Joi Nunie who allegedly fell out with Akpabio due to corrupt tendencies and till date, nothing has been done to Akpabio. Is Godswill Akpabio above the law of our country? President shouldn’t confirm the fears of Nigerians that the war on corruption is selective.” He stated.

    The EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, and SFU and other anti graft agencies should roll out their arsenals to curb the damaging corruption in NDDC by immediately reining accomplices.

    Specifically, Akpodoro wants the ICPC to obey the order of the Abuja Federal High Court which directs that the former governor be investigated and possibly brought to justice. He noted that nobody was bigger than the law of the land.

    The prominent ex-militant leader warned that on no account should the tenure of the IMC extended by President Buhari except he wants to finally set the region of fire.

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  • Forensic Audit: NDYM urges Akpabio, others to rescue NDDC

    Forensic Audit: NDYM urges Akpabio, others to rescue NDDC

    By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo 

    A youth group, Niger Delta Youth Movement, NDYM, has appealed to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and top management of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC to use the forensic audit to rescue the commission from corruption plaguing it since inception.

    National President of NDYM, Comrade Joe Jackson, who made the appeal in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday in Uyo,  stressed that the people of Niger Delta region were looking forward to seeing the NDDC repositioned to serve them well.

    Jackson restated their gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for the confidence reposed on Akpabio and the leadership of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) to redeem the image of the NDDC.

    He added that his organization would continue to support and pray for all teams involved in the ongoing investigation to succeed in their assignment, despite plots to stop the forensic exercise.

     “The Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM) once again appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for the order to carry out a forensic audit of the operations of the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) from 2001 to 2019.

    “We are grateful that the President for appointing Senator Godswill Akpabio to oversee the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs as well as supervise the NDDC. We share in the confidence the president has in his (Akpabio’s) capacity and competence.

     “While congrtulating Mr Effiong Akwa on his recent appointment as the Executive Director Finance and Administration (EDFA) in the NDDC, we wish to draw his attention to the fact that he is coming at a time the Niger Delta region and indeed the entire country wants to see a redeemed NDDC at the end of Forensic audit.

    “It is our prayers therefore, that leadership of the NDDC led by the acting Managing Director Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei, and the IMC to continue to cooperate with the forensic audtiors to bring sanity in the NDDC for the benefit of the region and Nigeria in general. 

    “That will go a long way to justify  the trust and confidence reposed on them which necessitated their appointments in the Commission. The Movement on its part shall continue to support their efforts in managing the commission so far. We understand that managing a volatile region such as ours is not a tea party.” The statement said.

  • NDDC: No dime paid for contracts I facilitated, Kalu tells Akpabio

    NDDC: No dime paid for contracts I facilitated, Kalu tells Akpabio

    Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, on Monday said that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has not paid the contractors who built the roads he facilitated.

    Kalu was reacting to the communique written by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, where he reportedly mentioned ex-governors Emmanuel Uduaghan, James Ibori, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and others to have benefited from several contracts awarded by the NDDC.

    In a statement by Barrister Emeka Nwala, Kalu said he believed the issues at stake in the NDDC have to do with missing funds and not contracts awarded or jobs executed.

    He expressed worry over his name being unjustly tarnished and “used to sell newspapers” by allegations being raised by Akpabio.

    According to the Chief Whip of the Senate, the road projects mentioned by the Honourable Minister are the interventions he facilitated for the communities as a private citizen before he became a Senator.

    Kalu revealed his name is mentioned because he used his letter headed paper to write a sympathetic letter to the NDDC in 2016 requesting and pleading with the intervention body to rescue roads in in parts of Abia state.

    He also insisted his relationship with Senator Akpabio dates years back and long before he (Kalu) became a governor.

    He said he would still request for more road interventions from Akpabio as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

    Kalu said: The roads I requested for intervention as mentioned by the Honourable Minister were repairs of Ezere-Acha-Ndiokoukwu Road; Amaubiri-Eluama-Uru Ring Road, Lokpaukwu, Umuchieze; Ndi Oji Abam-Atan Road; the Okafia-Ozuitem-Bende road and Ozu-Amuru-Abam Road.

    “The contractors have completed and delivered these roads long time ago except Abam-Atani road which I learnt from the contractors was slowed down due to rain but still ongoing.

    “Meanwhile, it would interest Nigerians to know that the contractors who built these roads have not been paid any dime.
    “It has not been easy with the contractors but because it’s a community project they have only but kept hope alive on the NDDC.

    “I am so much concerned about roads because I understand the economic importance of good roads, that’s why I built several roads when I was Governor.

    “Even as a Senator, it would interest you to know that my major constituency projects are road constructions, reconstructions and rehabilitations. We have put in plans to finish 19 roads in Abia North before end of 2021.

    “As a community leader, I do not intend to stop my interventions on roads in NDDC states because all the states need good roads. Good roads help to drive the economy.

    “Therefore, I believe the NDDC forensic audit should focus on the missing funds and not works done.

    “They should focus on paying contractors that delivered their jobs and not using my name indiscriminately to sell newspapers.

