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Ex-NDDC MDs’ Aide Demands Apology From EFCC Over Publication 

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Former Special Assistant on Youths Matters to two ex-Managing Directors of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Barr. Alabh George Turnah, has described a recent syndicated publication against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as defaming and malicious.
Turnah, now an Executive Assistant to the Bayelsa State Governor on Public Affairs and Social Orientation, has as a result demanded for an unreserved public apology from the nation’s anti-graft agency, noting that the EFCC’s publications were mischievous and malicious falsehood against his person.
The Tide gathered that the EFCC had recently syndicated a statement alleging that Turnah, alongside two others, were sentenced to six years imprisonment by a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital over financial improprieties.
Following the alleged falsehood being peddled by the anti-graft agency, accordingly Turnah in a statement made available to newsmen in Yenagoa at the weekend, he described the said publication as maligning, noting also that the EFCC has defamed his character through various media.
He alleged that the act was orchestrated by the Head, Media & Publicity of the anti-graft agency, Mr Wilson Uwajaren, with the intention to disparage and put to public ridicule, his “hard earned public image”.
In further reaction to the said publication by the EFCC, Turnah has through his lawyers, Amuda-Kannike (SAN) and Co, Barristers, Solicitors and Corporate Consultants written to the anti-graft agency.
A letter to the EFCC by Turnah’s lawyers titled: “Protest Letter and Demand For Apology”, addressed to the  Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Abdulkarim Chukkol, made available to newsmen reads in parts:
“This unprofessional conduct of the EFCC spokesman is a sad event that should not happen under the watch, and even more importantly, under the administration of President (Bola) Tinubu, who is adjudged to be a complete democrat, and a product of the rule of law.
“Our clients are deeply concerned and saddened that the press release dated 11th September, 2023 with the caption, ‘N2.9 Billion Fraud: George Turnah, Two Others, Bag Six Years Jail Terms’, issued by the Head, Media and Publicity of the EFCC, is littered with deliberate falsehood and outright misrepresentation of facts in a manner that criminal defamation can be rightly inferred.
“Truly, judgement was delivered in the case by the Hon. Justice A.T Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt on Thursday, 7th September, 2023.
“Contrary to the false claim contained in the EFCC’s press release that our clients were convicted and sentenced to six years imprisonment for obtaining money under false pretence, money laundering, conversion of funds and forgery, the true fact is that our clients were discharged and acquitted of all the 23 count charge of Obtaining by false pretence, Money laundering and forgery/uttering contained in the charge.
“It is important to note that the 23 count charge as preferred by the EFCC against our clients do not contain any offence/charge of conversion of funds as falsely contained in the EFCC’s press release.
“Contrary to the false claim contained in the EFCC’s press release that our clients were jailed on Thursday, September 7th, 2023, having been found guilty of charges preferred against them by the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the true fact and position is that indeed, the Court held that the EFCC failed to prove any of the 23 count charge preferred against the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants, our clients”.
According to his legal team, the EFCC maligning statement has further exposed the fact that they were seeking to deliberately suppress parts of the judgement which ordered them to immediately release George Turnah’s assets and finances, as well as account for all monies recovered during the course of their investigation which the EFCC is yet to obey.
 “The Court in the said Judgement ordered the immediate release of assets, properties and finances of our client (George Turnah) by reason of the failure of the EFCC to prove any of the 23 count charge preffered against him (George Turnah) in the said charge.
“This order, the EFCC is yet to obey, rather, the EFCC has already appealed the judgement as delivered, together with an application for stay of execution of the judgement.
“The Court in the judgement also ordered the EFCC to immediately account for all monies recovered from persons and individuals during the investigation activities of the case leading to the filing of the charge, and return all such monies to the Court. This order, the EFCC is also yet to comply and we are surprised why the EFCC’s press release did not capture these details.
