Features

‘Rivers People Are More Politically Mature’

Published

11 years ago

November 16, 2015

The ghost of political violence has continued to hunt the process at every stage in Nigeria leading to loss of lives as in the case of Taraba State long after the casting of votes. Comrade Christian Lekia, politician, social justice crusader and rights activist, and President of the Niger Delta Coalition Against Violence, comments on this and other related issues in this interview with Opaka Dokubo. Excerpts:
Generally speaking, I will say that Nigeria has been a crude political environment for a while now, but at the same time, things are changing because people are becoming gradually aware of what real politics should be. It is a function of a process that has to do with time.
Remember that at the advent of this dispensation, not many people had confidence that the military was going to quit power. So those who were political gamblers gambled into power, took advantage of the opportunity and most of them got into offices.
You will agree with me that they want to retain power at every cost and that is why you see queer politics on the rise. It’s been very difficult, but with the role NGOs like ours and others are playing today, people are gradually becoming aware of the fact that they need to play politics without bitterness.
It’s been very bad, but people are now aware that democracy has come to stay and military are equally cooperating with the political case and I believe that very soon, there’ll be a whole lot of filtration in terms of the quality of persons that will be participating in the political process. And that will also make it difficult for those whoa re a product of the crude practice to remain in power.
How Do You See The Emergence Of The Signing Of Peace Accords By Candidates?
For me it’s a welcome development, but you also know that the constitution is supreme. We need a whole lot of electoral reforms that will make the outcome of such peace pacts to be enforceable. You see what happened in Rivers State, the mere fact that some leading candidates of political parties were made to sign a Peace Accord against political violence did not stop violence from taking place in a couple of places. And you see how volatile Bayelsa is, I don’t think the peace accord is going to be very effective since it is not going to be enforceable. We need a comprehensive overhaul of electoral reforms so that whatever anybody is meant to do will be enforceable and people will be aware that you cannot look for any short cut out of the process.
Generally speaking, a peace accord is a good thing, it is a welcome development, but it should be incorporated into the number reforms the current INEC should be considering so that whosoever violates that will be aware that there is a constitutional consequence. That way, the candidates will know that they will talk to their supporters and the tide of violence will be stemmed.
On The Political Situation In Rivers State: Are We Where We Want To Be?
As a person, I will tell you that Rivers State to me is like a micro Nigeria. It has a whole lot of interest vested here. So, when it comes to the politics of this state, a whole lot of persons want to get involved. Be that as it may, we should know that this is democracy where the people of the stae should be allowed to determine their fate politically. Where we are is certainly not where we ought to have been. But all the same, I think it is an improvement on the old order.
We are moving forward and I want every body to see the state as the only treasure we have and let our politics equally go through the refinery of culture so that we can actually get there.
So, I will like to enjoin the political class to play the politics of development, not that of character assassination or holding onto the pseudo impression that you are only protected when you are in power. If our politics will be people-centred, it will be clearer that whether you are in power or not, your records will speak for you. And that’s what I think for my state. I think we should look beyond class politics and begin to think of the real essence of democracy where every person will have a feel of government. That way, we can be sure that the fortunes of democracy will never elude us.
Different Reactions To Similar Tribunal Judgments In Taraba And Rivers States
Maturity of the political class determines the fate of the people as the outcome of any political process. Whatever decision you see coming as a result of any political exercise, the way it will be received and the impact it will have on the people is usually a function of the level of political maturity you have in the land.
If you look at the case of Taraba, clearly, not just in Taraba, but in the north, you have a bandwagon followership when it comes to politics. There is this Talakawa movement in which whoever is closer to the masses is being seen as their leader and it becomes natural to see a revolt against any judgment that does not reflect the collective will of the people. That is what I see and it is so unfortunate that the protest brought about loss of lives. There is no one life that should have been lost.
If there is one thing that I learned from the former president, Goodluck Jonathan, he said his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. And the earlier we realize that it is about the people and not about the occupant of that office, the more value we place on the people.
