Niger Delta

FG Rejects Delta’s Claim Of $15m Bribe

Published

13 years ago

July 12, 2013

The Federal Government on Wednesday gave reasons why the Delta State Government should not claim the $15 million said to have been received by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from an agent of former Governor James Ibori in 2007 as a bribe .
The Government said the state had once distanced itself from the sum when it deposed to an affidavit stating that it had not lost any money when Ibori was being investigated by the EFCC.
The money was kept in the Central Bank of Nigeria as an unclaimed property since August 2007, but an Abuja Federal High Court, presided by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, on July 24, 2012, granted an interim order forfeiting the cash to the Federal Government.
And at a hearing in the legal dispute over the controversial cash on Wednesday, EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), argued that it was already too late for state government to lay claim to the $15 million.
Jacobs said, “It is too late for the Delta State Government to lay claim to the money because of their own action. When the EFCC was investigating Ibori, the Attorney-General of Delta State filed an action against the EFCC and the Attorney-General of the Federation, stating that the Delta State Government account should not be investigated.
“What is interesting is that they deposed in their affidavit that no money was lost by state government; that the Attorney-General of the state had investigated and the account was proper.”
The EFCC lawyer further argued that the state government ought to have filed charges against Ibori, if it was certain that the $15 million belonged to it.
“When Ibori was convicted in London, the judge stated that he was convicted for money laundering. The Attorney-General of Delta State did not deem it fit to file any charge against Ibori for this money which they claim is theirs.We are saying that if the money is released to Delta State, it will be returned to Ibori,” Jacobs added”
Jacobs stressed that the state has not placed any evidence before the court to prove that the $15million belonged to it.
Arguing that the money belonged to it, the state through its Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Charles Ajuyah (SAN), noted that money recovered from two other governors – Joshua Dariye of Plateau State and Diepreye Alamieseigha of Bayelsa State were returned to the states.

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.