₦airaland Forum

Bad boys are bad

NDDC: Ijaw Youth Council backs forensic audit

...says shocking revelations will be made

Godwin Tsa, Abuja.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has declared support for the comprehensive forensic audit of the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and called on Nigerians to support same. President of the group, Mr. Timothy Igbifa, said the forensic audit should be allowed to go on as it will reveal the identity of those responsible for the corruption in the commission. The Commission has in the past few months been emersed in allegations of misappropriation of funds which led to a probe by the National Assembly. The IYC also condemned the media trial of the Acting Managing Director of the Commission, Professor Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei and the Interim Management Committee (IMC).

He urged Nigerians to support the forensic audit being carried out by the NDDC. ‘’This is the first time in history that a financial pipeline analysis of this magnitude is being carried out in the commission. Niger Deltans and the entire Nigeria is waiting patiently the outcome of the audit so that we can all see those who have been responsible for crippling the development of the Niger Delta region.

Of course we are aware that a move like this is bound to be resisted by the enemies of transparency and accountability hence the sponsorship of the media trials and accusations against the IMC in order to force the President, Muhammadu Buhari to lose confidence in the IMC and stop the forensic audit. ”Unfortunately for them, their plans have failed’’ the group said. Also, the IYC, through its Spokesman, Ebilade Ekerefe, expressed support for President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio, for their commitment to the forensic audit of the commission.

He however admonished the IMC to avoidances the pitfalls other leaders from the region appointed by President Buhari had fallen into leading to their untimely removal from office and bringing embarrassment to the region. ‘’The whole of the Niger Delta is depending on you, and calling on you to introduce reforms to transform the NDDC so that it can transparently deliver on its mandate, become more accountable, reduce corruption and bring speedy development to the Niger Delta. ”Do this and we will stand by you, defend you at all times against every forces of evil that do not like the Niger Delta”, he said.

The IYC blamed the delay in the payment of school fees to students on scholarship on bureaucratic bottlenecks but expressed confidence that the students will soon receive their payment with the amount of effort the leadership of the NDDC is making to verify the authenticity of all the students, and finalize the payment process. Accorsing to the IYC, verification is necessary because the scholarships were awarded before the appointment of the current IMC.

Gradually all their criminal deeds will be brought to light , wicked Souls

FRAUD IN NDDC
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi in fresh N3.4 billion procurement scandal security monitor.

1. If the provision of sections 24 and 27 of the public procurement Act No 65 of 2007 is anything to go by, the senator representing Delta North senotorial district, Sen. Peter Noeloka Nwaoboshi who is chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs should have been arrested, charged and tried following the mammoth allegations of fraud, contract inflation violation of the public procurement Act, flagment abuse of office and embezzlement of public funds to the tune of N3,483144,00 (Three billion, four hundred and eighty three million, one hundred and forty-four thousand naira meant for the procurement of plastic desks and chairs for primary and secondary schools in 9(Nine) oil producing states in Nigeria in the 2016 appropriation of the NDDC.

2. In all these allegations, it was learnt that the tenders Board of NDDC was never consulted before the award of the contracts to 15 different companies having links to the senator through proxies, friends and relations.

3. Our investigations reveal that contrary to the provisions of section 24(1) of the public procurement of goods and works by procuring entities shall be conducted by open competition bidding and section 27(1) of the same Act provides that all bids in response to invitation to open competitive bidding must be submitted in writing, in addition to any other format stipulated by an official authorized to bind the bidder to a contract and placed in a sealed envelope. It is worthy of note that there was no open competitive bidding in line with the provisions of the law.

4. For the avoidance of doubt, these are the 15 (fifteen) companies and has contracts were awarded to them:

I. BenchMark Construction & Projects Limited which got a contract for the procurement of plastic desks and chairs for primary and secondary schools in Abia for the sum of N 232,209,600 (Two Hundred and Thirty two Million, Two hundred and nine thousand, Six Hundred Naira).

II. Milestone Allied Builders Limited and Edendoma Stars International got the sum of N232,209,600 ( Two Hundred and Thirty Two Million, Two Hundred and Nine Thousand, Six Hundred Naira each for the same purpose in Akwa-Ibom State.

III. Isumabe U.K Global Ventures, Nelpat Nigeria Company and Edrihide Company also got the sum of N232,209,600 (Two Hundred and thirty two Million, Two hundred and Nine Thousand, Six Hundred Naira each also for the procurement and supply of plastic desks and chairs for primary and secondary schools in Bayelsa State.

IV. In cross River State, the same contract and contract sums N232,209,600 (Two Hundred and thirty two Million, Two hundred and Nine Thousand, Six Hundred Naira were awarded to Antlers Construction & Allied Works Limited, same goes for AGH- Rown Ventures and NOAN integrated services limited each for the same amount in Delta State.

V. In Edo, Imo & Ondo States respectively, the same contract for the procurement and supply of plastic desks and chairs was awarded to De-Towers Construction & Allied Services, Eastern Wrought Iron Limited and Franstine Nigeria Enterprises respectively for the same N232,209,600 (Two Hundred and thirty two Million, Two hundred and Nine Thousand, Six Hundred Naira each.

VI. Investigations revealed that Bench Mark Construction & Projects Limited with RC. 925180, milestones Allied Construction and Allied Works Limited with RC. 925188 and De-towers Construction & Allied services with RC. 925182 were all registered on the same day; December 3rd 2010 with plot 3011 B, Kwranakh Close, Maitama Abuja.
 This is the same address for Golden touch Construction projects Limited used by senator Peter Nwaoboshi to illegally acquire the 12 – storey building at 27 Marina road, Apapa also known as “Guinea House” belonging to the Delta state government

NDDC Saves N35b after Verified Payment to Contractors - NDDC Acting ED Projects Ojougboh.

The Acting Executive Director, Projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, says that the Interim Management Committee, IMC, has saved N35 billion for the Commission after its verified payments to contractors.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the inauguration of the Committee for the completion and commissioning of NDDC’s 13-floor new permanent headquarters at the Eastern By-Pass, Port Harcourt, Ojougboh said that the Commission had also verified payments for N1.5 trillion for other projects.

Ojougbo, who is the Chairman of the committee, affirmed that work on the office complex was at 98 per cent completion. He said: “As you can see, the lifts and escalators are working, the lights and the central air conditioners are functioning. You have seen the external works, so I want to tell you that what is left is the ancillary building, the windows are already in place. You have also seen the asphalts, so we are good to go.

“Nobody believed that it was possible to achieve what we have achieved. There were lots of booby-traps which made it impossible for this building to be ready before now. But we thank God for the successes we have recorded.”

Ojougboh stated that change had come to the NDDC and “things will never remain the same again.” According to him, “President Muhammadu Buhari worked for the change in NDDC and even when we leave here, other people coming in would be more careful.

“As for the list of contractors we published, that was for 2018 alone. By the time we publish that of 2019, a lot of things will come out to the open. Some person claim they did not benefit from NDDC but we have documents linking them to those contracts. The forensic audit is unearthing a lot of things, 2016, 2017 and 2019 list are ready. But we have decided we would not be distracted again.”

He lamented that the NDDC budget for 2019 was distorted to the detriment of regional projects, citing the example of regional hospital projects that were starved of funds. “We made provision for hospitals in all Niger Delta states as our regional projects but it was removed and replaced with supply of chairs to schools in the region,” he said.

Ojougboh said that the NDDC had written letters to the National Assembly to explain why N11.6billion budgeted for the completion of hospitals was removed and replaced with supply of chairs and desks. He asked: “Is that what we deserve in Niger Delta?”

Charles Obi Odili
Director, Corporate Affairs
August 7, 2020.

NDDC Saves N35b after Verified Payment to Contractors - NDDC Acting ED Projects Ojougboh.

The Acting Executive Director, Projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, says that the Interim Management Committee, IMC, has saved N35 billion for the Commission after its verified payments to contractors.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the inauguration of the Committee for the completion and commissioning of NDDC’s 13-floor new permanent headquarters at the Eastern By-Pass, Port Harcourt, Ojougboh said that the Commission had also verified payments for N1.5 trillion for other projects.

