Niger Delta
Tension Rises In N’Delta Over FG’s N600bn Debt To NDDC
Anger is currently brewing in the oil-rich Niger-Delta region over the alleged withholding of N600 billion meant for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The money, allegedly being owed the NDDC by the Federal Government has been a subject of litigation in the last years.
The Association of Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) had instituted a case against Attorney General of the Federation in pursuit of the withheld fund but the suit has suffered series of adjournments.
Again, at yesterday’s hearing, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice Ibrahim Auta adjourned to 6th March, 2014, a development which triggered reaction from Niger-Delta Peace and Development Movement (NDPDM).
The NDPDM accused the Federal Government of playing politics with the case even as it threatened that frustrating the traditional rulers could elicit a relapse of the relative peace in the oil-rich region.
At yesterday’s court sitting on behalf of TROMPCON were Eze Akuwueze Raphael Ikegwuruka, the Paramount Ruler of Mgbirichi/Abakuru land of Ohaji Egbema LGA of Imo State who is the current chairman of TROMPCON; Eze Young Ogbonna, a former national chairman of TROMPCON; HRM Pere Stanley Luke Kalanama VIII, the Pere of Akugbene Mein (Delta); Barrister Anthony Ogbogbo, the Ovie of Ozoro (Delta) who is national legal adviser of TROMPCON and Augustine Seibi, national administrative secretary of TROMPCON.
But shortly after the adjournment, NDPDM issued a statement condemning the development, saying the constant adjournment was deliberate. “We have been constrained to draw the attention of the Nigerian Peoples and the international community to the criminal neglect of the development of the Niger Delta Region through all the successive Federal Government from 2001.
It is very provocative that the Federal Government that established the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been alleged to have refused to comply with the provisions of the NDDC Act 2000 which requires it to contribute an equivalent of 15 per cent of the monthly statutory allocation to the nine NDDC member States.
“This iniquity of the Nigerian State to the region that has shouldered over 80 per cent of the burden of the Nation’s budget for over 40 years moved our traditional rulers in the Niger Delta under the umbrella of TROMPCON to take the Federal Government to court to demand compliance with the law and effect the release of arrears of over N600billion shortfalls in contribution to the NDDC.
“While we do not endorse any act of corruption by officials of the Niger Delta main interventionist agency, the NDDC, we wish to warn that the continued denial of the legal rights of our people can only ignite the instinct to revolt in the youths of the region. If we allow this to happen, Nigeria will contend a new and more sophisticated set of Tompolos, Ateke Toms, Asari Dokubos and Boy Loafs”, the statement signed by Okon Effiong and Oghenetega Okoro, president and secretary, respectively said.
Former acting managing director of the NDDC, Pastor Power Ziakede Aginighan, had stated that the Federal Government was owing the NDDC over N600 billion, saying that Niger Deltans will hold all presidents, who have headed the executive arm of the various administrations from 2001 to date primarily responsible for the underdevelopment of the region if they did not comply with the funding provisions of the NDDC Act 2000.
The NDDC Act provides that: “there shall be paid and credited to the fund established pursuant to subsection (1) of this section – (a) from the Federal Government, the equivalent of 15 per cent of the total monthly statutory allocations due to member states of the commission from the Federation Account.
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.