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NDDC Begins Work On PH-Okrika Link Road ……Says Wike’s Comments, Push For Positive Change
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has assured that construction work would resume next week on the 3.65kilometre Borokiri-Okrika road to link the Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt to Okrika communities and others in Eleme, Tai, Gokana, Khana, Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Areas in the eastern flank of the state.
Managing Director of the commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who disclosed this at the NDDC Headquarters during his first official media chat in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, said that the new interventionist agency’s leadership was looking at legacy projects to quickly complete and commission.
Ogbuku was flanked by the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Major-General Charles Airhiavbere, (rtd), and other Directors, during the interactive media briefing.
The managing director said, “One of these projects is the construction of the 3.65-kilometre Okrika-Borokiri Road with three bridges connecting Kolabi, Abotoru and Okpoka creeks to Port Harcourt,” adding that the link road was a very significant project for the people of the state.
He explained that talks between the NDDC and contractors for the project have been very fruitful, and assured that construction work would resume within a week.
The chief executive officer of the commission remarked: “The contractor has assured us that by next week, they will mobilise to site. They also assured us that the project will be completed in two years. We do not want to spread ourselves thin. We do not want to take on too many projects that we cannot complete in good time.”
Ogbuku also noted that due to the long delay in execution and completion of the project, there may be the urgency to review the value upward from the initial sum of N16.5billion cost as at the time of signing the contract several years ago to reflect present economic realities.
He noted that another big ticket project under the Converting Liabilities To Assets Initiative would be the construction of dams to check perennial flooding in Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states as a pilot scheme.
Ogbuku emphasised that apart from harnessing the abundant water bodies causing havoc and destroying livelihoods in communities in the Niger Delta, the dams would also generate electricity for the affected states, leveraging on the Federal Government’s liberalisation policy in the power sector.
The NDDC, he added, was also concluding designs for emergency holding centres to provide comfortable shelter to thousands of vulnerable internally displaced persons (IDPs) by persistent flooding in communities in the affected states, stressing that the centres would be equipped with schools, water, sanitation and health facilities to cater to the urgent needs of victims of natural disasters.
He further stated that future relief materials for victims of flooding and other natural disasters, who take refuge at the emergency holding centres, would be presented to the beneficiaries directly at the facilities rather than going through governments and emergency relief agencies as a means of reducing bureaucracy while achieving quick impact.
Ogbuku assured the readiness of NDDC under his watch to work in synergy with the nine state governments to achieve integrated sustainable development of the region, saying that the commission was already working with representatives of all the cat mentioned state governments in its budgeting process to avoid duplication of projects and responsibilities while harnessing scarce resources for the benefit of the people.
On the way forward, he stated that establishing an effective and sustainable Corporate Governance system as well as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the commission will be a game changer for the commission.
He noted that having an effective Corporate Governance system in place was key to the future successes and sustainability of the NDDC.
The chief executive officer affirmed that the commission was laying a solid foundation for impactful development of the Niger Delta region; strengthening Public-Private Partnerships and ensuring that its projects and programmes were aligned with the needs and aspirations of the people of the region.
He said: “In the past six months, NDDC has been engaged in building a sustainable foundation to ensure that we run on a smooth and right track. We are working to put in place a Corporate Governance System that will enable the commission run in accordance with global best practices.”
The NDDC boss declared: “Once there is Corporate Governance system, you cannot beat it. That means you must be subjected to the processes and procedures. That is the game changer for us. We want to regulate ourselves internally. That is why we must establish a Corporate Governance system.
“Whenever we go out seeking for partnerships, one thing these prospective partners and donor agencies look out for is our internal control system. We are willing to be internally regulated. So, we need to establish a Corporate Governance system. We are talking with KPMG, a reputable global business consultancy, to help us establish a sustainable Corporate Governance system.”
On the state of the commission, he said that on assumption of duties, the current Executive Management realised that the commission was working with many Directorates with overlapping functions.
Many of the Directorates, he said, were not created to enhance service delivery of the commission but were set up for some ethnic and political interests.
Ogbuku noted: “I met about 30 Directorates as against the 13 provided for in the Act establishing the NDDC. Today, merit is our watchword and the over 30 Directorates have been reduced to the 13 Directorates stated in the NDDC Act.”
He noted the Policy Dialogue opportunity held in Abuja recently, adding that learnings from the forum would help the management fashion strategic policies and take decisions which results would make a difference in the lives of the people.
The MD also noted some new initiatives such as project HOPE designed to drive programmes and engagements to develop database for capacity building and empowerment of youths and women through technical and vocational training in various skills, and Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce to mobilise and support small and medium entrepreneurs to grow the economy of the region.
Ogbuku urged youths of the region to guard against scammers and register for project HOPE free of charge through the dedicated portal, while advising potential entrepreneurs to join the chamber and take advantage of the window to boost their businesses and grow the economy of the region.
While responding to questions, he said that the recent comments on the commission’s activities by former Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, serves as a push for positive change in driving the development process in the Niger Delta region.
He commended the former governor for the milestones he achieved in urban centre modernization, stating that his remarks about the NDDC will spur the commission to positively change the narrative about the interventionist agency.
Ogbuku stated: “We will not join issues with former Governor Nyesom Wike. He has done well for the people of Rivers State, especially in the area of urban modernisation. Rather, we are spurred by his comments to change the narrative about the NDDC positively.”
By: Nelson Chukwudi
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Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
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LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.