If I were the beneficiary of that entire process, I will honourably resign. Reasons are that it’s about the people and if I have respect for the value of human life, I should tell them that my ambition is not worth that.
Be that as it may, I think the people of Taraba should come together, sink their difference and think of the development of Taraba State.
I regret the incident and it is a loss not just to their families and the state, but to the greater Nigerian nation. We can’t afford to be losing people on account of political violence. It’s unfortunate. INEC too ought to step up their political education campaign, bringing people into the full knowledge of their activities and making their work in tandem with laid down procedures and avoid things that could generally lead to an outbreak of violence. NGOs, traditional rulers the police and others should rise up to their responsibilities and work for peace because there can’t be any reasonable development without peace. So, I think what we should do is to call on the government to dissociate themselves from influencing the outcome of any political process. That a particular political party is in power does not mean that that party must be in power everywhere. It is unfortunate and regrettable.
In Rivers State The Story Was Different, Have We Arrived?
We have not really arrived but I told you from the outset about political maturity. Here people are more conscious of what their roles should be politically. Even during the last elections, people said there was going to be unbearable crisis in Rivers State but that didn’t happen. If you look at Dakuku Peterside or Nyesom Wike, they’re all Rivers people and no Rivers person sees their lives as being worth more than the value of their own lives.
Anybody can be there. They’re both wonderful persons. If you look at the sitting governor today, nobody gave him the chance of becoming the governor. Not even me. The governorship in Rivers State has always been about the Riverine/Upland understanding. This is the first time we will be having a break from that traditional order. Some of us were not happy. Be that as it may, you don’t take the law into your hands, democracy is evolving and the outcome, as long as it is the people’s will, should be accepted. So we accepted the outcome. And if you look at the performance of the youngman today, people are more conscious of the good deeds he has done. They will be willing to vote for him now than before. The backlog of (salary) arrears he paid, the zero pothole policy has gone beyond zero potholed. He is working. With the level of work he has done today, even if anybody takes him away from that office, it is very clear that his work will always speak for him in the brief while he was governor.
Dakuku himself is equally, not empty of experience and Rivers people have come to know that their governors work more under pressure than when they get this thing on a platter of gold. The pressure in good.
So, I think the difference between the case in Taraba and here is that we’re more mature politically, we’re more conscious of the role we should play and we are also conscious of the fact that our blood should not be spilled on the basis of the ambition of anybody.
You will also agree with me that we have more NGOs, here than anywhere else in terms of educating the people and making them realize that the greatest weapon you can use against any politician is their votes. Their greatest form of endorsement is also their votes. So, we thank God for where we are, even if we are not yet where we should be. We should continue to improve and all stakeholders must work to make sure that the next political dispensation, or process will be better than the outcome of this one.
Expectations On The New INEC Chairman And His Commissioners
In the first place, I want to congratulate the new chairman and his team. If you look at those on the team, they’re men of integrity and they ought to be respected. But they should also know that Nigerians are expecting so much from them.
If you look at what (Prof. Atahiru) Jega represents, whether you like the card reader thing or not, he was firm, he knew where he was going to and he didn’t allow unhealthy influences to make him sway from the direction he originally had intended to follow. He set the stage and clearly brought about a blueprint and INEC tried. So, anybody stepping into Jega’s shoes should understand that there’s so much work to be done. They should be aware that so much criticism greeted the advent of the card reader and a whole lot of policies and reforms Jega introduced.
We are faced today by some negative political practices so it behoves on him (the new INEC chairman) and his team to do a whole lot of study. They should stud the previous processes, not just the Jega’s administration, but previous electoral bodies, and see where they got it wrong and improve on it.
If they are sincere and they are patriotic enough, Nigerians will not consider where they’re coming from. The love of Nigeria should be upper most on their minds and not their loyalty to Mr President or anybody else. It should be about the people of this country and what they will be leaving behind to posterity. Whether they achieve well or not, whatever they leave behind as footprints, Nigerians will be very sensitive to analising them and our judgement will be based on their work while in office.
We pray that they succeed. We also pray that they should be fair minded. They should love this country and ensure that most of the inadequacies and flaws experienced during previous electoral processes are corrected.

