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FG Terminates Six Projects In N’ Delta …As NDDC, Partners Sign Contract To Develop Region
The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has concluded arrangements to terminate about six abandoned projects spread across the region with a view to enhancing the development of the region.
It would be recalled that the Minister, Pastor Uguru Usani, had made this known while receiving the report on the audit and review of the East-West road and other projects of its Ministry in Abuja.
Usani said that following the report from the Ministerial Technical Audit Committee on the contracts awarded from 2009 – 2015 in the Niger Delta, that some projects have been proposed for termination.
He listed the projects to include construction of OkpuhutaMbano Junction–Orie market–Lomara- Igwebulka (35km) – Abia State; Land reclamation and Erosion control project at OguduAbia Phase I, Abia State. Others are Idoro-Eastern Itam Water Supply Scheme Akwa Ibom; Construction of Mbak Atai-Ikot Ntu-MkpetiOkuiboku road project (13.86km) Akwa Ibom State; Ukparam Water Supply Scheme and Construction and Supervision of Omelema – Agada II Road, Rivers State.
The minister said the above listed projects were proposed for termination as a result of lack of capacity to complete the work as witnessed on site.
He said, “gross lack of capacity problem, lack of seriousness on the project, lack of technical capacity to prosecute project and gross lack of competence by the contractors.”
Usani said the committee juxtaposed its findings from project sites against facts retrieved from available documents domiciled in the departments that supervised the projects.
According to him, there were violation of contract award process; Right from the cycle of procurement planning to contract award, the committee noticed inconsistencies with the provisions of vital aspects of the Procurement Act.
“Prominent among other issues of violation were indiscriminate award of contract by initiating and benefiting departments without the leading and guiding role of the procurement department.
“Awards never took cognizance of availability of funds and annual appropriation provisions,” he said.
The minister said the structure and content of some contract agreements lack checks and balances, saying that they hardly protect the interest of the ministry in case of disputes.
He explained that the imminent picture of abandoned and uncompleted projects was as disturbing as the retinue of projects that extremely exceeded the dates of completion.
“This manifestly, emanated from inconsistency in government annual budgetary provision and lack of capacity to deliver especially where funds released do not correspond with performance.
“Most contracts were awarded with specific dates of completion but were not captured in subsequent appropriations.
According to the minister, this further exacerbated contractors’ poor performance and inability to achieve project objectives.
“Consequently, no capital project was completed within the stipulated time frame,” he said.
An Estate Manager, from Abia State, Mr Chijoke Micheal, told newsmen that the policy of terminating contracts not executed by contractors would speed up development in the Niger Delta region.
“Those contractors who think they can eat their cake and have it should better sit up because the present administration is determined to develop the region and curb corruption.
“We have been advocating for this change for a long time and I have been very vocal in calling on government to come down to our level and assist the region in development.
Micheal said: “It is important for contractors to realize that it can no longer be business as usual.
“It is important for everyone doing business with the ministry to realize that things must be done properly,” he said.
An architect from Cross River, Mrs Emen Odok, described the policy as a waste of money, saying that government want to politicize it, by putting such policy in place.
“What is wrong with the government calling the contractors to order? The excuse by the ministry doesn’t hold water at all.
“Rather than terminate a project that is 45per cent completed, why not terminate the contract and re-award the contract to another company that is most capable of completing it.
“The ministry has practically abandoned the Calabar skills acquisition centre, these beautiful structures are wasting away and being destroyed by erosion.
“What measures has the government put in place to address such wastage,” she said.
A retired civil servant, Mr Okon Udoh, said the ministry has so many abandoned projects spread across the region, saying that the Federal Government should address the issue, if truly government wants to develop the region.
Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has signed separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs), with two key development partners to drive sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
The two MoUs were signed, last Monday, at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, between the commission and Market Development Project in Niger Delta (MADE), as well as Facility for Oil Sector Transparency and Reform in Nigeria (FOSTER).
Speaking at the ceremony, the NDDC Managing Director, Mr Nsima Ekere, stated that the MOUs reflected the new management’s plan and vision to drive sustainable development in the region.
He said that the choice of the partners was deliberate as it showed the determination and readiness of the commission for openness in its operations.
Ekere said: “It could not have been otherwise since transparency and accountability are the fundamental parameters of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.”
The NDDC managing director said that the NDDC Governing Board and Management at its last meeting ratified the collaboration with technical partners.
He restated the determination of the NDDC, “to restore the core mandate of the commission, restructure the balance sheet, and reaffirm the commitment to doing what is right and proper, at all times, for the benefit of the people of this great region.
“We hope to send a strong and clear message to the people of the Niger Delta, as well as all Nigerians and international community, that the new Governing Board and Management of the NDDC is committed to ensuring that we establish in the commission and the Niger Delta region, enduring instruments and institutions vital to fulfilling both our mandate and the expectations of the people,” Ekere added.
The NDDC boss said that the commission recognised the need to actively seek and engage key stakeholders and partners in collaborating with and thereby act as the integrator for all plans to develop the Niger Delta.
He added that, “Under the terms of the MoU, MADE will work with NDDC to boost efforts at stimulating sustainable, pro-poor growth in selected agricultural and other input markets. We will also work to improve the position of economically active but disadvantaged men and women in these markets, by making them more inclusive.
“This MoU will also enable grant funding for sustainable development initiatives, as well as stimulate growth in non-oil products through enhanced oil palm production, development of poultry farming, training in the production of finished leather goods, training in aquatic farming and media and ICT-supported agriculture extension service of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).”
He declared that the need to diversify the nation’s economy had never been more imperative, adding: “Economic diversification is vital to Niger Delta region’s long-term economic growth and we must align ourselves with initiatives that seek to advance this very vital cause.
“For this reason, agriculture and other factor markets must be given much-needed attention, in order to exploit opportunities that can create a vast number of jobs and boost employment profile of the Niger Delta region,” Ekere stressed.
Giving details of the collaboration with FOSTER, Ekere noted that it would improve reporting as the partner would support the production of the commission’s Quarterly Report, ensuring salient informant was captured and presented in a readable and understandable manner.
“The partnership would support improvements to prioritisation of projects and budgeting. Strengthen transparency, disciplined spending, and generally, engender overhaul of the commission’s internal systems, processes and procedures, with particular emphasis on budgeting, contract administration and program implementation.”
The leader of the FOSTER project, Mr Henry Adigun, said the delegation’s main objective was to provide technical support and strengthen NDDC’s management systems for the delivery of quality services for development.
He said that FOSTER would support the NDDC’s reporting system, help to boost budget implementation, as well as assist in project monitoring and evaluation.
In his presentation, the leader of the MADE delegation, Mr Tunde Oderinde, said the organisation would work with the UK-funded Department For International Development (DFID), which is a private sector initiative, to support the commission’s desire for maximum impact in the region.
He said that the major area of interaction was in agriculture where about 10,000 people were expected to be impacted, and added that MADE was building an enduring framework to support the projects to make them sustainable.
Oderinde said that the various projects would increase the incomes of at least 150,000 poor men and women in the Niger Delta.
“MADE adopts a market development approach to support growth in the region’s non-oil economy by stimulating sustainable, pro-poor growth in selected agricultural, input markets and improving the position of economically active poor and women in these markets by making them more inclusive,” he added.
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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.