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Govt Officials, Politicians Divert N621bn Roads Repair Funds, NUPENG Alerts

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The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused officials of the Ministry of Works and Housing and some politicians of diverting N621billion funds budgeted for the repairs of 21 deplorable and critical federal roads across the country, while the conditions of the roads have worsened and unmotorable nationwide.
The union claimed that officials of the Ministry of Works and Housing were now going around showing pictures of roads done in June and August, 2021 to justify payment made from the N621billion approved in October, 2021for the identified 21 critical roads.
In a statement, yesterday,NUPENG’s President, Prince Williams Akporeha; and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale; threatened to declare a nationwide strike without notice demanding immediate stoppage to fund releases among others.
The union demanded the setting up of a competent monitoring and validation team comprising all those stakeholders, the pre award pictures of the 21 identified roads taken to be compared with pictures of post repairs/reconstruction situation, immediate review of transport freight rates to reflect the operational realities of the petroleum distribution value chain, among others.
NUPENG recalled the concerns of the National Chairman of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), on Wednesday, February 8, 2022, and the President of the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), on Thursday, February 10, 2021, explaining the reasons behind the increasing deterioration of health and safety provisions for PTD members and the rising number of roads and fire accidents involving the petroleum trucks across the country.
Among others, the statement reads: “In as much as we understand the unfortunate situation the transporters have found themselves, NUPENG, as a responsible and responsive trade union organisation cannot afford to sit idle and watch her able bodied members continued to be wasted away as sacrificial items as well as the wanton destruction of millions of public lives and properties, so as to manage the operational costs by transporters due to inadequate freight rates being paid to them.
“Many of our members have constantly been lodging complaints of being forced to drive with worn-out tyres and other unsafe vehicular parts thereby putting their safety at high risk.
“More worrisome is the fact that the conditions of work of these drivers have remained same for more than six years now and the transporters have been foot- dragging in committing to a revised collective Bargaining Agreement for the conditions of work for the Petroleum Tanker Drivers due to high cost of operations and low freight rates.
“You will all recall that at the end of the quarterly Branch Executive Council meeting of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, held at PTD House, Emene, Enugu on the 25th of September, 202l, the union issued a firm and decisive ultimatum on the deplorable state of the federal highways and the painful experiences of our members while carrying out their duties across the country.
“The management team of NNPC under Mallam Mele Kyari immediately apprehended the situation then to avert the situation of industrial action of the union, by calling the leadership of the union to two separate meetings on the 10th of October, 2O21in lbadan and 12th October, 2021 in Abuja.
“In attendance at the 12th October were critical Stakeholders such as the FIRS, FRSC, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners and NUPENG.
“These two meetings resulted into signing of communiqué indicating the readiness and willingness of NNPC to finance the rehabilitation of identified 21 critical roads at an estimated sum of N621billion through Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.
“On the basis of this communiqué, the union suspended the intended industrial action, but we were very clear in our statement, that should the spirit and letter of the agreement not fully implemented with focus on those jointly identified critical roads or attempt is made to divert the funds, the union will not give further warning to resume the intended actions.
“You will recall the proposal was tabled before the Federal Executive Council and was graciously approved by Federal Executive Council in-session. Unfortunately, our worst fear concerning the struggle is gradually unfolding with information coming out from reliable sources that some elements in the garbs of being state governments, officials of Ministry of Works and Housing and desperate politicians are already dipping their soiled hands into these funds and diverting them to roads already budgeted for and done since last year.
“The officials of Ministry of Works and Housing are going around showing pictures of roads done in June and August 2021 to justify payment made from the N621billion which was approved in October, 2021for the identified 21 critical roads.
“We have our facts and figures, and we shall not be cowed into allowing the N621billion to go same way others budgeted funds have gone. We demand immediate halt to further release of the fund until that a competent monitoring and validation team comprising all those stakeholders that signed the communiqué is formed.
“The pre award pictures of the 21 identified roads are taken, which will be compared with pictures of post repairs/reconstruction situation. The N621billion was approved because of our demand and struggle; therefore, we owe our members and the general public the responsibility to ensure that every kobo of the approved fund is accounted for. Taxpayers’ money must be accounted for.
“Immediate review of transport freight rates to reflect the operational realities of the petroleum distribution value chain. For these critical issues, we have the mandate of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Union to commence immediate mobilisation of all our members for resumption of our earlier suspended action.
“We hereby plead with the general public to please bear with us as our action may resume without further notice and that these issues raised are of and should be of national concerns.
“An injury to one is an injury to all. We urge every patriotic Nigerians to also rise up and join us in this struggle, this is not a fight for NUPENG alone, it is our collective fight.”

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Ibas Inaugurates RSIEC, Service Commissions, Healthcare Board In Rivers  …Charges Appointees To Embrace Principles Of Service 

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The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has charged newly appointed Board members to uphold the highest standards of discipline, competence, integrity, and unwavering dedication in their service to the State.

 

He emphasized that such commitment is critical to stabilizing governance, restoring democratic institutions, and advancing the principles of good governance in the State.

 

 

 

This was contained in a statement by the Administrator’s Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo on Monday.

 

 

 

Ibas issued the charge on Monday while inaugurating the reconstituted Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board at Government House, Port Harcourt.

 

 

 

The Administrator urged the new appointees to embrace their roles with diligence, patriotism, and a commitment to transforming Rivers State through excellent service.

 

 

 

Addressing the Chairman and members of RSIEC, Ibas underscored their pivotal role in ensuring credible local government elections that reflect the will of the people.

 

 

 

“Your task is clear but demanding: to conduct free, fair, transparent, and credible elections at the grassroots level. You must resist bias, favoritism, and external interference while restoring public confidence in the electoral process,” he stated.