Ojougbo, who is the Chairman of the committee, affirmed that work on the office complex was at 98 per cent completion. He said: “As you can see, the lifts and escalators are working, the lights and the central air conditioners are functioning. You have seen the external works, so I want to tell you that what is left is the ancillary building, the windows are already in place. You have also seen the asphalts, so we are good to go.

“Nobody believed that it was possible to achieve what we have achieved. There were lots of booby-traps which made it impossible for this building to be ready before now. But we thank God for the successes we have recorded.”

Ojougboh stated that change had come to the NDDC and “things will never remain the same again.” According to him, “President Muhammadu Buhari worked for the change in NDDC and even when we leave here, other people coming in would be more careful.

“As for the list of contractors we published, that was for 2018 alone. By the time we publish that of 2019, a lot of things will come out to the open. Some person claim they did not benefit from NDDC but we have documents linking them to those contracts. The forensic audit is unearthing a lot of things, 2016, 2017 and 2019 list are ready. But we have decided we would not be distracted again.”

He lamented that the NDDC budget for 2019 was distorted to the detriment of regional projects, citing the example of regional hospital projects that were starved of funds. “We made provision for hospitals in all Niger Delta states as our regional projects but it was removed and replaced with supply of chairs to schools in the region,” he said.

Ojougboh said that the NDDC had written letters to the National Assembly to explain why N11.6billion budgeted for the completion of hospitals was removed and replaced with supply of chairs and desks. He asked: “Is that what we deserve in Niger Delta?”

Charles Obi Odili
Director, Corporate Affairs
August 7, 2020.

NDDC Saves N35b after Verified Payment to Contractors - NDDC Acting ED Projects Ojougboh.

The Acting Executive Director, Projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, says that the Interim Management Committee, IMC, has saved N35 billion for the Commission after its verified payments to contractors.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the inauguration of the Committee for the completion and commissioning of NDDC’s 13-floor new permanent headquarters at the Eastern By-Pass, Port Harcourt, Ojougboh said that the Commission had also verified payments for N1.5 trillion for other projects.

Ojougbo, who is the Chairman of the committee, affirmed that work on the office complex was at 98 per cent completion. He said: “As you can see, the lifts and escalators are working, the lights and the central air conditioners are functioning. You have seen the external works, so I want to tell you that what is left is the ancillary building, the windows are already in place. You have also seen the asphalts, so we are good to go.

“Nobody believed that it was possible to achieve what we have achieved. There were lots of booby-traps which made it impossible for this building to be ready before now. But we thank God for the successes we have recorded.”

Ojougboh stated that change had come to the NDDC and “things will never remain the same again.” According to him, “President Muhammadu Buhari worked for the change in NDDC and even when we leave here, other people coming in would be more careful.

“As for the list of contractors we published, that was for 2018 alone. By the time we publish that of 2019, a lot of things will come out to the open. Some person claim they did not benefit from NDDC but we have documents linking them to those contracts. The forensic audit is unearthing a lot of things, 2016, 2017 and 2019 list are ready. But we have decided we would not be distracted again.”

He lamented that the NDDC budget for 2019 was distorted to the detriment of regional projects, citing the example of regional hospital projects that were starved of funds. “We made provision for hospitals in all Niger Delta states as our regional projects but it was removed and replaced with supply of chairs to schools in the region,” he said.

Ojougboh said that the NDDC had written letters to the National Assembly to explain why N11.6billion budgeted for the completion of hospitals was removed and replaced with supply of chairs and desks. He asked: “Is that what we deserve in Niger Delta?”

Charles Obi Odili
Director, Corporate Affairs
August 7, 2020.

NDDC DEMANDS REFUND OF ₦2.5 BILLION FROM PETER NWAOBOSHI.

NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NDDC)
HEADQUARTERS
167 ABA ROAD, HARCOURT
084 - 232650,
July 5, 2020.

Senator Peter Nwaoboshi,
National Assembly Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.

Sir,
DEMAND FOR THE REFUND OF THE SUM OF ₦2.552 305.600.00 (TWO BILLION. FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY TWO MILLION. THREE HUNDRED AND FIVE THOUSAND AND SIX HUNDRED NAIRA) BEING MONEY HAD AND RECEIVED IN RESPECT OF CONTRACTS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PLASTIC DESKS AND CHAIRS FOR PRIMARY/SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION.

The subject here above refers, please.

2. I have been directed to write to you and to state as follows

3. That sometime in 2017, the Commission awarded contracts to certain companies for the production of desks and chairs for primary and secondary schools in the Niger Delta region under the 201 6 budget of the Commission. The list of the companies is attached as Annexure 'A'. The total value of the said contracts was ₦2.552.305,600.OO (Two Billion. Five Hundred and Fifty Two Million. Three Hundred and Five Thousand And Six Hundred Naira).

4. That the contracts were in furtherance of the Commission's education sector mandate as catalyst for the improvement of classroom and learning conditions in the Niger Delta region.

5. That instead of supplying the chairs and desks to the Commission's warehouse in Port Harcourt or to any of the NDDC offices in the nine Niger Delta States, the items were supplied to a warehouse described as Akuede Akwis' located at Benin Expressway, Okpanam, before Wichetech Aluminum Company.

5. That the 2019 budget of the Commission also contains the tollowing heads:
a. Provisions and supply of Plastic Chairs and Desks for Primary and Secondary Schools in Delta North Senatorial District (Lots 1-15) for (Serial No. 21).
NDDC
b. Provisions and supply of Plastic Chairs and Desks for Primary and Secondary Schools in Delta North Senatorial District (Lots 1-20) for (Serial No. 33).
c. Production and distribution of Desks and Benches in selected schools in the Niger Delta Region for (Serial No. 396).
This brings the 2019 budgetary provision for chairs and benches to a total of

6. That despite having fully paid for the 2017 contracts for the production of chairs and desks, the items have not been supplied to the Commission. The resultant effect is that the Commission and the Niger Delta region have been deprived of the use of the desks and chairs.

7. That I have been further directed to demand that you refund the sum of ₦2,552,305,600.OO (Two Billion, Five Hundred and FiffyTwo Million, Three Hundred and Five Thousand And Six Hundred Naira). to the Commission being the contract sums paid in respect of the said contracts within 14 days of this letter.

Please accept sir, the assurances of our highest regards and esteem.

Delta Development Commission
Peter Claver Okoro, Esq.
Director, Legal Services

NDDC DEMANDS REFUND OF ₦2.5 BILLION FROM PETER NWAOBOSHI.

NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NDDC)
HEADQUARTERS
167 ABA ROAD, HARCOURT
084 - 232650,
July 5, 2020.

Senator Peter Nwaoboshi,
National Assembly Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.

Sir,
DEMAND FOR THE REFUND OF THE SUM OF ₦2.552 305.600.00 (TWO BILLION. FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY TWO MILLION. THREE HUNDRED AND FIVE THOUSAND AND SIX HUNDRED NAIRA) BEING MONEY HAD AND RECEIVED IN RESPECT OF CONTRACTS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PLASTIC DESKS AND CHAIRS FOR PRIMARY/SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION.

The subject here above refers, please.

2. I have been directed to write to you and to state as follows

3. That sometime in 2017, the Commission awarded contracts to certain companies for the production of desks and chairs for primary and secondary schools in the Niger Delta region under the 201 6 budget of the Commission. The list of the companies is attached as Annexure 'A'. The total value of the said contracts was ₦2.552.305,600.OO (Two Billion. Five Hundred and Fifty Two Million. Three Hundred and Five Thousand And Six Hundred Naira).

4. That the contracts were in furtherance of the Commission's education sector mandate as catalyst for the improvement of classroom and learning conditions in the Niger Delta region.

5. That instead of supplying the chairs and desks to the Commission's warehouse in Port Harcourt or to any of the NDDC offices in the nine Niger Delta States, the items were supplied to a warehouse described as Akuede Akwis' located at Benin Expressway, Okpanam, before Wichetech Aluminum Company.