    “The Honourable Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio is my good old friend. We have been friends even before I became a governor.

    “I hope he doesn’t expect me to stop seeking for road interventions in our communities. It is his civic responsibility to support the communities and I am very confident he will oblige our future requests especially in areas of good roads.”

    He added: “I was Governor of Abia State between 1999-2007 and never held any public office until June 11, 2019 when I was sworn-in as a Senator.

    “Between 2016 to 2018, during my tour to several communities, leaders and welfare unions of most communities pleaded for urgent intervention on some dilapidated roads.

    “I wrote to the NDDC informing the body of the conditions of these roads and the need for their attention since Abia is an NDDC state.

    “The NDDC in their consideration which I am very grateful to, awarded the roads to companies that duly tendered for the projects and not myself.

    “Whatever link I have with the projects is because it was considered due to my intervention.”

    The Senate Chief Whip also noted that the NDDC that awarded these projects were not any of the interim management in controversy but the fully constituted body of NDDC with a board.

  • BREAKING: House of Reps to sue Godswill Akpabio perjury

    BREAKING: House of Reps to sue Godswill Akpabio perjury

    The House of Representatives has resolved to Institute legal proceedings against the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio for failing to publish names and other details of Its members purported to have benefitted from the NDDC Contracts.

    The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, said at Thursday plenary, that the Minister has yet to reply to or publish the details so requested in line with the 48 hours given to him to substantiate his allegation with proof.

    He described the Minister’s silence to the request for the publication of affected names as an affront on the parliament.

  • BREAKING: Reps demands Names of NASS members who got NDDC contracts

    BREAKING: Reps demands Names of NASS members who got NDDC contracts

    The House of Representatives has asked Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to publish, within 48 hours, members of the 9th National Assembly who got sixty percent of contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Ruling on a matter of privileges brought by Minority leader, Ndudi Elumelu, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said the Minister, who alleged 60 percent of contracts from the NDDC were given to members of the National Assembly, should publish the benefiting lawmakers, especially members of the 9th Assembly.

    He further said the names of their companies and the contracts they got should be published or face the wrath of the House.

    Although he said his initial reaction was to have a good laugh when the Minister made the allegations, he realised it infringes on the integrity of the House.

    He said the Minister owes it a duty to himself, the House Committee on Niger Delta, the people of Niger Delta and Nigerians to publish the names of lawmakers who got contracts from the NDDC.

  • Akpabio threatens to sue ex-NDDC MD, denies allegations

    Akpabio threatens to sue ex-NDDC MD, denies allegations

    The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has denied the sexual harassment allegation leveled against him by the former Acting Managing Director of the Interim Management Committee(IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Mrs. Joy Nunieh.

    He also threatened to sue Nuineh for alleged defamation of his character.

    His Special Assistant on Media, Anietie Ekong, in a statement on Friday said the Minister has instructed his lawyers to seek legal redress over the defamatory statements by the former NDDC boss.

    Ms Nunieh had in an interview raised a wide range of accusations against the Minister.

    The statement described Nunieh’s allegations as “cornucopia of false, malicious and libellous,” adding the Minister was set to seek redress in a Court of law.

    It reads: “The Honourable Minister’s initial attitude was to allow his lawyers and the judicial system vindicate him of the false allegations against him, but he is compelled to react to some of the wayward allegations levied against his person by Ms. Nunieh, especially the one bothering on sexual harassment.

    “To start with, let it be known that there is no scintilla of truth in all the allegations peddled around by Ms. Nunieh. They are simply false!

    “The Honourable Minister did not at any time, place or circumstance make any form of sexual advances to Ms. Nunieh, not even to put himself in a position or posture suggestive of sexual advances towards Ms. Nunieh, or any female staff of his Ministry or the NDDC.

    “For the records, the Honourable Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON is happily married and contented with his wife. Together they are blessed with children, four (4) of whom are young women.

    “The Honourable Minister is an avid believer of the Affirmative Action and that was visible in the appointments he made as a two (2) term Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015. Under his watch, he appointed several women into various high level positions as

    “Chairpersons of Local Government Councils, Magistrates, Judges, Heads of Parastatals, Directors, Permanent Secretaries, and Commissioners.

    “The Honourable Minister has never hidden his admiration and respect for his wife, Mrs. Ekaete Akpabio, children and sisters. He therefore felt compelled to react to the malicious attack on his person by Ms. Nunieh bothering on allegations of sexual harassment.

    “The Honourable Minister therefore finds the said allegation nauseating and a very cheap blackmail, for Ms. Nunieh to suggest or insinuate that he sexually harassed her, while she was the Acting Managing Director of the NDDC.

    “The Honourable Minister has taken steps to instruct his lawyers to seek necessary redress in a Court of competent Jurisdiction on his behalf over the defamatory statements made by Ms. Nunieh.

    “On a final note, while encouraging all Nigerians to hold their leaders to account, he urges them to take their time to sift between the chaff and the substance before embarking on far reaching allegations, opinions and views.”