 

 

 

“The independence of your actions is crucial to sustaining peace, stability, and grassroots governance. I urge you to act with fairness, impartiality, and professionalism—even in the face of difficult choices,” Ibas added.

 

 

 

The Sole Administrator also charged the Rivers State Civil Service Commission on the need to eliminate mediocrity and foster a culture of excellence through merit-based recruitment, training, and promotions.

 

 

 

“The civil service must transition from favoritism to competence, integrity, and accountability. Your commission will lead reforms, including digital transformation and standardized practices across ministries, departments, and agencies,” he said.

 

 

 

He disclosed that extensive training programmes are underway, with a committee set up to overhaul the public service framework for greater efficiency.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Ibas urged the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission to ensure professionalism and discipline in local government administration.

 

 

 

“As the closest tier of government to the people, you must drive reforms that insulate the system from politics and mediocrity. Your mandate includes merit-based recruitment, training, and enforcing standards for effective service delivery,” he stated.

 

 

 

In the same vein, the Administrator charged the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board with revitalizing healthcare delivery across the state’s 23 local government areas.

 

 

 

“Primary healthcare is the foundation of a sustainable health system. Your board must ensure facilities are adequately staffed, equipped, and operational focusing on maternal health, immunization, malaria control, and community health services,” he said.

 

 

 

He emphasized data-driven operations, incentives for rural health workers, and restoring the referral system to improve healthcare access.

 

 

 

He also assured the Board of sustained government support, including funding, for the effective discharge of their mandates but warned that board members would be held accountable for their performance.

 

 

 

The newly inaugurated members include: RSIEC: Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey (Chairman) with Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Joyce Akaninwor, and others as members.

 

 

 

Civil Service Commission: Dr. Livinus Bariki (Chairman), Amb. Lot Egopija, Mrs. Maeve Bestman, and others.

 

 

 

Local Govt. Service Commission: Mr. Isreal Amadi (Chairman), Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd), Dr. Tonye Pepple, and others.

 

 

 

Primary Health Care Board: Dr. Dawari George (Chairman), Dr. Chituru Adiele (Executive Director), Prof. Kaladada Korubo, and representatives from key ministries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Rivers PDP Debunks Sale Of LGA Election Forms

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The Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Dr. Kenneth Yowika, has debunked claims that the party has commenced sale of forms for chairmanship and councillorship elections across the 23 local government areas of the state.

 

Yowika made the rebuttal in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday, describing the publication on the social media as baseless and untrue.

 

He urged members of the PDP to disregard the claim, saying that official communication regarding the sale of forms would be disclosed through the appropriate channels.

 

“With reference to information trending on social media, it has been falsely claimed that the sale of forms for Chairmanship and Councillorship elections in the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Rivers State will begin soon.

 

“However, the party has firmly denied these rumours, stating that they are baseless and untrue.

 

“The party has its own established methods of reaching out to its numerous supporters.

 

“The People’s Democratic Party, a law-abiding organisation, will patiently await the release of guidelines from the recently inaugurated Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) before considering any sale of election forms.

 

“The PDP is urging its members to remain calm as official communication regarding the sale of forms will be disclosed through appropriate channels,” the statement read.

 

Enoch Epelle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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South-South contributes N34trn to Nigeria’s economy in 2024 – Institute

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Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), has stated that the South-South region contributes N34 trillion to country’s economy in 2024.

He made the remark at the South-South Zonal Banking and Finance Conference in Calabar, yesterday.

He spoke on the theme, ‘’Building An Inclusive South-South: Economic Diversification as a Catalyst For Development.’’

Olanrewaju, who quoted the data from the Cable Data Index, said the feat was more than 21 per cent of Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The president described the growth as ‘’ impressive,’’ saying that it was not driven by oil alone but significant expansions in trade, services, and the creative industries.

According to him, to fully harness this potential, coordinated financial, technological, and policy support is essential.

“As we work to reposition the South-South for broad-based prosperity, the financial system must play a central role, not merely as a source of capital, but as a catalyst for innovation, ideas incubation, and inclusive economic growth.

“This conference, therefore, provides a strategic opportunity for stakeholders to reimagine the South-South economy, not merely as a resource belt, but as a region of diverse capabilities and resilient enterprises.”

Olanrewaju added that Nigeria must move beyond old models and chart a new course for the development of the South-South region, where financial institutions and stakeholder collaborate to diversify the economy for shared prosperity.

He,  however, commended Gov. Bassey Otu for his pledge of land for CIBN Secretariat in Cross River and being the first sitting governor to willingly undergo and complete the Chartered Bankers Programme.

On his part, Gov. Otu said that the conference discussion on the economic diversification in South-South region was timely against the backdrop of global trade and economic volatility that was affecting the nation’s economy.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Peter Odey, Otu said the South-South region must now act with urgency to diversify its economy while leveraging its shared natural endowment in agriculture and extractive resources.

“This conference must help develop tailored financial solutions that reflect the unique strengths and realities of states like Cross River in the south-south.

“Diversification should be evidence-based and must be backed not just by financial advice but project focused financing and real investment support,” he noted.

He said that Cross River had taken the bold step to invest in its agricultural sector by launching an Agro processing hub.

Otu further said that the state had invested in aviation by acquiring more aircrafts for Cally Air, construction of the Bakassi Deep Seaport and injecting N18 billion in its tourism sector.

Similarly, Mr Tolefe Jibunoh, Cross River Branch Controller of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said that the region was blessed with natural resources, cultural diversities and immense human potentials.

Jibunoh, who was represented by Mr Segun Shittu, Head, Currency Control Office, CBN, Calabar, noted that strategic diversification could unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth in the region.

He added that the CBN remained steadfast to maintain monetary possibilities and promote a sound financial system as a catalyst for sustainable economic development for the benefit of all.

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