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NDDC Conundrum: More Questions than Answers! By Ayo Oyoze Baje

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HOW LAURETTA ONOCHIE IS FIGHTING TIMIPRE SYLVA'S GUBERNATORIAL AMBITION.

NDDC Conundrum: More Questions than Answers!

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

Quote:
“It is shocking that after the FEC, the highest ruling body in the country, had awarded a contract for the same project in 2021 at the sum of $11.7 billion for the construction of same Mega railway spanning through the length and breadth of the Niger Delta, that anyone would be signing an MOU on behalf of the NDDC and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the same project in 2023 without due process”
 – Ms Lauretta Onochie (Chairman of the NDDC governing board)
As with running the lives of individuals, there is always a difference between motive and method for that of conducting the affairs of public and private organizations. The facilitating factors that come into play; to oil the engine of growth and drive such dreams to the light of day are predicated on vision, character, commitment and of course, accountability.


NDDC Conundrum: More Questions than Answers!
By Ayo Oyoze Baje
 Whenever one or more of such catalysts are lacking, the process is derailed, leading of course, to preventable pains of those who are supposed to benefit from it all. And that precisely is what has played out with the noble objectives of the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
It would be recalled that the Niger-Delta Development Commission (Establishment etc) Act2000 Act No 6 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria came as an Act to provide for the repeal of the Oil, Mineral Producing Areas Commission Decree 1998.  Among other things, it was meant to establish a new Commission with a re-organised management and administrative structure for more effectiveness.
Furthermore, it was meant for the use of the sums received from the allocation of the Federation Account for tackling ecological problems which arise from the exploration of oil minerals in the Niger-Delta area and for connected purposes. That came into effect on12th day of July 2000.
Unfortunately,  the noble aims and objectives of its coming into effect  under the then President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo had over the years got de-branded with the issues of corruption, incompetence and gross mismanagement of its resources. Terribly bad, you might say!
But it even got worse when it had no Board to effectively run its affairs for six odd years! By law it was supposed to be under the presidency. The change in the narrative however, came when former governor of Akwa-Ibom state, Godswill  Akpabio became the Minister of the Niger-Delta. It was he who appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to place the NDDC under the Ministry of the Niger-Delta.
Ever since, it has been mired in one steamy scandal, controversy or the other. That was what necessitated the setting up of a forensic audit by the president to take a deeper look into the conduct of its financial transactions.
Interestingly, that opened up the can of worms with the alleged discovery of monumental corruption as 320 illegal accounts-both local and international- were traced to the Ministry by the forensic audit. That was in 2021 when the Report was submitted to Mister President.
Ordinarily, oil companies operating in Nigeria are supposed to pay 3% of their running costs to the NDDC but going by the allegations of corruption Buhari ordered that such sums should be collected by the EFCC. Other reports revealed that within that period it collected a whopping N710 billion on behalf of NDDC!
Buhari  was compelled, in his characteristic manner of transparency and probity to come up with the appointment of someone of proven integrity; someone with a proud pedigree of discipline; who attaches little value to material things. There comes in Ms Lauretta Onochie on whose behalf the president wrote to the Senate for confirmation back in November 2022.
Having worked with Mister President for seven good years, which provided him with the opportunity to study her true persona he knew that she was going to toe the path of honour and honesty. And that she did when during the first meeting of the NDDC Board it was mutually agreed that financial transactions must be approved by her person, as the Chairman for accountability and transparency.
In addition, such financial transactions were to be communicated to the CBN, the Accountant General’s Office and of course, the Minister of Finance. But the MD  of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku was vehemently against that significant decision.
Furthermore, he wrote a letter to counter the decision insisting that the status quo should remain. That audacious attempt to shake the NDDC table triggered some burning questions. Is it true, as alleged that the humongous sum of N50 million is always paid for trips made by the trio of the Managing Director of the NDDC, the Director of Finance as well as Projects for assignments carried out outside Port Harcourt? Is it also true that the monthly running cost has been increased from N6bn to N10bn? Yet, that was not all to it.
 Why would contractors be paid huge sums from the public purse without the knowledge of the NDDC Board but with payments approved by the head of the former interim management?  Why were the Board Members from Abia and Bayelsa states the ones to benefit from payments? And why are the NDDC Board members not given official vehicles? There was certainly more to it all than met the eye!
In fact, the last straw that broke the camel’s back in the cat-and-mouse game between the Minister of the Niger Delta and the Onochie-led Board of the NDDC came to the fore when the former went ahead to host the PPP Summit recently held at Eko Hotel in Lagos state without the approval of the latter!
Worse still, it went on to sign an MOU with an American company,  Atlanta Global Resources Inc., which according to Onochie has no requisite experience in any form of construction, not to talk about  railway construction! Onochie stated that the company in question is a management export consulting firm without known directors!
Describing the MOU as illegal she quoted that: “(a) By the act establishing the NDDC (Act No 6, of 2000), it is the Chairman of the board that is solely vested with the power to sign MOUs with any organisation. She added Part II of the NDDC Act, Section 8, sub sections (a) and (e), among other provisions,.
The Chairman of the PPP Board Gbenga Edema who hails from Ondo state is also a Commissioner with the board. Though he was supposed to report to the Board, he was allegedly ignored by the management.
Subsequently, all these shenanigans have dovetailed into the call by her traducers for Onochie’s removal from office. And that is all because she is firmly standing on her ground, insisting that she does not want the smelly Augean stable to remain in its mess!
Indeed, she reminds one of the late DG of NAFDAC, Prof. Dora Akunyili who epitomized diligence to duty, discipline and strict adherence to the dictates of the law.  Characteristic of her resolute stand, she wants things done within the ambit of the law, no matter whose ox is gored!
Unfortunately, the face-off has led to a situation whereby not much has been achieved by the NDDC in the past six months. The NDDC Executive Director Finance and Administration, is Maj-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd), while  the Executive Director, Projects is  Mr. Charles Ogunmola. The Minister of the Niger Delta is Umanna Umanna.
So, while the elephants fight it is the hapless and long-suffering Niger-Deltans that continue to stew in the quagmire of preventable pains and poverty.
The clarion call has therefore, come up by concerned Niger Deltans for President Buhari to do the needful, even in his last days in office. They are urging him to amend the Act,  If possible, issue out an executive order to correct the anomalies and check mate the financial reckless of the Ogbuku-led management. That is, by giving executive powers to the Chairman of the Commission, similar to what OMPADEC had in place before it was dissolved.
With that, the incoming government will have an enabling legal environment to facilitate a holistic development of the oil-rich Niger Delta, so that the goose that lays the golden egg is effectively taken good care of.