5. That the 2019 budget of the Commission also contains the tollowing heads:
a. Provisions and supply of Plastic Chairs and Desks for Primary and Secondary Schools in Delta North Senatorial District (Lots 1-15) for (Serial No. 21).
NDDC
b. Provisions and supply of Plastic Chairs and Desks for Primary and Secondary Schools in Delta North Senatorial District (Lots 1-20) for (Serial No. 33).
c. Production and distribution of Desks and Benches in selected schools in the Niger Delta Region for (Serial No. 396).
This brings the 2019 budgetary provision for chairs and benches to a total of

6. That despite having fully paid for the 2017 contracts for the production of chairs and desks, the items have not been supplied to the Commission. The resultant effect is that the Commission and the Niger Delta region have been deprived of the use of the desks and chairs.

7. That I have been further directed to demand that you refund the sum of ₦2,552,305,600.OO (Two Billion, Five Hundred and FiffyTwo Million, Three Hundred and Five Thousand And Six Hundred Naira). to the Commission being the contract sums paid in respect of the said contracts within 14 days of this letter.

Please accept sir, the assurances of our highest regards and esteem.

Delta Development Commission
Peter Claver Okoro, Esq.
Director, Legal Services

BREAKING: NDDC defends Akpabio’s list of contractors

*Says there ‘re more revelations

*Stranded scholars to be paid this week

*Buhari invited to commission N24bn Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa

By Emma Amaize

ASABA – THE Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, on Tuesday, said it stood by the list of prominent Niger Delta leaders released by the Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as contractors in the Commission, saying what the Minister released was only a tip of the iceberg.

Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Mr. Charles Odili, said the Commission has details of the contracts and proxies used to collect them, including the 250 contracts collected in one day in the name of the National Assembly.

He also disclosed that scholars of the Commission facing hardship abroad over non-remittance of their fees and stipends would be paid by the end of this week, adding that President Muhammadu had given an order to the effect.

Meanwhile, the Commission has invited President Muhammadu Buhari to commission the N24 billion Ogbia-Nembe Road cutting across 14 riverine communities in Bayelsa State.

Speaking on the release of list of NDDC contracts handled by members of the National Assembly, Odili said: “The one submitted by Senator Akpabio was not compiled by the minister but came from the files in the Commission.”

The NDDC spokesperson clarified that the list submitted to the National Assembly was actually compiled by the then management of the Commission in 2018.

He observed that there was another set of lists for emergency project contracts awarded in 2017 and 2019, but these were not submitted to the National Assembly.

Odili affirmed: “The Interim Management Committee, IMC, of the Commission stands by the list, which came from files already in the possession of the forensic auditors. It is not an Akpabio’s list, but the NDDC’s list. The list is part of the volume of 8,000 documents already handed over to the forensic auditors.”

He also said that prominent indigenes of the Niger Delta whose names were on the list should not panic, as the Commission knew that people used the names of prominent persons in the region to secure contracts, adding that the ongoing forensic audit would unearth those behind the contracts.

The spokesperson said the intention of the list was to expose committee chairmen in the National Assembly who used fronts to collect contracts from the Commission, some of which were never executed.

Odili added that the list did not include the unique case of 250 contracts which were signed for and collected in one day by one person, ostensibly for members of the National Assembly.

On the forensic audit exercise, he said that it was on course and the Commission had positioned 185 media support specialists to identify the sites of every project captured in its books for verification by the forensic auditors.

Odili advised members of the public to discountenance the “avalanche of falsehood being orchestrated by mischief makers,” regretting that “more insinuations and accusations may be thrown into the public space by those opposed to the IMC.”

On the payment of scholars, Odili explained: “The delay in the remittance of the fees was caused by the sudden death of Chief Ibanga Etang, the then Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration, EDFA, of the Commission in May.”

“Under the Commission’s finance protocol, only the Executive Director (Finance) and the Executive Director (Projects) can sign for the release of funds from the Commission’s domiciliary accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

“With the death of Chief Etang, the remittance has to await the appointment of a new EDFA.”

“Senator Akpabio, the Honourable Minister, said President Buhari who has been briefed on the protest by students at the Nigerian High Commission in London, has ordered that all steps be pulled to pay the students by the end of this week. We expect a new EDFA to be appointed this week. As soon as that is done, they would all be paid,” he added.

On Ogbia-Nembe road, he asserted that the 29-kilometre flagship project built in conjunction with the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, creates a land link to the ancient city of Nembe for the first time.

He disclosed that NDDC management’s invitation to Mr President was delivered through the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

He said required 10 bridges and 99 culverts, but” to conquer the swampy terrain, the construction involved digging out four metres of clay soil and sand filling it to provide a base for the road.”

According to him: “The road has cut the journey time to Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital, from three hours to one and a half hours.”

“This project is a not only a flagship of intervention in the Niger Delta, it is also a model of development partnership between the Commission and international oil companies in the region,” he said.

Source: Vanguard

♥️BREAKING NEWS♥️

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has secured the final forfeiture of ₦827,679,098.32 (Eight Hundred and Twenty-Seven Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand and Ninety-Eight Naira, Thirty-Two Kobo) from:
1. Flank Power Resources Limited and
2. GMFD Ventures Limited.

Both firms are linked to contractors with the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC from Delta State. From the same thieving family that has had their knees on the neck of Delta State.

May all the plagues of Egypt come at once on anyone who insults President Buhari over his plans for NDDC and the Forensic Audit.
Seriously, all plagues on them.

God Bless Nigeria
Lauretta Onochie
@Laurestar.

What kind of people are these

NDDC 85billion fraud; Check how Senator Nwaoboshi was charged for fraud by EFCC in 2018.

De'analyst
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One of the Senators fingered in the series of corruption scandals rocking the Niger Delta Development Commission by the Minister, Senator Akpabio is Senator Peter Nwaoboshi. Nwaoboshi has been accused of been about 53 contracts from the Commission. This same senator was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC far back in 2018 for allegations of fraud to the tune of $6.5 million. Nwaoboshi was alleged to have used his company Bilderberg Enterprises Limited to secure a N2.1billion ($6.5million approximately) contract to purchase and supply new equipments to the Delta State government. The contract was awarded to Bilderberg Enterprises Limited sum of N1,580,000,000 and N474,936,000 respectively. Also, he was alleged to have purchased a 12-story building for the total sum of N805,000,000 which was owned and sold by the Delta State government to his company Golden Touch Construction Project Limited from the proceeds of the equipment fraud. And he also allegedly purchased at Apapa Wharf, Lagos for the sum of N800, 000,000. The EFCC also discovered that Nwaoboshi has his Bank Verification Number (BVN) registered with over 23 banks of which are undeclared. Also involved in these crimes is his brother who is signatory to over 11 of the accounts.
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Subsequently he sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to a Federal High Court in Asaba requesting the court grant a restraining order that the commission should not interfere with the details of the 12 story building purchased in Apapa, Lagos allegedly with the money obtained from the contract of the Delta State government. This suit was filed by one of Nwaoboshi’s firms, Golden Touch Constructions. At the request of the EFCC, the case was transferred to the Federal High Court and the court granted the request to arrest Senator Peter and he was arrested on the 23rd of April 2018 alongside two of his companies; Golden Touch Constructions and Suiming Electrical Limited. Shockingly and as investigations will reveal, Mr. Peter never document his ownership of these companies while submitting his affidavit to the Code of Conduct Bureau? Also, it was revealed that Mr. Nwaoboshi employed the use of his firm, Suiming Electrical Limited to obtain a loan from National Export-Import Bank in 2018 and has not paid back the loan. And as funny as things turned out to be, Senator Peter raised a point of order on the Senate floor during plenary alleging that the then acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu had been "terrorizing" senators when he had not yet been confirmed by the Senate and he asked for his removal from office as EFCC Chairman.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

The case was adjourned to November 28 of 2018, and it has continually been dilly-dallied by the judiciary and no conviction was secured by the EFCC. And yet again, Senator Nwaoboshi has been accused of securing fraudulent contracts from the EFCC and aiding in the process of leaving the Niger Delta Region worst off than it ought to be. In a saner clime, Senator Peter would be locked behind bars for good, but in Nigeria he is adored and worshipped, and he stand up every day to address the nation’s highest law making chambers, and the question is, what kind of beneficial law will he enact that would not create loopholes for him to loot more.

