Niger Delta

Oshiomhole Urges Prosecution Of Procurement Act Violators

Published

11 years ago

November 12, 2014

Governor Adams
Oshiomhole of Edo State has called for the prosecution of violators of public procurement procedure in the country.
He made the call in Abuja at the ongoing first National Conference on Public Procurement organised by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
Oshiomhole, a panelist at the event, said that it was not enough to save money from violators of public procurement rules but that such violators should be arraigned in courts of law.
He pointed out that the nation’s problem was not the absence of laws but the “culture of impunity and indiscipline that characterise the public service and political system.”
He urged the Federal Government to summon the political will to implement the relevant laws to enable them to achieve results in transforming the economy.
“I am not moved by the amount of money saved but how many offenders have been sanctioned. Enforcement and sanction should be encouraged to deal with offenders.
“If we say that we have saved money from inflated contracts, who tried to get away with that money and who are the culprits?
“If we must address procurement issues in this country, our judicial system must be fully involved,” Oshiomhole said.
Another panelist, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra said that the state government set up a committee on public procurement in 2011.
He said that the committee carried out checks and balances on contract award process and reported to the executive.
Obiano said that Anambra Government would ensure that reliable individuals would be engaged in the procurement process to ensure transparency and accountability.
Governor Idris Wada of Kogi, who was also one of the panelists, said that in 2007, Kogi State House of Assembly passed the Public Procurement Bill and Due Process Act.
Wada said that sticking to the provision of the Act was necessary to enable the government to meet project demands and value for money spent on such projects.
Another panelist, Governor James Ngilari of Adamawa called for attitudinal change in the implementation of Public Procurement Act for the good of the country.
Ngilari urged state governments that were yet to enact the law to do so to ensure value for money spent on projects.
In his contribution, acting governor of Taraba, Mr Garba Umar, disclosed that the state saved N15.4 billion in 2013 through contract review by the state government’s Procurement Office.

Nye Nwe-Eli and Paramount Ruler of Rukpokwu, HRH. Eze (Dr) Collions C. Ogwu III (left), posing with his Ambassador Award. With him is his wife, Lady Beatrice Ogwu and President, Church Management Suppport Ministry, Dr Kayode Nissi, during the 2014 National Conference, recently. Photo: Egberi A. Sampson

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.