Features

Omerelu’s Historic Milestone … First Female Professor Rekindles Faith in Education

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

Quote 1: “Professor Glory Godpower-Echie’s elevation is not only a personal triumph; it is a victory for Omerelu and a shining reminder that education remains the most enduring pathway to greatness.”

Quote 2: “In an era when many youths are tempted by shortcuts to success, her story affirms that diligence, discipline, and learning still open doors that no quick fix can unlock.”

The ancient community of Omerelu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State has entered a defining chapter in its long and storied history with the emergence of its first female professor, Professor Glory Godpower-Echie, a distinguished scholar in Science Education. What may appear, on the surface, as a personal academic milestone has quickly transformed into a powerful social narrative one that is reshaping how the people of Omerelu, and indeed the wider Ikwerre ethnic nationality, perceive education, gender achievement, and the possibilities embedded in disciplined pursuit of knowledge. Across the community, the announcement of her elevation to professorial rank has been received with deep celebration, pride, and reflection. Elders, youths, traditional leaders, women groups, and religious bodies have all described the development as historic—an intellectual breakthrough that places Omerelu on a new pedestal of recognition.

For a community steeped in tradition and cultural pride, Professor Godpower-Echie’s achievement is being interpreted as a bridge between heritage and modern excellence; a demonstration that tradition and education can coexist productively in shaping a progressive society. At the heart of the celebrations stands the Omerelu traditional institution, whose response has been both emotional and symbolic. The Nye Nwe Ala Omerelu, His Royal Highness Eze (Engr.) Ben O. Ugo, JP, Elumoha VIII, described the development as a “collective victory for the entire kingdom,” stressing that it reflects the values upon which Omerelu has long been built. Quoting a familiar biblical principle, the monarch declared: “When the righteous bear rule, the people rejoice.” According to him, the emergence of Professor Godpower-Echie is not accidental but the outcome of a value system that rewards diligence, discipline, and integrity.

He noted that in a time when societal pressures are eroding patience and discouraging long-term investment in education, her story serves as a moral compass for younger generations. “This is a moment of pride for Omerelu,” the monarch said in essence. “It shows that our land still produces excellence, and that commitment to learning still yields honourable outcomes.”His words were echoed across community gatherings, where residents described the professor’s elevation as a validation of years of quiet sacrifice, academic discipline, and intellectual perseverance. Observers say the timing of this achievement is particularly significant. Nigeria today faces a growing tension between traditional education and the rising appeal of fast wealth, digital shortcuts, and informal economic pathways.

In many communities, especially among young people, frustration with unemployment has led to a troubling narrative that formal education is no longer valuable but within Omerelu, Professor Godpower-Echie’s rise is challenging that perception in a profound way. Her journey stands as a reminder that while economic realities may shift perceptions, education remains one of the most stable and transformative tools for upward mobility. Educational analysts within Rivers State have noted that the symbolism of her achievement cannot be overstated. In their view, she represents the enduring truth that intellectual discipline still matters in national development. Her specialization in Science Education is particularly relevant in a country struggling to strengthen its capacity in science, technology, engineering, and innovation.

Scholars in this field are critical in shaping future inventors, researchers, and problem-solvers who can address Nigeria’s developmental challenges. While detailed public records of her academic journey remain within institutional circles, colleagues and associates consistently describe Professor Godpower-Echie as a deeply committed scholar whose career has been defined by consistency, resilience, and a passion for knowledge dissemination. She is widely regarded as a teacher of teachers—an academic whose influence extends beyond the classroom into mentorship and curriculum development. Students who have passed through her tutelage describe her as firm yet inspiring, disciplined yet approachable, and deeply invested in intellectual growth.In academic circles, her work is associated with innovation in science pedagogy, critical thinking development, and capacity building for future educators.