Source: opera.com
The views expressed in this article are the writer's, they do not reflect the views of Opera News. Read more>>
Read More With Free Data From Opera News

NDDC 85billion fraud; Check how Senator Nwaoboshi was charged for fraud by EFCC in 2018.

De'analyst
18h
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

One of the Senators fingered in the series of corruption scandals rocking the Niger Delta Development Commission by the Minister, Senator Akpabio is Senator Peter Nwaoboshi. Nwaoboshi has been accused of been about 53 contracts from the Commission. This same senator was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC far back in 2018 for allegations of fraud to the tune of $6.5 million. Nwaoboshi was alleged to have used his company Bilderberg Enterprises Limited to secure a N2.1billion ($6.5million approximately) contract to purchase and supply new equipments to the Delta State government. The contract was awarded to Bilderberg Enterprises Limited sum of N1,580,000,000 and N474,936,000 respectively. Also, he was alleged to have purchased a 12-story building for the total sum of N805,000,000 which was owned and sold by the Delta State government to his company Golden Touch Construction Project Limited from the proceeds of the equipment fraud. And he also allegedly purchased at Apapa Wharf, Lagos for the sum of N800, 000,000. The EFCC also discovered that Nwaoboshi has his Bank Verification Number (BVN) registered with over 23 banks of which are undeclared. Also involved in these crimes is his brother who is signatory to over 11 of the accounts.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Subsequently he sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to a Federal High Court in Asaba requesting the court grant a restraining order that the commission should not interfere with the details of the 12 story building purchased in Apapa, Lagos allegedly with the money obtained from the contract of the Delta State government. This suit was filed by one of Nwaoboshi’s firms, Golden Touch Constructions. At the request of the EFCC, the case was transferred to the Federal High Court and the court granted the request to arrest Senator Peter and he was arrested on the 23rd of April 2018 alongside two of his companies; Golden Touch Constructions and Suiming Electrical Limited. Shockingly and as investigations will reveal, Mr. Peter never document his ownership of these companies while submitting his affidavit to the Code of Conduct Bureau? Also, it was revealed that Mr. Nwaoboshi employed the use of his firm, Suiming Electrical Limited to obtain a loan from National Export-Import Bank in 2018 and has not paid back the loan. And as funny as things turned out to be, Senator Peter raised a point of order on the Senate floor during plenary alleging that the then acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu had been "terrorizing" senators when he had not yet been confirmed by the Senate and he asked for his removal from office as EFCC Chairman.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

The case was adjourned to November 28 of 2018, and it has continually been dilly-dallied by the judiciary and no conviction was secured by the EFCC. And yet again, Senator Nwaoboshi has been accused of securing fraudulent contracts from the EFCC and aiding in the process of leaving the Niger Delta Region worst off than it ought to be. In a saner clime, Senator Peter would be locked behind bars for good, but in Nigeria he is adored and worshipped, and he stand up every day to address the nation’s highest law making chambers, and the question is, what kind of beneficial law will he enact that would not create loopholes for him to loot more.

Source: opera.com
The views expressed in this article are the writer's, they do not reflect the views of Opera News. Read more>>
Read More With Free Data From Opera News

NDDC 85billion fraud; Check how Senator Nwaoboshi was charged for fraud by EFCC in 2018.

De'analyst
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One of the Senators fingered in the series of corruption scandals rocking the Niger Delta Development Commission by the Minister, Senator Akpabio is Senator Peter Nwaoboshi. Nwaoboshi has been accused of been about 53 contracts from the Commission. This same senator was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC far back in 2018 for allegations of fraud to the tune of $6.5 million. Nwaoboshi was alleged to have used his company Bilderberg Enterprises Limited to secure a N2.1billion ($6.5million approximately) contract to purchase and supply new equipments to the Delta State government. The contract was awarded to Bilderberg Enterprises Limited sum of N1,580,000,000 and N474,936,000 respectively. Also, he was alleged to have purchased a 12-story building for the total sum of N805,000,000 which was owned and sold by the Delta State government to his company Golden Touch Construction Project Limited from the proceeds of the equipment fraud. And he also allegedly purchased at Apapa Wharf, Lagos for the sum of N800, 000,000. The EFCC also discovered that Nwaoboshi has his Bank Verification Number (BVN) registered with over 23 banks of which are undeclared. Also involved in these crimes is his brother who is signatory to over 11 of the accounts.
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Subsequently he sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to a Federal High Court in Asaba requesting the court grant a restraining order that the commission should not interfere with the details of the 12 story building purchased in Apapa, Lagos allegedly with the money obtained from the contract of the Delta State government. This suit was filed by one of Nwaoboshi’s firms, Golden Touch Constructions. At the request of the EFCC, the case was transferred to the Federal High Court and the court granted the request to arrest Senator Peter and he was arrested on the 23rd of April 2018 alongside two of his companies; Golden Touch Constructions and Suiming Electrical Limited. Shockingly and as investigations will reveal, Mr. Peter never document his ownership of these companies while submitting his affidavit to the Code of Conduct Bureau? Also, it was revealed that Mr. Nwaoboshi employed the use of his firm, Suiming Electrical Limited to obtain a loan from National Export-Import Bank in 2018 and has not paid back the loan. And as funny as things turned out to be, Senator Peter raised a point of order on the Senate floor during plenary alleging that the then acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu had been "terrorizing" senators when he had not yet been confirmed by the Senate and he asked for his removal from office as EFCC Chairman.
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The case was adjourned to November 28 of 2018, and it has continually been dilly-dallied by the judiciary and no conviction was secured by the EFCC. And yet again, Senator Nwaoboshi has been accused of securing fraudulent contracts from the EFCC and aiding in the process of leaving the Niger Delta Region worst off than it ought to be. In a saner clime, Senator Peter would be locked behind bars for good, but in Nigeria he is adored and worshipped, and he stand up every day to address the nation’s highest law making chambers, and the question is, what kind of beneficial law will he enact that would not create loopholes for him to loot more.

Source: opera.com
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NDDC 85billion fraud; Check how Senator Nwaoboshi was charged for fraud by EFCC in 2018.

De'analyst
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One of the Senators fingered in the series of corruption scandals rocking the Niger Delta Development Commission by the Minister, Senator Akpabio is Senator Peter Nwaoboshi. Nwaoboshi has been accused of been about 53 contracts from the Commission. This same senator was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC far back in 2018 for allegations of fraud to the tune of $6.5 million. Nwaoboshi was alleged to have used his company Bilderberg Enterprises Limited to secure a N2.1billion ($6.5million approximately) contract to purchase and supply new equipments to the Delta State government. The contract was awarded to Bilderberg Enterprises Limited sum of N1,580,000,000 and N474,936,000 respectively. Also, he was alleged to have purchased a 12-story building for the total sum of N805,000,000 which was owned and sold by the Delta State government to his company Golden Touch Construction Project Limited from the proceeds of the equipment fraud. And he also allegedly purchased at Apapa Wharf, Lagos for the sum of N800, 000,000. The EFCC also discovered that Nwaoboshi has his Bank Verification Number (BVN) registered with over 23 banks of which are undeclared. Also involved in these crimes is his brother who is signatory to over 11 of the accounts.
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Subsequently he sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to a Federal High Court in Asaba requesting the court grant a restraining order that the commission should not interfere with the details of the 12 story building purchased in Apapa, Lagos allegedly with the money obtained from the contract of the Delta State government. This suit was filed by one of Nwaoboshi’s firms, Golden Touch Constructions. At the request of the EFCC, the case was transferred to the Federal High Court and the court granted the request to arrest Senator Peter and he was arrested on the 23rd of April 2018 alongside two of his companies; Golden Touch Constructions and Suiming Electrical Limited. Shockingly and as investigations will reveal, Mr. Peter never document his ownership of these companies while submitting his affidavit to the Code of Conduct Bureau? Also, it was revealed that Mr. Nwaoboshi employed the use of his firm, Suiming Electrical Limited to obtain a loan from National Export-Import Bank in 2018 and has not paid back the loan. And as funny as things turned out to be, Senator Peter raised a point of order on the Senate floor during plenary alleging that the then acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu had been "terrorizing" senators when he had not yet been confirmed by the Senate and he asked for his removal from office as EFCC Chairman.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

The case was adjourned to November 28 of 2018, and it has continually been dilly-dallied by the judiciary and no conviction was secured by the EFCC. And yet again, Senator Nwaoboshi has been accused of securing fraudulent contracts from the EFCC and aiding in the process of leaving the Niger Delta Region worst off than it ought to be. In a saner clime, Senator Peter would be locked behind bars for good, but in Nigeria he is adored and worshipped, and he stand up every day to address the nation’s highest law making chambers, and the question is, what kind of beneficial law will he enact that would not create loopholes for him to loot more.

