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NDDC’s Revival: Corporate Hqr As Metaphor
If things work as planned, the Eastern Bye-Pass in Port Harcourt with the envisaged completion of construction work on the long abandoned corporate headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which is located along the road will host the commission’s operational base. Following a marching order handed down to the new management by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, in respect of the shame of the abandonment of the13 storey-edifice, on which work was abandoned almost two decades ago, all actors in the exercise are recommitting themselves to see to its actualisation. The Minister had in a meeting with the management in his office in Abuja lamented over the shameful state of the structure, which successive managements had abandoned and resorted to renting the present corporate headquarters
In response to his charge, the relevant actors have all made public statements in respect of completing all work on the project within a new schedule. For instance, the Acting Managing Director even offered to actually move her office to the uncompleted building and supervise its completion directly, as a sign of total commitment to the pledge. Likewise, the various contractors on the project have also made public pledges on their commitment to follow through with the completion of the project on schedule. All that seems left now is to see them convert their pledges to articles of faith through delivering of the project on schedule – ostensibly next year 2020.
However, with the NDDC, many persons who had dealings with the interventionist agency readily aver that there could always be a difference between its schedule on delivery of projects and the actualisation of same. Its officials blame this situation on the haphazard manner in which its finances are mustered including the ever worrisome instances of under remittance of monies due it by designated contributors to its purse. These debtors are in the main the Federal Government as well as oil and gas companies, who are statute bound to contribute to the commission’s purse. But routinely fail to do so. In that vein, therefore, the pledges over the completion of the NDDC corporate headquarters may be determined more by the actual availability of funds – a situation that throws the liability ball back to the Minister, Godswill Akpabio. It is for good measure that he also acknowledged the debts of over N2 trillion owed the commission during his meeting with them.
However, beyond the issue of finance, the more profound feature of NDDC operations which many believe is the primary causative factor determining its chronic infidelity with project delivery is the complement of its in-house management expedients. Historically, even if the commission may not have received its full tranche of funds at any particular time, what it did with the delivered portion leaves much to be desired. As far as the public image of the commission is concerned, it is yet to earn a pass mark, as it hardly registers the completion of critical infrastructure within budget and time frame, across its intervention area, the Niger Delta region. This makes it more like a sink hole in urgent need for redemption. If the situation was otherwise, it could not have unwisely abandoned its 80% completed corporate headquarters for close to two decades Talk of the NDDC being so altruistic to love others more than itself!
With the marching order from Akpabio, the NDDC needs to predispose itself for a revival of its operational circumstances, pursuant to charting a fresh agenda for executing its statutory mandate. In this context, it may be superfluous to state that its handling of the completion of the corporate headquarters will serve as a metaphor that captures a new corporate, service delivery ethic. While it is not suggested that the commission should deploy all available resources to complete the edifice, the urgency of its completion is defined by several factors.
Firstly, according to the contractors, virtually all the technical accessories for its completion such as lifts and other mechanical equipment, electrical and plumbing fittings are in place, with their final installation only awaiting the ratification of outstanding contractual terms. Secondly, the Minister’s query over the renting of the present office for the whole 19 years of the commission’s existence when it had such an edifice awaiting the executive will to complete it needs to be heeded. It will be interesting if the NDDC can celebrate the twentieth anniversary of its creation which is due next year, in its new corporate headquarters building.
More significant for the circumstances of corporate social responsibility, it will be to the eternal credit of the NDDC to gear its eventual relocation to its then completed corporate headquarters along the Eastern Bye Pass to serve as a catalyst for the takeover of the entire area including the very important adjoining Marine Base. As one of the young engineering students who were privileged to participate in the construction by the Rivers State Ministry of Works of the Eastern Bye Pass during a vacation job stint in the 1970’s, the road has always attracted deep nostalgia for this author. The prospects of the magnificent edifice, now standing as the uncompleted corporate headquarters of the NDDC, becoming completed and fully operational will not only serve to accentuate the turn-around mindset of the commission’s leadership. It will be a personal dream, fulfilled for someone.
Monima Daminabo
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.