“In the totality of the above, our clients are concerned that the EFCC, which is supposed to be a crime fighting organization could be so desperate to win cases at all cost, including intimidating and pressuring judges to help it secure unmerited convictions, and in the failure of which, turns around to dish out outright falsehood to the unsuspecting and vulnerable public all in a bid to destroy hard-earned public image of innocent Nigerians.
“This is too bad, and it is our clients expectation that the EFCC should now operate within the ambit of the rule of law and decently so, under your able leadership, Mr. Chairman, Sir”.
Demanding an investigation into the purported falsehood as contained in the EFCC’s press release, the legal team has earlier urged the EFCC Acting Chairman to in good conscience direct the Head of Media & Publicity to offer public apology to Turnah, and others and state the correct facts as well as true position of things within the first 72 hours from the day and date the letter was received at their office.
The letter further reads: “We like to put on record that the EFCC by the judgement delivered by the Hon. Justice A.T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt on Thursday, 7th of September, 2023, failed woefully to prove even one of the entire 23 count charge preferred against our clients (George Turnah, Ebis Orubebe and Silas Uzogor Chidiebere).
“This is the true fact as contained in the judgement. Any other brief you receive contrary to this, is FAKE and FALSE.
“No wonder the EFCC’s press release could not specifically point out or highlight the specific counts our clients were allegedly convicted and sentenced out of the 23 counts brought by the EFCC. This in our view, should worry the Commission more, than spreading falsehood after failing to prove a single charge out of 23 alleged offences.
“it should be noted that our clients were never convicted nor sentenced by any court for offences of Obtaining money under false pretence, money laundering, forgery or uttering of forged documents preferred against them by the EFCC and as falsely contained in the said EFCC’s press release.
“These offences as created under the relevant statutes, carry a minimum of seven (7) years imprisonment and a maximum of fourteen (14) years imprisonment as punishment without any option of fine.
“In fact, for forgery and uttering, the punishment is 21 years imprisonment. These obvious provisions of the law certainly rubbishes the entire false narrative dished out in the public space by the EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, whom we expect, should know better”.
Turnah’s lawyers also expressed hope that the EFCC Chairman will use his good office and track record to correct the injustice done ti Turnah by the EFCC, by setting the records straight.
It would be recalled that penultimate week, the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, had ordered the immediate release of George Turnah’s assets, and finances, ruling that the EFCC failed to prove any of the 23 count charge against him.
Similarly, many associates of the erstwhile aide to the two former MDs’ of the interventionist agency have condemned the press release by the EFCC, filing an appeal of the judgement which went in favour of the Turnah.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

Bishop Mocks Fake Prophecy Seekers … As Priests Relive Challenges At Ordination Ceremony

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Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, Most Rev. Hyacinth Egbebo, has cautioned Christians against belief in fake prophecies and consultation of fake prophets for miracles.
He alleged that some clergy parading miracles in the name of the Lord were witch-doctors who stage-manage miracles to deceive unsuspecting members of the public with the intent to exploit them.
The Bishop gave the admonition at the weekend during the Priestly Ordination Ceremony of Rev. Fr. Mark Inedi which held at the Christ The King Catholic Church, Imiringi Deanery, in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The Tide, which monitored the ecclesiastical ceremony, reports that earlier in 2024, the newly ordained Priest having certified part of the requirements of the Church was ordained as a Deacon at the Diocesan headquarters in Bomadi, Delta State, paving way for him to be officially ordained as a Rev. Fr. on the 12th of July 2025 after certifying the remaining requirements of his formative years in the Major Seminaries.
“The Catholic Church gave the Holy Bible to Christendom. Christ never came with the Bible, though he was born of the Holy Blessed Virgin Mary. Christians should refrain from belief in fake prophets and miracles.
“Yes, they say the Catholic Church doesn’t perform miracles and doesn’t prophesy, but we’re the origin of Christianity, and we’re the early Church who still speak and use Latin to teach the word of God. Catholic is original.
