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Synod Condemns Corruption In NDDC, Rape, Killings In Nigeria
The just-ended 2020 Synod of the Diocese of Evo, Anglican Communion, Rivers State, presided over by the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Innocent U. Ordu, has strongly condemned corruption in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the mindless killings in Southern Kaduna and the terrible cases of rape in the country.
A statement signed by the Diocesan Communicator, Dr Jossy Nkwocha, last Monday, and made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt, indicated that the Synod, which held from Thursday, 13th to Sunday, 16th August, 2020 at St Mathias Anglican Church, Atali District, Trinity Archdeaconry, had as its theme: “Stronger and Better Together.”
In a communique issued at the end of the Synod and signed by the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Innocent Ordu and the Chancellor, Barrister Nlerum Amadi, the delegates addressed various vices plaguing the country.
“Synod condemns the level of alleged corruption involving members of the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and key officers of the National Assembly in the finances of the commission, and therefore, calls on President Muhammadu Buhari, to immediately freeze the accounts of NDDC and carry out a total overhaul of both the Ministry of the Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC.
“Synod expresses concern over the spate of insecurity in the country, particularly the unwarranted killings going on in the Christian-dominated Southern Kaduna, in Kaduna State; armed banditry and activities of Boko Haram in the Northern part of Nigeria; the menace of herdsmen, armed robbery and kidnappings in the entire country.
“Synod calls on the Federal Government to wake up from its deep slumber and end the bloodbath and restore the sanctity of life, and also the International Community not to keep quiet over the security situation in Nigeria.”
The Synod also commented on the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19), saying, noting “that for Nigeria, the pandemic has exposed the extent of neglect and decay of the healthcare delivery system and facilities, and the urgent need to overhaul the health sector.”
It described the cases of rape in Nigeria as alarming.
“Synod condemns the alarming trend of rape and sexual assault cases in the country and calls on governments at all levels to take stringent measures to check this menace.
“Synod commends the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and other Civil Society Organisations and the media for their roles in raising awareness against the incidence of rape and sexual assaults that have become the new epidemic in town.”
According to the communique, the Diocese of Evo Synod commended the Government of Rivers State under the leadership of Chief Nyesom Wike, for the concern and interest he demonstrated towards the health of Rivers people, especially in the wake of the Coronavirus infections (Covid–19), and the zeal he applied in the fight against the pandemic.
“Synod lauds the governor for the numerous people-oriented projects, particularly the completion and commissioning of the Rumuokwurusi – Elelenwo – Akpajo Road now renamed Justice Iche Ndu Road, and the on-going construction of flyover projects at Rebisi, Rumuokoro, Rumuogba, Rumuola and Oromeruezimgbu, and also for striving to give the city of Port Harcourt a brand new look.
“Synod draws the attention of His Excellency to the urgent need for yet another fly over at Rumuokwurusi/Elimgbu Junction (Tank Junction) as this will certainly reduce the level of suffering and enhance the flow of traffic in this part of East/West Road.
“Synod joins the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, to thank the Federal Government for the refund of the sum of over N78billion to Rivers State being part of the money spent by the state on the construction and rehabilitation of some federal roads in Rivers State.”
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described the ongoing construction of the brand new 13.52-kilometre Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road as a bold and visionary effort by his administration to open up the coastal region for economic growth and harness the full potential of the state’s blue economy.
The Governor made this remark during an inspection visit to the project site in Andoni Local Government Area. The road, being constructed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through challenging coastal terrain and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Fubara explained that while the original plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, his administration decided to expand the project to create an entirely new route that would open access to another pristine beachfront.
“We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy,” Governor Fubara stated.
“Initially, we were constructing a road to Oyorokoto Beach, one of the finest tourist centres in this area. But as we progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy.”
The Governor emphasised that the project, once completed, will not only improve access to coastal communities but also stimulate tourism and economic activities, boosting revenue for Rivers State.
Describing the area’s difficult terrain as challenging, he commended the contractor for its dedication, and expressed confidence that the road would be completed and commissioned by March next year.
“You can see for yourself, it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday. But I strongly believe we will overcome it. From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing their best, and by next year, hopefully by March, we’ll have the cause to commission this project and give God all the glory,” the Governor affirmed.
Governor Fubara also visited Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess the progress of work on the Epellema axis of the ongoing 5.2km Kalaibiama-Epellema road project featuring a 450-meter bridge.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, revealing that about 75 percent of the critical piling work has been completed.
Governor Fubara made this known while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea.
The Governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.
The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline.
The Governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement. He commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”
“The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved,” Governor Fubara said.
He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.
Governor Fubara highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.
“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.
Governor Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration remains focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.
“We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment,” he added.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says that the impact of flooding and erosion on the inhabitants of Rivers State, especially those living in coastal communities, are of great concerns to the government.
Governor Fubara lamented the consequences of flood on both human and biotic life, which sometimes lead to loss of life, property, and degradation of the environment.
The Governor made the remark in Port Harcourt during the launch of a book titled, ‘Coastal Zone Flooding And Erosion in Developing Communities, Principles, Cases and Strategies,” written by Emeritus Prof. Wiston Bell-Gam.
According to the Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Benibo Anabraba, his administration, would continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies to combat flooding.
In his words: “The Rivers State Government will continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies, such as construction of seawalls and breakers, canals and channels, restoring coastal ecology and ecosystem for coastal resilience and where necessary, the relocation of communities on the coastline.
“These issues are currently receiving the much needed attention and intervention by the recent approval of the construction of shoreline protection along the coastlines of more than five communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs respectively.”
“It is important that as stakeholders in the protection and preservation of marine environment, we all act and advocate for mitigation strategies such as reduction in emission of Green House Gasses that causes climate change and rise in sea levels. Let us promote the use of clean energy and against fossil fuel.
Governor Fubara further cautioned residents to desist from building on waterways.
“We also need to encourage our people to stop developing buildings on and along natural water courses, indiscriminate sea mining and dredging activities on our coastline without consideration for mangroves and swamps,” he stressed.
He appreciated the author for his advanced contributions to the body of knowledge in both Rivers State and globally.
Also speaking, a former Military Governor of the old Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Ditte-Spiff, who was Royal Father at the Event, stated that the book was timely to enable stakeholders manage the challenges of global warming.
“Global warming is real. If it’s not addressed globally, a time will come coastal areas will find themselves under water. The coastline of Nigeria is shocking with many mangroves gone,” he noted.
The Reviewer of the Book, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Prof Temi Ologunorisa, explained that the 14-chapter book is timeous as it fills literary gaps between desire and available knowledge on coastal flood and erosion in developing communities.,
“A major beauty of the book that sets it apart is the detailed consideration of flood and erosion control from around the world,” he stated, adding that the book is based on detailed field investigation.