Source: opera.com
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FINALLY, NDDC NAMES LAWMAKERS WHO COLLECT CONTRACTS FOR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS

*Manager, Mutu, Nwaoboshi and Ojo Fingered
*NDDC Is NASS’ Farmland Says Ojougboh

By Onome Oghenetega

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed the position of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, that saying it has the lists of contracts awarded to members of both chambers of the National Assembly.
Executive Director, Projects, of the Interim Management Committee of the commission, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who disclosed this, accused some top lawmakers in the region including Senator James Manager and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi.

Ojougboh spoke at the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien on Friday during a courtesy call on the monarch, prior to the launch of a N450 million police equipment fund sponsored by the commission.
The Executive Director of Projects alleged that members of NASS in the past 20 years saw the NDDC as a farm and not an interventionist agency.
He alleged that NASS members perpetrated the fraud that ruined the commission through the Office of the Secretary to Federal Government (SGF).
He said since the commencement of the probe of NDDC by NASS, members were yet to indict the IMC, adding that the aim of NASS members was return the commission from the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA) to SGF office in order to continue the sleaze.

Ojougboh indicted the senator representing Delta north, Peter Nwaoboshi, alleging that his factory in Asaba was the warehouse where other lawmakers receive NDDC contracts.

“Look at our son, Nwaoboshi, his factory is the warehouse of NDDC, they will award the contract, they will now say they received the contract in his factory.

“We have the list of the contracts given to NASS members, all of them were collected through Mutu, Nwaoboshi, Manager and Ojo.
“What the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs said was very right, he did not recant, that is what people don’t understand.
“He said since we came, we have not awarded any contract. Therefore the Ninth Assembly is not involved, the involvement of the Ninth Assembly is through Ojo.

“In the probe, NASS members are the contractors, they are the judge, they are the prosecutors and they are the jailers.
“That is the country we find ourselves. If this country must move improve, we must look at NASS, and I will tell them where to go at NASS,” Ojougboh told the monarch.

He said the money that was paid into his account is for a trip coming up later in September, explaining that the trip was postponed to September as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The trip was postponed because of the COVID-19 event. So the University of Coventry wrote to say that they will wait until the government relaxes the travel ban before the ceremonies and graduation of students will take place,” he added.

SOUTH-SOUTH LEADER'S CALL FOR OMO-AGEGE RESIGNATION, URGES PMB TO IGNORE N'ASS RECOMMENDATION

The Leaders of South-South Geo-Political zone under the ages of GOOD LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE has call on the Deputy Senate President of the 9th ASSEMBLY Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege representing Delta Central Senatorial District to as a matter of urgent resign, following his Anti-Party activities, fight against the Presidency, disrespect for Mr President, cussing distraction to frustrates the ongoing FORENSIC AUDIT, instigating NASS against the IMC amongst other related activities that may likely cut down the current existing Peace in the NIGER DELTA region.

The group led by Olorogun Paul Ohwatayeke Aghwefeada made the call recently while speaking to news men in Ughelli, noted that Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege activities of Anti-Party and back stabbing members of the All Progressive Congress in the region is not hidden. He further, pointed out that NDDC had existed for 18 years before Senator Godswill Akpabio became Minister of Niger delta Affairs and 18yrs and 6months before the present IMC came on BOARD, """why all this noises now he quarrel added that FORENSIC AUDIT is the only solution to address problem of the region.

The South-South Leaders in their submission urged PRESIDENT Mohammadu Buhari to ignores the NASS recommendations in it entirety calling for the disbandment of the IMC amongst other related issues. According to the group leader said Sen Omo-Agege activities in the close door instigating the NASS against Mr President and his appointees truely reflect the body of Esau and Voice of Jacob. It was further revealed that the DSP and Oshiomole alongside their Cohorts who will use the Odubu/Okumagba failed list to settle their political ambition has vowed that the NDDC-IMC, AKPABIO and Mr President will not have Peace.

Speaking further, the group leader observed that for good 18years NDDC had been under the supervision of the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.This was the period that contracts were awarded to non-registered companies and contractors were paid for unexecuted jobs, the AGENCY was turned to SETTLEMENT-GROUND for politicians by past administrations, thereby, leaving the region raped economically and underdeveloped. There is no one legacy project to show for the over 8trillion naira that has accrued to the coffers of the Commission within this period.

It will also interest you to know since Akpabio became the Minister supervising the Commission 11 months ago, the AGENCY has not awarded any contract (Except the one for the provision of palliative items to NIGER DELTANS to cushion the effect of the COVID 19 pandemic) and no fraudulent payment is made to any contractor for any unexecuted project, that payment made were all in accordance with the law setting he said.

It will be recalled that the books of the Commission are being examined by the FORENSIC AUDITORS and the activities of the IMC are being probed by the National Assembly committees. At the end of the day, we'll know how the over 8trillion naira that has accrued to the coffers of the Commission was looted and its 2trillion naira DEBT BURDEN was created. We must stop sounding and acting as if the Commission was set up in 2019 when Senator Godswill Akpabio became Minister of Niger delta Affairs and the 2trillion naira debt burden of the Commission was created under his supervision.

Ojougboh alleges corruption in House Committee of NDDC


The Executive Director of Projects, Interim Management Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, weekend alleged that the activities of the National Assembly must be critically examined for Nigeria to move forward.

Ojougboh stated this at the palace of the Asagba of Asaba in Delta State, alleging that there was criminality in the House Committee on NDDC.

Addressing the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien, he said, “I am here today to inform you that the Inspector-General of Police is coming to Asaba to inaugurate the Police Equipment Fund and brief you on what is going on in IMC.

“The reports of the National Assembly never indicted IMC. Before now, the National Assembly was the one running the place. When we came, we said no, because over 20 years, there was nothing to show in the Niger Delta region."

“They want to take the NDDC back to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, where all these evils were perpetrated before and we said no when we came on board".

“We have a lot of criminality in the House Committee on NDDC; Senator (Peter) Nwaoboshi’s house is the warehouse of the NDDC and the National Assembly wants to be the court, the judge and the prosecutor in the NDDC matter.

“If the country must improve, we must look at the National Assembly activities. I am 60 years old now so if I don’t speak the truth now, when will I speak it? Your majesty, be assured that I have not stolen and I will not steal.”

Ojougboh said the money paid into his account was for the trip of NDDC students abroad before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his remarks, Edozien lamented that the NDDC had hitherto excluded Asaba in its operations.

“I am very happy to welcome you today. We did not make any mistake to confer on you the Akinuwa of Anioma. Today, you had the opportunity to explain to us what is happening in the NDDC,” he said.

Ojougboh alleges corruption in House Committee of NDDC


The Executive Director of Projects, Interim Management Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, weekend alleged that the activities of the National Assembly must be critically examined for Nigeria to move forward.

Ojougboh stated this at the palace of the Asagba of Asaba in Delta State, alleging that there was criminality in the House Committee on NDDC.

Addressing the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien, he said, “I am here today to inform you that the Inspector-General of Police is coming to Asaba to inaugurate the Police Equipment Fund and brief you on what is going on in IMC.

“The reports of the National Assembly never indicted IMC. Before now, the National Assembly was the one running the place. When we came, we said no, because over 20 years, there was nothing to show in the Niger Delta region."