Her elevation to professorial rank, therefore, is being interpreted not merely as a reward for years of service, but as recognition of sustained contribution to knowledge production and human capital development. Perhaps one of the most compelling dimensions of her emergence is its gender significance. As the first female professor from Omerelu, Professor Godpower-Echie has broken a long-standing academic ceiling, becoming a symbol of possibility for young girls in the community. In many parts of Nigeria, gender imbalance in higher education and leadership remains a persistent challenge. Her achievement therefore carries a message that transcends Omerelu—it speaks to the broader struggle for inclusion and equal opportunity. Women groups within the community have described her success as a landmark victory for female empowerment, insisting that it proves that gender is not a limitation to intellectual excellence.

Young girls across Omerelu are already being encouraged to see her as a role model, with many community voices stressing that her story will likely inspire a new wave of female academic ambition.The role of traditional leadership in shaping this narrative has also come under positive spotlight. Residents have commended the leadership of Eze Ben O. Ugo, whose reign is widely associated with unity, stability, and gradual socio-cultural advancement. Many believe that the peaceful environment fostered under his leadership has contributed indirectly to the emergence of outstanding sons and daughters of the land. Community elders argue that traditional institutions remain vital partners in education advocacy, especially in rural and semi-urban communities where cultural authority still plays a strong role in shaping youth behaviour.

In Omerelu, this synergy between tradition and education is increasingly being viewed as a model for sustainable community development. Education stakeholders have seized on the development to renew advocacy for stronger investment in Nigeria’s education system. They argue that while individual success stories are inspiring, systemic support is needed to ensure that many more young people can follow similar paths. Calls have been made for scholarship schemes, improved learning infrastructure, teacher development programmes, and stronger partnerships between government, private sector, and traditional institutions. There is also growing emphasis on mentorship, with stakeholders insisting that exposure to role models like Professor Godpower-Echie can significantly shape youth aspirations. Within Omerelu, the celebration of this milestone has taken on a reflective tone.

For many residents, the professor’s elevation is not the end of a journey but the beginning of a broader awakening—one that repositions education as a central pillar of community identity. Youth leaders have been encouraged to channel their energy toward productive learning and skill acquisition, while parents are being reminded that encouragement at home remains critical to academic success. Religious leaders have also joined in the discourse, emphasizing patience, diligence, and moral discipline as essential virtues for meaningful achievement. Across these perspectives, a common thread emerges: success is still best built through learning, perseverance, and integrity. As celebrations continue, Professor Glory Godpower-Echie has become more than an academic figure. She has become a symbol—of resilience, of possibility, and of what disciplined education can produce even in challenging times.

Her story is now being told not just as a personal achievement but as a collective inspiration for a community seeking renewed direction in a rapidly changing world. In the words of many residents, Omerelu is not merely celebrating a professor; it is celebrating the reaffirmation of its belief in knowledge as the true foundation of progress. Meanwhile, academic and community voices continue to acknowledge the inspirational role of Professor Blessing C. Didia in advancing intellectual development and strengthening the culture of learning within the community. As the echoes of celebration gradually settle, one truth remains firmly etched in the consciousness of Omerelu: education still transforms lives, uplifts communities, and writes history that endures across generations.