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Dissent in Chains: The VeryDarkMan Saga and Nigeria’s March Toward Totalitarianism

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Dissent in Chains: The VeryDarkMan Saga and Nigeria’s March Toward Totalitarianism

By George O Sylvester

The arrest and continued detention of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is a stark manifestation of the Tinubu administration’s escalating authoritarianism. This incident not only infringes upon constitutional rights but also exemplifies a broader pattern of political repression and suppression of dissenting voices in Nigeria.

A Disturbing Pattern of Repression
VDM’s apprehension on May 2, 2025, shortly after visiting a GTBank branch in Abuja, has been met with widespread condemnation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar labeled the arrest as a “blatant abuse of power” and a violation of fundamental human rights, urging Nigerians to resist oppression under the current administration . Despite the EFCC’s claim of multiple petitions against VDM, the lack of transparency and due process in his detention raises serious concerns about the agency’s motives.

This incident is not isolated. Across Africa, there is a troubling trend of governments employing state apparatus to silence critics. In Uganda, Eddie Mutwe, an opposition member, was allegedly tortured while in custody, with visible signs of abuse upon his court appearance . Similarly, in Kenya, young activists have faced abductions and torture for their online expressions against the government .

The Weaponization of Legal Institutions
The EFCC, established to combat financial crimes, appears to be increasingly utilized as a tool for political persecution. The lack of formal charges against VDM and the opacity surrounding his detention suggest a misuse of legal institutions to intimidate and suppress dissent. Such actions erode public trust in the justice system and undermine the rule of law.

This phenomenon is not unique to Nigeria. In Ethiopia, the government has been accused of using anti-terrorism and hate speech laws to detain journalists and suppress critical coverage, leading to a significant decline in press freedom.

The Erosion of Democratic Norms
The suppression of dissenting voices like VDM’s is indicative of a broader erosion of democratic norms in Nigeria. The Tinubu administration’s actions mirror those of other authoritarian regimes that prioritize political survival over democratic principles. This trend threatens the very fabric of Nigeria’s democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for the treatment of political opponents and critics.

As Nelson Mandela aptly stated, “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity”. The continued detention of VDM without due process is a direct affront to these rights and undermines the democratic ideals that Nigeria purports to uphold.

A Call to Action
The international community, civil society organizations and Nigerian citizens must collectively condemn the arbitrary detention of VDM and demand his immediate release. There is an urgent need to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for its actions and to safeguard the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.

In the words of Oliver Tambo, “We are not fighting against people, we are fighting against a system” . It is imperative to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression that threaten the democratic integrity of Nigeria.

The arrest of VDM is not just an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a deeper malaise afflicting Nigeria’s democracy. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort to uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and ensure that democratic institutions serve the people rather than political interests.

Dissent in Chains: The VeryDarkMan Saga and Nigeria’s March Toward Totalitarianism
By George O Sylvester

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C&S Youth Forum Appoints UK Based Reverend Adetutu Jakande Matron

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C&S Youth Forum Appoints UK Based Reverend Adetutu Jakande Matron

C&S Youth Forum Appoints UK Based Reverend Adetutu Jakande Matron

A United Kingdom based woman of God, Reverend (Princess) Adetutu Jakande, has been honoured as the Matron of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ile-Ayo International Headquarters, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

 

Generally known as a woman who lives a life dedicated to God, characterized by faith, obedience, and devotion to His will, Reverend Adetutu was presented the appointment letter by the youth forum of the church last week.