“They want to take the NDDC back to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, where all these evils were perpetrated before and we said no when we came on board".

“We have a lot of criminality in the House Committee on NDDC; Senator (Peter) Nwaoboshi’s house is the warehouse of the NDDC and the National Assembly wants to be the court, the judge and the prosecutor in the NDDC matter.

“If the country must improve, we must look at the National Assembly activities. I am 60 years old now so if I don’t speak the truth now, when will I speak it? Your majesty, be assured that I have not stolen and I will not steal.”

Ojougboh said the money paid into his account was for the trip of NDDC students abroad before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his remarks, Edozien lamented that the NDDC had hitherto excluded Asaba in its operations.

“I am very happy to welcome you today. We did not make any mistake to confer on you the Akinuwa of Anioma. Today, you had the opportunity to explain to us what is happening in the NDDC,” he said.

Ojougboh alleges corruption in House Committee of NDDC


The Executive Director of Projects, Interim Management Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, weekend alleged that the activities of the National Assembly must be critically examined for Nigeria to move forward.

Ojougboh stated this at the palace of the Asagba of Asaba in Delta State, alleging that there was criminality in the House Committee on NDDC.

Addressing the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien, he said, “I am here today to inform you that the Inspector-General of Police is coming to Asaba to inaugurate the Police Equipment Fund and brief you on what is going on in IMC.

“The reports of the National Assembly never indicted IMC. Before now, the National Assembly was the one running the place. When we came, we said no, because over 20 years, there was nothing to show in the Niger Delta region."

“They want to take the NDDC back to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, where all these evils were perpetrated before and we said no when we came on board".

“We have a lot of criminality in the House Committee on NDDC; Senator (Peter) Nwaoboshi’s house is the warehouse of the NDDC and the National Assembly wants to be the court, the judge and the prosecutor in the NDDC matter.

“If the country must improve, we must look at the National Assembly activities. I am 60 years old now so if I don’t speak the truth now, when will I speak it? Your majesty, be assured that I have not stolen and I will not steal.”

Ojougboh said the money paid into his account was for the trip of NDDC students abroad before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his remarks, Edozien lamented that the NDDC had hitherto excluded Asaba in its operations.

“I am very happy to welcome you today. We did not make any mistake to confer on you the Akinuwa of Anioma. Today, you had the opportunity to explain to us what is happening in the NDDC,” he said.

THE DEVILS GO TO WAR AT NDDC

Basil Okoh

Since the creation of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) to replace the Management Board of the NDDC, all the devils in hell has been let loose on the Oil Rivers, otherwise called the Niger Delta. The resulting gang fight has engulfed the region in a war of attrition six months into the inauguration of the IMC.

The secrets of the beehive are about to be revealed and the angry bees feeding from the Honeywell are on the attack, stinging everyone who come in close sight.

The Nigerian media has been inundated with farcical tales as told by many idiots who want to twist and befuddle the true story and present the lies as the truth and the hunters as the hunted.

The IMC who have been charged with hunting down the bad guys have themselves been presented as the bad guys. Forces opposed to the probe of the financial dealings of the NDDC have taken the bold initiative and presented themselves as the oppressed victims, enlisting the purchased Nigerian media as allies. The lyrics of their songs go as follows:

1. The IMC is not a legal creation and it’s takeover of the running of the NDDC grossly violates the laws setting up the Development Commission.

2. The accounting agencies appointed to do a forensic audit of the transactions of the agency since inception is an illegality since they were not nominated by legally appointed NDDC board.

3. It is gross interference by the Federal Government to appoint an IMC without legislation by the National Assembly and without consultation with the people of the Niger Delta, the true owners of the Agency.

The contrived angst against the IMC are many but all are designed to befuddle the issues of fiduciary reckoning in NDDC, discredit the process of audit and render any reports and findings nurgative. The rot facing the Agency must go on and the status quo anté must subsist, they insist.

As is now clear from proceedings, the Federal Government is not ready to concede to the blackmail of the contractors to the NDDC and is proceeding earnestly with the audit.

The contractors and the entrenched interests have now all moved to a different strategy. They have resorted to a media fist fight with the members of the IMC to destroy their individual credibility’s and the credibility of the process and possible outcome of the audit.

It is an old trick. Attack the messenger to destroy the resonance of his message. The personalities of members of the IMC are now on the line of attack. Not just their personalities are under attack but also their past and future prospects. Sex was added to the mix to further muddy the water and make the tale more salacious. Now the Nigerian population out of it’s love for the banal and salacious has been sucked in to fall for the trick, confusing the messenger with the message.

The IMC must stay on its own message and not allow themselves to be confused by the accompanying noise. The audit is the message. The IMC are mere Messengers.

Now the National Assembly out of a frightened sense of guilt and foreboding, has set up its own counter inquisition to further muddy the water and deflect from the real purpose of the audit. It is not to seek the truth in the macabre conundrum in NDDC but to throw oil in the burning fire and ensure that no truth emerges from any audit.

And Nigerians are applauding, led by the media that has been purchased by the same contractors whose devious conduct necessitated the probe in the first place.

The contractors which include in their list of shame, the National Assembly as a body and individual members as worst offenders, have enlisted the services of the Nigerian media, ever ready to be bought on the cheap and without investigative skills or patriotism, to becloud the issues of audit and focus on the salacious and the misconduct of members of the IMC, forgetting the original purpose of the probe.

And we ask, why waste so much energy on N81 billion of current spending when the audit of over N3 Trillion is waiting to be served? Another team must succeed the present IMC, why not wait for their own audit report? Why confuse the audit of past Management’s with the probe of the present management team. Why not allow the team to finish it’s work before calling for a probe? The answer to all these questions is because the intent is to muddle up the issues and discredit the forensic audit.

The National Assembly is an interested and guilty party in the pillage of the NDDC. The National Assembly remains guilty of contributing to the mess in NDDC by continually asking for contracts and gratifications before approval of budgets.

As a body, the National Assembly sways contracts to it’s members while also extorting ransom from the agency before approving their budgets. This is the reason for setting up it’s own probe of the IMC. It was not for any altruistic reasons or for a desire to expose the rot that has undermined the NDDC from performing it’s statutory functions. Let the Nigerian public not be deceived or deflected from seeking the reform of the NDDC.

The people of the Oil Rivers will want to ask where the PANDEF has been in all of these grandstanding in NDDC and why the organization has been AWOL and has not intervened to bring back order to NDDC. The reason is that most members of PANDEF are themselves embroiled in the plunder going on at NDDC.

PANDEF was conceived and operates as an elite body, an unelected regional hegemon, paternalistic in it’s attitude to the affairs of the Oil Rivers and supervening in the allocation of benefits to the states and ethnic groups in the region.

Without election and representation from the ethnicities, PANDEF assumed overlordship over the region, its members using their membership to seek contracts and undue entitlements from the NDDC. They are wound up in the conundrum that has engulfed the agency and also deeply involved in the false messaging eroding the credibility of the IMC and audit of the NDDC.

The contractors and the National Assembly are creating the impression that it is the Interim Management Committee (IMC) that is under probe by the Federal Government. They are forcefully, by their actions and the assistance of the Nigerian Media pushing an alternate storyline and a false narrative. The IMC is not under probe by anyone. The IMC are the ones auditing the accounts and probing the affairs of the previous Managements of the NDDC.

The invitation of the IMC of the NDDC to appear before any committee of the National Assembly does not constitute a probe by the National Assembly.

The National Assembly with its claws and teeth sunk deep in the flesh and blood and the treasury of the NDDC and being complicit in the creation and upholding of the Charnel House must be without shame to start any kind of probe of the agency.

The Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godswill Akpabio explicitly said so in the short interview at the Senate Chambers before the microphones were shut down and he was asked out.

The naming and shaming of members of the National Assembly, particularly Senator Peter Nwaoboshi for his role in the plunder of the contracts due to Delta North in the NDDC must be seen to be done. The Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic must find it necessary to institute an investigative panel to investigate the allegations of their members involvement in the plunder of an agency of Government and bring the erring members involved to justice.