“I don’t intend to ridicule any pastor or man of God, but pastors and Churches should stop deceiving people with fake prophecies and stage-managed miracles”, he said.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after his ‘Maiden Mass/Thanksgiving’, Rev. Fr. Inedi promised to discharge the duties of his calling with respect, obedience and humility to the Church and humanity in general.
The Priest thanked the Bishop of the Diocese, his colleagues, parents and others for the support given him through out his formative years in the seminaries, noting that it was a herculean task, but God made it possible for him to succeed in his vineyard which culminated in his ordination ceremony.
“By God’s grace I’ll try my very best as a Priest in the discharge of my Priestly duties to the Church and humanity. It was indeed challenging, but God enabled this day to become a reality.
“I want to thank and appreciate the Lord Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, His Lordship, Most Rev. Hyacinth Egbebo, for the encouragement and support. I also want to thank all my Senior Colleagues, my parents, relatives, family members, friends and classmates for their unrelenting support through out my formative years. May God continue to bless all of them”, he said.
In their separate remarks, the duo of the  Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bayelsa State Chapter, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Opelema, and the Priest in charge of the Imiringi Deanery,  Rev. Fr. Peter Ikuli, described the formative years of Priesthood as very challenging.
Opelema, who also doubles as Vicar-General of the Diocese, advised the newly ordained Priest to be steadfast, courageous and dedicated to the growth of the Church and progress of the larger society.
He emphasized that Catholic Priests were called to serve humanity and  exemplify the teachings of Christ in their conducts.
“The trajectory of increase in the number of indigenous Priest from and around the Imiringi Deanery and surrounding parishes was due to Opelema’s resilience and successful ordination as a Priest in 1994.
“If Joseph Opelema hadn’t succeeded as a Seminarian and ordained successfully, having been the first prist from this area, many of us wouldn’t have become priests today”, Rev. Fr. Ikuli said.
“Please kindly note that in line with the resolutions of our Extraordinary General Meeting held between Friday 20th and Wednesday
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Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

Delta Leverages On Extensive River Networks To Drive Blue Economy

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Delta State Government has said it will utilise its unique geographical assets and aquatic wealth to chart an inclusive and sustainable blue economy.
The state Commissioner for Works (Rural and Public Information), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, stated this while outlining the state’s transformational blueprint at a ministerial joint briefing in Asaba, the State capital.
The briefing was with key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and members of the Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), led by retired DIG Adeleye Oyebade.
The theme was, “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities”.
The commissioner highlighted the state’s role as a national pacesetter in harnessing inland and coastal water resources to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
Aniagwu was in the company of the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure; Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani; and Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr. Peter Uviejitobor, and others.
He described Delta’s extensive river networks, over 500 kilometres of navigable waterways, and Atlantic coastline as a “strategic advantage” that remain underutilized.
According to him, the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration was determined to drive this trend through deliberate, multi-sectoral investments that would bring rural and riverine communities into the mainstream of economic development.
Aniagwu said the blue economy goes beyond traditional sectors like fisheries and tourism, saying it is a framework for building climate resilience, reducing poverty, and fostering inclusive economic participation.
He emphasized that the state’s approach was to treat rural roads, jetties, cold-chain logistics, and digital access as interconnected pillars capable of unlocking the full spectrum of aquatic-based opportunities.
“Among the key efforts underway are major road construction and rehabilitation projects in traditionally marginalized areas.
“These include the Ogheye Floating Market and access roads in Warri North, Ohoror/Bomadi/Gbaregolor Road in Bomadi, and the Trans-Warri-Ode Itsekiri road network, which incorporates 15 bridges.
“The ongoing construction of the Ayakoromo Bridge in Burutu Local Government and rigid pavement roads in Warri South-West are also cited as critical arteries meant to connect hinterland communities with market hubs.
“In addition to road networks, the state has significantly invested in water transport infrastructure, including the building and upgrading of jetties.