King Onunwor

Features

25 Years After: NDDC Celebrates Milestones Of Impactful Development

Published

10 months ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

It has been 25 years of impactful development of the Niger Delta region, facilitated by theNiger Delta Development Commission. NDDC. Without doubt, it has been a remarkable journey, marked by significant milestones and daunting challenges.
For the past week, the NDDC has been celebrating its achievements, beginning with a thanksgiving service in Akure, Ondo State, on July 6, drawing stakeholders and Niger Deltans to express gratitude to God for the Commission’s journey so far.
Taking off on the wings of the Oil Minerals Development Commission, OMPADEC, in 2000, the NDDC has grown into a symbol of federal presence in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The celebration moved from spiritual reflection and thanksgiving to strategic communication, with a World Press Conference held in Asaba, Delta State, on Monday, the 7th of July. There, members of the Fourth Estate across all media gathered in what was perhaps the most extensive media engagement of its kind. The NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to its motto of “making a difference.”
Dr. Ogbuku stated, “The President gave us a matching order during our inauguration to positively turn things around in the Niger Delta region.” That presidential directive, he noted, continues to guide the Board and Management as they pursue legacy projects across the region.
From electricity restoration in Ondo to road linkages in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, the NDDC’s impact was showcased in clear, tangible terms. “We commissioned the 45-km double-circuit 33KV feeder line from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa in Ondo State,” Dr. Ogbuku recalled, “bringing electricity back to 25 local governments after 15 years in darkness.” This was just one of several landmark interventions highlighted during the press briefing, underscoring the Commission’s renewed vigour under the current leadership.
The Managing Director spoke candidly about the setbacks caused by years of instability in leadership. “Frequent changes in management and boards have slowed our progress,” he admitted. “But today, we are targeting legacy projects. Our mandate is to complete those critical projects.” He emphasised that the Commission had transitioned from a transactional mindset to one of transformation, including the digitisation of procurement processes to ensure transparency and accountability.
Other top executives echoed similar sentiments. The Chairman of the Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, stressed the importance of collaboration, particularly with the media, whom he described as “critical stakeholders” in advancing development. Alabo Boma Iyaye, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, noted that the celebrations would run until Saturday, July 12, culminating in a gala night and plenary session in Port Harcourt.
Perhaps, the most significant message from the silver jubilee celebration is the renewed hope that the Niger Delta can finally experience holistic and sustainable development.
According to Ogbuku, “Through the initiative of the Board and Management, we have restructured the administrative architecture of the Commission to its 13 statutory Directorates, introduced robust Corporate Governance protocols… This formalised a value- driven institutional culture anchored on ethics and performance.”
As the weeklong celebrations continue across different states in the region, the NDDC appears determined not just to celebrate its past but to chart a bold course for the future.
The people of the Niger Delta are watching, hopeful that the next 25 years will be defined not by promises, but by lasting progress that transforms lives and communities, truly making a difference.
The celebration also featured a movie premiere titled “Making a Difference”, which traced the Commission’s journey and told stories of transformation in communities once plagued by underdevelopment. For many observers, the film served as both an emotional tribute and a powerful reminder of the NDDC’s role in shaping the destiny of the region.
The Governing Board and management of the NDDC have again proven to Nigerians, particularly the people of the oil-bearing Niger Delta region, that history does matter. They have also shown clearly that extraordinary personalities can upturn calculations and permutations. The above assertion was evidenced by the torrents of praises, accolades, and commendations poured on the Commission and its management and board by critical stakeholders during its week-long 25th anniversary celebration.
Beginning with Ondo State, one of the NDDC mandate states, Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hailed the management of the NDDC for the peace and development currently prevailing in the Niger Delta region. He said the Commission, under the current management and board, has succeeded in bridging developmental gaps in the region, noting that NDDC’s emphasis on partnerships and collaboration aimed at driving sustainable development across the Niger Delta has ushered in unprecedented progress.
Aiyedatiwa, who spoke at the Thanksgiving Service of the NDDC held at St Thomas’s Anglican Church, Akure, the Ondo State capital, stressed that the commission has undoubtedly lived up to its established mandate, commending the Board and Management for their exemplary leadership and commitment.
The Governor hailed the commission’s commitment and dedication to project conception, implementation, and completion, noting that the NDDC has established a culture of delivery and the region would no longer witness abandonment of projects as was the case in the past.
He said, “As we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the NDDC, we must acknowledge the progress we have made and also recognise that there is still much work to be done as the Niger Delta region continues to face significant development challenges and we must work together to address these issues. “I urge the NDDC to continue to improve on its activities, ensuring that projects are tailored to the needs of the communities we serve. Let us work together to unlock the potential of our region, promote economic growth and enhance the lives of our people. We are partners in progress, unity and development.”
From Ondo State to Asaba, the Delta State capital, it was the same rain of praises. The Asaba monarch, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Epiphany Azinge, on his part, was full of praises for the NDDC for its achievements in the past 25 years.
Obi Azinge spoke when Ebie led a delegation of the Commission’s Board and Management to pay a courtesy visit to him in his palace in Asaba, the Delta State capital. The Royal Father commended the NDDC for its intervention in several sectors across the Niger Delta region.
He expressed delight with the foreign postgraduate scholarship programme, which had helped many youths from the Niger Delta upgrade their knowledge.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the NDDC Chairman, whom he said had served the Delta State Government in different capacities. He noted that Ebie served meritoriously as Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education and later, Secretary to the State Government. The monarch thanked the NDDC for selecting Asaba as the venue for some of the activities marking its 25th anniversary, such as a press conference and the movie premiere.
Earlier, the NDDC Board Chairman congratulated Asagba on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers, saying he was eminently qualified for the position. Ebie expressed optimism that the Asagba’s reign would bring good tidings to Asaba, which serves as both a Kingdom and the capital of Delta State.
He stated that the NDDC had come of age and was now a big brother to the new development agencies in Nigeria’s geo-political zones. Ebie disclosed that as part of the silver jubilee celebration, the Commission was going around the nine States of the Niger Delta.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer pledged that the NDDC’s commitment to adhering strictly to the President’s directive to the Commission to complete all ongoing projects in the region, including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities. He disclosed that the Commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the task of developing the hitherto neglected Niger Delta region.
He noted that, ”It is not only by our efforts; it is the collaborative efforts from all the stakeholders who believe the time has come when there should be stability in the NDDC and that stability is a challenge to us to ensure that we deliver development to the people of the Niger Delta region.”