Cairo Ojougboh may be irreverent and prickly but he operates with an absolute lack of fear and so cannot be intimidated. Cairo is the man most suited to take on the cartel dominating proceedings at NDDC, not because he is pure himself but because he has a sense of purpose which thrives in the particular challenge and circumstance which exist now in NDDC. He cannot be dissuaded or browbeaten out of the cause. He knows how to win his wars.

It is pretty certain that he relishes the present state of flux in NDDC because Cairo Ojougboh thrives in such contrived dissonance that the National Assembly and the contractors are creating. Godswill Akpabio and Cairo Ojougboh will not be intimidated by the straw men at the National Assembly. Both of them have been there and know the terrain.

So if their traducers believe that these men will cave in to pressure or “faint” during a public questioning, they must have another think, for it appears these men are not made for turning. @basilokoh.

NIGERIANS CALL ON PRESIDENT BUHARI TO IGNORE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SENATE ON THE NDDC IMC
The running battle between the National Assembly and the NDDC IMC took a different but expected dimension yesterday with the Senate recommending the immediate sack of the IMC.
This has left Nigerians with mixed reactions as majority are agreed that the recommendations are not only laughable, but selfish and a deliberate move to play on the sensibilities of Nigerians in an attempt to cover up the misdeeds of its members and divert the attention of the public from the allegations of corruption leveled against its members by the IMC. Nigerians are aware that this is not the first time they are making such moves.
They wondered that, of the much noise made about the eighty one billion naira reckless spending of the IMC, the Senate could only come out with a recommendation that 4.6 billion naira only should be returned to government coffers which in itself is an aberration and a case of giving the dog a bad name to hang it.
On the recommendation that the forensic audit be transferred to the auditor general's office, the people took it with a pinch of salt, contending that mr president knew about the auditor general's office before appointing a strong willed IMC to take charge of the forensic audit.
They finally express joy in the fact that engagement and disengagement of persons under the employ of the Federal Government is the prerogative of the president, as they are optimistic that president Buhari will continue with the IMC, noting that the forensic audit is a blowing breeze that will expose the anus of the fowl.

Akpabio's Reply to House of Representatives:

"A list of 19 owed contracts which the Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC insisted must be paid before the 2020 budget of the commission is passed.

"The NDDC has not executed any contract under the 2020 budget since it has not been passed, while the 2019 budget was passed in April and has not been implemented"

Instead for Total scrutiny of the NDDC, they are trying to prevent it, it's obvious we have people in this country that are afraid of the truth. One sure thing is THE TRUTH MUST PREVAIL

We happen to live in a very corrupt society but very soon the truth will prevail

The truth is NDDC management are actually heartless oo, embezzling public funds without conscience

A PRESENTATION BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF NIGER DELTA AFFAIRS TO THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NDDC OVER ALLEGATION OF FINANCIAL MALFEASANCE AND OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NDDC) HELD AT THE MEETING ROOM 447, NEW BUILDING EXTENSION, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX, ABUJA ON MONDAY, 20TH JULY, 2020

PROTOCOLS
The Honourable Chairman and Members of the Committee, I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity to appear before you to personally respond to the issues raised in your letter Ref. No. NASS/9HR/CT/2020/VOL.1/039 dated 6th July, 2020 alleging malfeasance and other activities in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
2.​I want to appreciate the Honourable Members of the House of Representatives under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and other Principal Officers. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to interact with this Committee today as I recall some of the fond memories shared with a number of members during the 8th Legislative Session as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a Minority Leader in the opposition party of the PDP and a Principal Officer of the Nigeria Senate before I moved to join a President with impeccable record of integrity in the APC, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
3.​To this day, I have endeavoured to discharge my responsibilities as the Minister in charge of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs together with my colleague, the Honourable Minister of State, Senator Tayo Alashodura, with the same zeal demonstrated by me a few years ago as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. The propelling force is to bequeath a legacy that future generations will be proud of. This philosophy has guided my stewardship in the Ministry and the oversight of its lone parastatal, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which in the recent has been in the public space due to concern in certain quarters on the commencement of the forensic audit of the Commission as directed by Mr. President.
4.​To situate in its proper context, the Governors of the 9 States of the Niger Delta Region at a meeting with Mr. President in October 20th 2019 requested and the President approved and directed the conduct of the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from 2001 to 2019 fiscal years.
5.​Prior to this directive for the conduct of the forensic audit, Mr. President has reconfirmed the following:
i. Delegation to the Honourable Minister, the powers and duties conferred on the President by Section 7(3) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act;
ii. Confinement of the NDDC as a parastatal in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, a decision taken since 2015;
iii. Suspension of the composition of a proposed Board for the NDDC in 2019 until the conclusion of the Forensic Audit exercise;
iiii. Constitution of a 3-Man Interim Management Committee, later expanded to a 5-man Interim Management Committee currently led by Professor Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei as the Acting Managing Director, to oversee the affairs of the NDDC during the forensic audit exercise;
v. The estimated cost of the forensic audit exercise put at N2.5billion to be funded from the budget of the NDDC; and
vi. That the composition of a Board for the NDDC in 2019 be put on hold, pending the conclusion of the Forensic Audit exercise.
6.​This Honourable Committee is adequately informed that a component part of the NDDC Budget comes from the annual national appropriation, as a single line Vote and of which the 2020 Appropriation Act signed into law by the President on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 and which went into force on January 1, 2020 provided the sum of N80.88billion for NDDC. In the 2019 Budget, a statutory transfer for the NDDC in the Federal Government of Nigeria Budget was put at N71,195,023,528.62. Earlier in October, 2019, the President had approved the funding of the Forensic Audit exercise by an estimated sum of N2.5billion to be sourced from the budget of the NDDC. The processes leading to the final award of contract for the Lead Consultant was completed in March 2020 when the two Houses of the National Assembly had passed the 2019 Budget of the NDDC.
7.​On the passage of the 2019 statutory Appropriation as indicated above, the sum of N1,250,000.000.00 was provided for the forensic audit of the Commission on March 4 and 5, 2020 by the Senate and the House of Representatives respectively. However, the Clerk to the National Assembly conveyed a letter forwarding the passage of a budget of the NDDC for the 2020 fiscal year (copy of the said letter is attached as Annex I)
8.​To kickstart the process for the Forensic Auditing exercise, the then Ag. Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, vide a letter dated December 6, 2019 (copy attached as Annex II) transmitted to the Bureau of Public Procurement prequalification, technical and financial documents of Messrs. Jake Riley Ltd as a Lead Consultant to recruit other Forensic Auditors for the Commission. The BPP reviewed the submission and vide its report Ref. No. BPP/DPR/SP/REPORT/2019/093 of January, 2020 (copy attached as Annex III) conveyed approval for the adoption of Direct Procurement method for the engagement of a Lead Forensic Consultant but declined to certify Messrs. Jake Riley Ltd because its submission was not responsive.
9.​Thereafter, the NDDC vide letter Ref. No. NDDC/HQ/MD/BPP/2019/09 dated December 30, 2019 (copy attached as Annex IV) again transmitted to the BPP the prequalification, technical and financial documents of Messrs. Olumuyiwa Basiru & Co. for review and Certification of award of contract as Lead Forensic Audit Consultant at the cost of N335,601,562.50. The BPP reviewed the firm`s capacity and credentials and issued a Due Process Certificate of No Objection to Award, Ref. No. BPP/S.1/Vol.XV/19/108 dated January 08, 2020 (copy attached as Annex V) in favour of Messrs. Olumiuyiwa Basiru & Co. and its engagement as the Lead Consultant for the recruitment and supervision of Forensic Auditors and the coordination of the conduct of the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), at the total Consultancy Services Fee of N318,903,750.90 only.
10.​The approval of the Federal Executive Council was subsequently obtained at the meeting of the Council held on 12th February, 2020 as certified above. However, the Ministry exercised restraint in finalizing the procurement process in view of Section 16(1)(b) of the PPA, 2007, which prohibits the finalization of a procurement process until the related funds are available, hence while the requisite processes were concluded, the related letter of award and contract agreement which marked the finalization of the procurement processes were not issued until the passage of the Budget of the NDDC on 4th and 5th March, 2020, by the Senate and House of Reps of the National Assembly. Extract of relevant page of the PPA, 2007 and the letter of award of the contract are attached as Annexes VI and VII respectively.
11.​In line with its mandate to recruit field forensic auditors for the exercise, the Lead Forensic Auditor, through the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in the letter Ref. No. MNDA/PROC/NDDC/20/263/Vol.1/9 dated March 20, 2020 (attached as Annex VIII) sought and received a ‘No Objection’ Approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for the appointment of the field forensic auditors through Selective Tendering process. Subsequently, the Evaluation Report with the Technical and Financial Tenders were transmitted to the BPP for review and certification. The Bureau reviewed the procurement processes and certified the process and issued a Certificate of ‘No Objection’ to award Ref. No. BPP/S.1/Vol.XVI/20/084 dated June 29, 2020 (copy attached as Annex IX) for appointment of the nine (9) firms and companies reflected in the Report as field forensic auditors for the conduct of the Forensic Audit of the NDDC, at the cost of N817,033,002.48 inclusive of all taxes and VAT at 7.5% with a completion period of 6 months and directed that the remaining seven (7) project lots be re-procured.
12.​With the imminence of the commencement of the active phase of the forensic audit of the NDDC (visitation to project sites State by State), the social and print media have been awashed with massive campaign of calumny against the Interim Management Committee of the Commission and the Ministry, even at very high quarters all in the effort to frustrate the conduct of the Forensic Audit. The Interim Management Committee alleged an attempt at arson on the Headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission to destroy records and frustrate the forensic audit exercise. The Commissioner of Police Rivers State Command was immediately notified and he came in person to beef up security at the Headquarters. Many staff were also caught attempting to cart away hundreds of files belonging to the Commission. The police was notified. The Interim Management Committee handed over 8,000 files to the Lead Forensic Auditor who in a letter advised that staff that held very senior position that have not been on leave in the last two years were advised to go on mandatory leave with full salaries and benefits on monthly basis until the forensic audit exercise is concluded. No permanent staff of the Commission was sacked as alleged in the print, electronic and social media. The action of the Interim Management Committee in sending on mandatory leave any official whose presence in his or her duty post is deemed capable of interfering with the audit process, as advised by the Lead Forensic Auditor is in line with best practices.

