Niger Delta

NDDC Disowns College Renovation Contract In A’Ibom

Published

10 years ago

March 14, 2016

Mrs. Atosemi Teetito (2nd left) Perm Sec, Ministry of women affairs addressingNawoj member during a peace walk to comemorate international women’s day in Port Harcourt. Ibioye Diama

The management of Niger
Delta Development Commission (NDDC), says it did not award any contract for the renovation of classroom blocks at the Government Technical College, Abak in Akwa Ibom.
The acting Managing Director, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, disclosed this at Government Technical College, Abak, when the Akwa Ibom Government complained that the contract was abandoned.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications Mr Aniekan Umanah, had taken the Senate Committee on NDDC and Amnesty Programme on projects inspection to show the abandoned classroom blocks.
Umanah alleged that the commission came into the school and removed the roof of four classroom blocks leaving the students to suffer in the rain and under the scorching sun.
The commissioner said that the contract was abandoned a year ago, complaining that delicate science facilities and computer sets were damaged during the process of transferring them.
Responding, Semenitari explained that the contract was not listed in the books of NDDC.
Semenitari further explained that any contract awarded by the commission usually carries NDDC signpost at the site.
In his reaction, the Senate Committee Chairman on NDDC and Amnesty Programme, Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi, cautioned the people of Niger Delta to beware of fake contract letters purportedly issued by NDDC.
The committee chairman said that there had been reports of fake contract letters issued by unscrupulous persons in the name of NDDC.
At the inspection of the 2km Edienne Abak – Ikot Ekan Road, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the level of work done since 2012 when the contract was awarded.
Nwaoboshi directed the contractor to return to site immediately or refund the mobilisation of N48 million earlier collected from NDDC.
The NDDC engineers had informed the committee that the contractor had completed earth work and one kilometre of stone base before abandoning the work.
Nwaoboshi, who was baffled at the contract sum for project, put at N248 million and the level of work done, said, “I am really surprised, I am disappointed.”
The committee, however, said that it was impressed by the quality of work done at the NDDC prototype hostel complex for the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH). Commenting on the project, the committee chairman said, “I want to commend NDDC for this beautiful project.”
“I commend the contractor for an excellent work and recommend him for further contracts in NDDC,” Nwaoboshi said. Nwaoboshi also commended the contractor handling the 6.5km Okoroutip-Okoroete-Ette Road, cutting through the mangrove swamp of Ibeno Local Government Area.
“We are impressed that an indigenous contractor is doing this. I want to appeal to NDDC to release funds to this contractor.
“This area is the largest oil producing communities in the state. This project will be captured in 2016 budget,” Nwaoboshi assured.
Briefing the Senate Committee, the Project Manager of the company, Viche Resources, Mr Nnanna Anwara, said that the company had not been mobilised for the work.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.