Ifeatu Agbu

Agbu wrote in from Port Harcourt.

Features

Between EFCC And NDDC: Strategic Alliance For Niger Delta

Published

11 months ago

June 27, 2025

The Tide

The mandate of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is to facilitate the rapid and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, while that of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is to investigates financial crimes and put corrupt practices in check.
Given their different roles, the idea of an alliance between the two organisations may seem far-fetched. However, with the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Olanikpekun Olukoyede, it is not just an idea; it is a reality.
The unique collaboration between the NDDC and the EFCC has given rise to the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Training Centre, unveiled on Tuesday at Otuokpoti Community in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
According to the NDDC Managing Director, the vast training complex was executed with funds recovered on behalf of the Commission by the EFCC.
Ogbuku explained that the Bayelsa training centre was funded through the money recovered by the EFCC and executed under a signed performance bond, ensuring transparency and impact. He noted that the facility represented one of several such centres being constructed in Delta and Rivers States. He said: “We have similar facilities currently under construction in Odi, Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozorro and another two in Rivers State.”
He observed that the Multi-Purpose Training Centre, which was completed in record time, was a partnership between the EFCC and the NDDC, as the anti-crime agency had recovered the funds that facilitated the project’s execution.
Ogbuku observed that the facility, which could accommodate 1,000 persons, represented a significant step toward empowering local communities through skills development and inclusive growth.
The training centre’s components, which include a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreational centre, are all designed to support training, healthcare, and emergency accommodation within a single integrated complex.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the EFCC Chairman assured the NDDC of the release of more recovered funds in the coming weeks.
Olukoyede described the NDDC as a “renewed and transformed government agency.” He assured that the EFCC would do everything to recover all outstanding statutory contributions due to the NDDC from oil companies.
He noted: “We have made several recoveries on behalf of the NDDC, and we will not relent in this direction. We are encouraged by the fact that the NDDC is making the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region.”
Olukoyede commended the NDDC for its institutional and policy reforms, declaring that the people of the Niger Delta will have every reason to celebrate the current leadership of the Commission. He described the NDDC as a beacon of good governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted: “The Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg and should not be denied the benefits of that golden egg. On our part at the EFCC, we must do everything within our power to ensure that the three per cent statutory contribution due to the NDDC is recovered and handed over to the Commission. We are going to continue supporting you.”
He said further: “Under this President, NDDC is working; good governance is being delivered. It is my delight to be part of this transformational agenda. The Renewed Hope Agenda is no longer a slogan—it is a reality. For the first time, people are identifying with what NDDC is doing.”
Olukoyede commended the NDDC, saying the Commission has refined its processes to uphold the principles of probity. This aligns with the agency’s head’s emphasis on upholding transparency and accountability in the country’s affairs.
The Chairman of the anti-crime agency confessed that his perspective on the NDDC was turned around in 2024, when the NDDC management, led by Ogbuku, paid him a courtesy visit at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja.
Olukoyede stated that he was impressed by the Commission’s “Rewind to Rebirth” initiative.
He declared: “The five minutes of interaction with the MD left me with a different perception of NDDC. Maybe, we will begin to see an NDDC that is a symbol of pride, accountability, transparency and able to deliver on its mandate.
“From his presentation, you can see that he is ready to bring a change, and that is the exact thing that we stand for in EFCC.”
Assuring that the EFCC would continue to assist the NDDC to achieve its mandate, he said: “We have been working with you to make recoveries; we will continue to do more.