“These moves are designed to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable mobility across Delta’s waterways, which remain the primary means of transportation for many rural dwellers”, Aniagwu said.
The commissioner further said the government’s approach was not limited to physical infrastructure.
“It is also focused on empowering people, particularly youth and women, through capacity-building in aquaculture, tourism, logistics, and marine services.
“By strengthening cooperatives, enhancing ICT access, and integrating renewable energy solutions such as solar-powered cold storage, the state is helping small-scale producers to scale their operations and connect with broader markets”, he said.
He noted that Delta’s vision aligns with the M.O.R.E Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, which prioritizes Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms, and Enhanced peace and security.
Aniagwu explained that the integrated rural infrastructure strategy was expected to yield far-reaching impacts.
“Economically, it will increase trade in fish and agricultural products, lower transportation costs, attract private investment, and reduce rural unemployment.
“Socially, it will foster community ownership, promote women’s participation in fisheries and trade, and preserve indigenous knowledge systems.
“Environmentally, the shift to clean energy transport, mangrove restoration, and sustainable resource management will protect fragile ecosystems while enhancing community resilience”, he said.
The commissioner called for greater national coordination and proposed the designation of Delta state as a pilot “Blue Corridor” beginning in 2026 to test integrated blue economy initiatives.
Aniagwu also advocated for federal support in the deployment of cleaner transport technologies, inland waterway dredging, and cold-chain logistics development.
He recommended a dedicated Blue Economy and Inland Water Transport Taskforce to synchronize efforts across federal and state lines.
He assured of the state government’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government, development partners, and private investors to turn its aquatic riches into engines of sustainable development.
He said:  “Our waterways must become drivers of opportunity, prosperity, and environmental sustainability, not barriers to progress.
“With strategic planning, inclusive policies, and coordinated infrastructure investment, Delta is positioning itself not just as a hub of blue economic activity, but as a replicable model for coastal and riverine development across Nigeria.”
On his part, the Leader, Course 47 Team, Oyebade, commended the Delta government for establishing the Ogheye Floating Market and urged the state to attract more investments in the blue economy by leveraging its rich Atlantic coastline resources.
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C’River Hands Over Rubber Plantation to Private Company

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The Cross River State government has officially handed over the defunct Cross River Rubber Estate Limited (CREL) to Biase Plantations Limited, describing it as a symbol of renewal and economic transformation.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Uyangha, Akamkpa Local Government Area (LGA) last Tuesday, Governor Bassey said the state regained control of 8, 521 hectare rubber estate through a high court judgement.
Represented by Mr. Johnson Ebokpo, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Otu explained that a High Court in Calabar issued the consent judgment on the estate.
He described the move as ‘’a major step towards reviving the state’s agricultural sector’’ and thanked all the parties involved, especially the state Attorney General and the legal teams, for facilitating the smooth transition.
He said the new operators planed to turn the estate into a large-scale oil palm plantation, generate jobs, boost rural economies, and increase the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He urged Biase Plantations to prioritise local employment, uphold Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and maintain peaceful relationship with host communities.
In his remarks, Mr. Arumugam Ananth, General Manager of Biase Plantations Ltd, a subsidiary of Wilmar International, said  it had renamed the rubber estate to ‘’Uyangha Oil Palm Estate.’’
He appreciated the state’s trust and pledged to restore the estate, while announcing plans to reopen the estate’s school, establish a training center, and create jobs for the locals.
On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa, HRM Ophot Agbor  Ebani, lauded the initiative while calling on the company to fulfill its promises.
Some of the community leaders, youth and women’s representatives, who spoke to newsmen, expressed hope that the rebranded estate would usher in a new era of growth and opportunity.
Earlier, a formal asset transfer meeting was held in Calabar, where legal documents were passed from Enghaut Nigeria Ltd. to the Ministry of Agriculture, overseen by officials from both parties.
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