C&S Youth Forum Appoints UK Based Reverend Adetutu Jakande Matron

According to a member of the youth forum, Reverend Adetutu was honoured with the appointment because she has proven herself as not just as a Christian leader with moral excellence, but also as a role model especially to young Christians for reflecting God’s love, wisdom, and character in her daily life and interactions.

Reverend Adetutu Jakande is the leader at the UK based Assembly of Messiah Family. She is revered for her passion for guiding and mentoring the young and old in the way of God, especially women and children.

She is also noted for her philanthropy and her passion for catering to the needs of others and providing emotional support, including her strong commitment to God’s church, and its mission.

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Defending Itsekiri Heritage: A Call for Justice in Warri’s Electoral Delineation

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Defending Itsekiri Heritage: A Call for Justice in Warri’s Electoral Delineation

Introduction

The Itsekiri people, indigenous to the Warri region of Delta State, Nigeria, have a rich history and cultural heritage that dates back centuries. Their ancestral lands, encompassing Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas (LGAs), have been the epicenter of their socio-political and economic activities. However, recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concerning ward delineation in these areas have raised significant concerns about the marginalization of the Itsekiri people and the potential erosion of their historical rights.

Historical Context of Itsekiri Land Ownership

The Kingdom of Warri, established in 1480, stands as a testament to the longstanding presence and sovereignty of the Itsekiri people in the region. Historical records and maps, including the 1922 colonial map of Nigeria, clearly depict the Itsekiri territory as distinct and well-defined, nestled between the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups. This demarcation underscores the recognition of Itsekiri lands during colonial times, affirming their territorial claims.

Furthermore, historical accounts, such as those by European travelers in the 19th century, highlight the geographical boundaries of the Itsekiri. For instance, a traveler in 1864 noted, “At Warri, we were within one day’s row of the Sobo people,” indicating that the Urhobo (referred to as Sobo) were not originally situated within Warri but were neighbors to the Itsekiri.

INEC’s Controversial Ward Delineation

In April 2025, INEC released a new ward delineation report for the Warri Federal Constituency, which includes Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West LGAs. The report proposed a reduction of wards in Itsekiri-dominated areas while increasing those in Ijaw and Urhobo regions. Specifically, the Itsekiri wards in Warri North were reduced from six to four, whereas the Ijaw wards increased from four to ten.

This reconfiguration has been met with strong opposition from the Itsekiri community, who view it as a deliberate attempt to marginalize them politically. The Itsekiri National Development Initiative (INDI) has petitioned INEC, labeling the delineation as biased and lacking transparency. They argue that such actions not only undermine their political representation but also threaten their cultural and historical identity.

Implications of the Delineation

The reduction of Itsekiri wards has far-reaching implications:

Political Marginalization: Fewer wards translate to reduced political representation, limiting the Itsekiri’s influence in local governance and decision-making processes.

Cultural Erosion: Diminished political presence can lead to the neglect of Itsekiri cultural heritage, traditions and language in policy formulations and implementations.

Economic Disadvantage: Political underrepresentation may result in fewer developmental projects and resource allocations to Itsekiri communities, exacerbating economic disparities.

Calls for Justice and Equity

The Itsekiri community’s outcry is not merely about political representation but about preserving their identity and rights. They demand that INEC revisits the delineation exercise, ensuring that it reflects the true demographic and historical realities of the region. As one community leader aptly stated, “We cannot allow our ancestral lands and rights to be eroded under the guise of administrative adjustments.”

Final Word: A Stand for Justice and Indigenous Rights

The struggle of the Itsekiri people is not a cry for favoritism but a demand for justice rooted in historical fact, equity, and democratic fairness. No nation thrives when its founding ethnic nationalities are silenced or politically diminished. The deliberate attempt to redraw boundaries at the expense of the Itsekiri, custodians of the original Warri territory is a betrayal not only of their people but of Nigeria’s constitutional promise of fairness to all.

INEC must retrace its steps and correct this injustice before it festers into deeper ethnic tensions. As Thomas Jefferson warned, “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.” The Itsekiri are not begging for mercy; they are asserting their constitutional and ancestral rights.

Let the three Warris – Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West be preserved as Itsekiri territory, as history, maps and facts clearly affirm. Let not political manipulation replace justice. Let Nigeria not trample on the dignity of a people who built one of West Africa’s oldest and most organized kingdoms.

Written and Compiled by George Omagbemi Sylvester

For further insights into the Itsekiri community’s stance and protests regarding the INEC’s ward delineation, you may find the following video informative: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbjD_-1YnG0

 

Defending Itsekiri Heritage: A Call for Justice in Warri's Electoral Delineation

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