DOCUMENTS REQUESTED
13.​Request to Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for Certificate of No Objection for the Lead Consultant and the response of BPP in that regard: The relevant letters are attached as Annexes II-V above.
14.​Criteria used for the appointment of members of the Interim Management Committee (IMC): It is in exercise of the power conferred on the President by the following:
(i.) The Ministers’ Statutory Powers and Duties (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act at Chapter M14, Section 2 (Extract attached as Annex X) provides inter alia:
(1) “Subject to the provisions of this section, the President may, in any law enacted by the National Assembly or having effect as if it had been so enacted, by order make such modifications, whether by means of addition, substitution or deletion, as he may think fit for the purpose of:
(a) transferring to a Minister any of the powers and duties which are by such law directly or indirectly conferred or imposed on the President, or any public officer or which are conferred upon any other Minister; and
(b) making provisions consequential or incidental to any such transfer.
(2) An order made under this section may include directions (either general or in relation to any particular matter) for the carrying on and completion by the Minister to whom a power or duty is transferred, of anything commenced by the authority from whom it is transferred.
(4) A law which has been modified in accordance with an order made under this section shall be deemed for all purposes to have been amended in accordance with such modification, and the provisions of section 22 of the Interpretation Act (which relates to the reprinting of Acts and laws which have been amended) shall apply to any modification so effected as they do to additions, omissions, substitutions and amendments effected by an amending Act or law. [Cap. 123.].
(ii.) The “Administrative Guidelines Regulating the Relationship Between Parastatals / Government -Owned Companies and the Government” (extract attached as Annex XI) in paragraph 6 provides that “Government will ensure that there is always a Board for every parastatals that has a statutory provision for such a body. Where, however, a Board is dissolved and it is not immediately possible to reconstitute the Board, the President shall on the recommendation of the supervising Ministry constitute an Interim Board. Pending the reconstitution of such a Board, all matters which normally require the approval of the Board shall be referred by the Ministry to the President for approval”. The foregoing put in place the governance structure operational in the NDDC in the absence of a Statutory Board.
15.​Report of the Tendering Processes for the selection of other forensic auditors, with all relevant correspondence to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) are attached as Annexes VIII and IX above.
CONCLUSION
16.​In concluding this briefing, let me reiterate my confidence in the leadership of the House of Representatives led by Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila and the Leadership as constituted. I hereby state my utmost desire to work closely with House of Representatives in our collective quest for a better Niger Delta Region - nay Nigeria of our dream. It is our belief that the outcome of this public hearing combined with the final report of the forensic auditors shall together help us to reposition the Niger Delta Development Commission to meet the yearnings of Niger Deltans and Nigerians, that have eluded us in the last 19 years.
17.​Thank you the Honourable Chairman and Members, for the audience.


Senator (Dr.) Godswill O. Akpabio, CON
Honourable Minister

_Most Of The Contracts In NDDC Are Awarded To National Assembly Members" – Sen. Akpabio.

Chairman Of The Probe Committee : "Is ok Hon.Minister, Is ok, Is ok, Is ok Hon. Minister, Is ok, Don't talk again, off your mic". Looting in the highest degree,corruption fighting corruption.

Some answers are medicinal...Sen. Godswill Akpabio was asked at the just concluded NDDC Probe why he recommended a medical doctor for the post of Executive Director of Project in the Commission?

The Hon. Minister, MNDA has this to say: " The world is currently facing health challenges...60% of the NDDC budget are health related...in the circumstance who is more qualified for the position of EDP if not a medical practitioner".

I'm tempted to believe politicians are born not trained.

_Most Of The Contracts In NDDC Are Awarded To National Assembly Members" – Sen. Akpabio.

Chairman Of The Probe Committee : "Is ok Hon.Minister, Is ok, Is ok, Is ok Hon. Minister, Is ok, Don't talk again, off your mic". Looting in the highest degree,corruption fighting corruption.

Some answers are medicinal...Sen. Godswill Akpabio was asked at the just concluded NDDC Probe why he recommended a medical doctor for the post of Executive Director of Project in the Commission?

The Hon. Minister, MNDA has this to say: " The world is currently facing health challenges...60% of the NDDC budget are health related...in the circumstance who is more qualified for the position of EDP if not a medical practitioner".

I'm tempted to believe politicians are born not trained.

_Most Of The Contracts In NDDC Are Awarded To National Assembly Members" – Sen. Akpabio.

Chairman Of The Probe Committee : "Is ok Hon.Minister, Is ok, Is ok, Is ok Hon. Minister, Is ok, Don't talk again, off your mic". Looting in the highest degree,corruption fighting corruption.

Some answers are medicinal...Sen. Godswill Akpabio was asked at the just concluded NDDC Probe why he recommended a medical doctor for the post of Executive Director of Project in the Commission?

The Hon. Minister, MNDA has this to say: " The world is currently facing health challenges...60% of the NDDC budget are health related...in the circumstance who is more qualified for the position of EDP if not a medical practitioner".

I'm tempted to believe politicians are born not trained.

_Most Of The Contracts In NDDC Are Awarded To National Assembly Members" – Sen. Akpabio.

Chairman Of The Probe Committee : "Is ok Hon.Minister, Is ok, Is ok, Is ok Hon. Minister, Is ok, Don't talk again, off your mic". Looting in the highest degree,corruption fighting corruption.

Some answers are medicinal...Sen. Godswill Akpabio was asked at the just concluded NDDC Probe why he recommended a medical doctor for the post of Executive Director of Project in the Commission?

The Hon. Minister, MNDA has this to say: " The world is currently facing health challenges...60% of the NDDC budget are health related...in the circumstance who is more qualified for the position of EDP if not a medical practitioner".

I'm tempted to believe politicians are born not trained.