“The collaboration is something we need to take to the next level, and with what you have put on the table I think we are ready to work with you to strengthen your systems and processes and to take the NDDC to the next level.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, praised the NDDC Board and Management for their unity of purpose and commitment to service delivery, stating that the level of harmony and stability within the Commission is unprecedented.
He declared: “What we are witnessing here today has never happened in the history of the NDDC. Since I assumed office as Minister, I have not been called upon to settle any crisis within the Commission. This is a testament to the teamwork between the Board and Management.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, emphasised the human capital development focus of the two projects commissioned, noting that reforming the NDDC is an ongoing but rewarding process.
He stated: “We are moving from transaction to transformation. We are doing our best to improve not just the reputation of the NDDC, but everything that concerns the Commission. Today is about promoting and celebrating human capacity.”
Without a doubt, the Niger Delta region is confronted with ecological and environmental challenges that should, perforce, attract significant funds from the Federal Government and the oil companies operating in the region.
Sadly, this has not been so, thus limiting the capacity of the NDDC to fulfill its mandate of driving the development process and transforming the Niger Delta region into one that is “economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful.”
It is rather unfortunate that, despite the spirited efforts by successive boards and managements of the NDDC to meet the expectations of the people, their efforts have not been matched with commensurate funding.
The issue of inadequate funding is resurfacing again. Indeed, it is an inconvenient truth that will remain on the front burner until it is fully addressed.
That explains why the NDDC Managing Director highlighted the issue during interactive sessions that the Commission’s Board and Management held with the relevant Committees of the National Assembly in Abuja last year.
Ogbuku told the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, chaired by Hon. Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, that the Commission is owed over N2 trillion, arising from withheld funds and underpayments by both the government and the oil companies. He blamed this on non-compliance with the Act establishing the Commission.
Given the enormous impact of their activities on the environment, the oil companies are expected to be at the forefront in the critical task of urgently developing the oil basin that has suffered so much neglect in the past. It is, in fact, in their interest to develop the communities where they operate to guarantee peace, which is very necessary for them to continue with their work.
Thankfully, both the Senate and the House of Representatives promised to assist the NDDC in recovering its outstanding funds. In their various interactions with the NDDC leadership, the lawmakers expressed concern about the disregard for existing laws governing the Commission’s funding.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, expressed displeasure over the disregard for the law by the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and promised to call them to order.
The Senate Committee Chairman stated that proper funding would help NDDC to adequately address the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, noting that the challenge of developing the region was enormous and that all relevant contributors to the NDDC must play their roles diligently.
Senator Ekpenyong said that in discharging its oversight functions, his committee will ensure that every contributor to NDDC pays what they owe the Commission, “because we cannot afford to toy with the development of that very important region. We owe it to the country to make sure that we improve the living conditions of the people of the region.”
It is reassuring to note that both chambers of the National Assembly are concerned about the pressing funding challenges facing the NDDC and are taking steps to address the situation.
The lawmakers understand that we have a responsibility to adequately fuel the vehicle chosen to drive the development process in the Niger Delta region.
In 2023, the House of Representatives unveiled plans to investigate the activities of International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the Niger Delta region, as well as the recovery of over $4 billion allegedly owed to the NDDC.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, who frowned at the flagrant breach of the NDDC Act, 2000, which was established in response to heightened agitations and violent yearnings for special intervention in the oil-producing states.
He said: “The House is aware that the indebtedness of the IOCs to the NDDC had culminated in the drive by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence the debt recovery process.