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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.

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

 

 

 

 

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

 

 

 

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

 

 

 

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

 

 

 

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

 

 

 

 

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

 

 

 

 

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

 

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

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NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

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NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

 

 

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

 

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.

 

 

The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

 

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.

 

 

 

The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

 

 

“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

 

 

While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.

 

 

The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.

 

 

It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

 

 

 

“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.

 

 

Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.

 

 

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.

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