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Social Action: Communique Issued At The End Of The Twitter Space Convesation On NDDC Under The New Aadministration On The 20th Of June 2023

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Social Action
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COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE TWITTER SPACE CONVERSATION ON NDDC UNDER THE NEW ADMINISTRATION ON THE 20TH OF JUNE 2023

On 20th June 2023, Social Development Integrated Centre (Social Action) with support from the MacArthur Foundation held a Twitter Space Conversation tagged; “Setting an Agenda for the NDDC under the New Administration”. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Conversation was conceived in the frame of the ongoing project which aims at promoting accountability and effective service delivery by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC”.

This conversation brought together the management staff of the NDDC, civil society organizations, social and development practitioners, citizens of the Niger Delta Regions, and other relevant stakeholders to discuss how best citizens can work with the NDDC to promote accountability and effective service delivery. The space provided an opportunity for all in attendance to constructively discuss how the development of the region can better be championed under the new NDDC leadership.                   

This conversation had panelists namely Chairman, of Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Olanrewaju Suraju; Executive Director of Centre for Transparency Advocacy, Faith Nwadishi; political economy analyst and legislative scholar, Dr. Uche Igwe; Rights Activist and Journalist, Dr. Chido Onumah, and the Assistant Director, Public Enlightenment, and Education Department of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mrs. Ese Okwong while the Executive Director of Policy Alert, Tijah Bolton-Akpan moderated the Conversation.

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From the discussions that ensued, the following critical observations were made by participants:    

OBSERVATIONS

  1. The people of the Niger Delta have not benefited from the NDDC despite the trillions of naira that have accrued to the Commission over the years.
  1. The Commission over the years has become manipulated and used for the settlement of political associates and empowerment of the elites at the expense of the people of the region whose lives have been destroyed by oil and gas exploration.
  1. Those appointed to man the affairs of the NDDC have shown little interest in the genuine development of the region.
  1. The people of the region over the years have shown apathy and docility over the activities of the NDDC thus leaving room for a few elites to exploit the commission to their personal benefits 
  1. Accountability institutions like the ICPC, EFCC and the National Assembly have not shown adequate commitment in carrying out effective oversight of the activities of NDDC. The National Assembly specifically have been found to be more interested in the “cake” from the region rather than helping the region to develop.
  1. The operations of NDDC have continued to be shrouded in deep secrecy hence the reason corruption thrives in the Commission.
  1. Although the forensic audit of the NDDC was received by the Presidency in September 2021, 22 months after, the Presidency is yet to publish the report nor act on it.

In view of the observations, the following recommendations emerged from the dialogue:

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RECOMMENDATIONS

  1. The new administration must distinguish itself by undertaking serious reforms in the NDDC for the benefit of the people.
  1. The New Administration should constitute an independent audit board for the NDDC, to carry out regular and continuous audits of NDDC activities and publish such quarterly.
  1. The new administration should as a matter of urgency, constitute a new NDDC Board.
  1. The new administration should stop using the NDDC as an institution for political settlement, and appoint only those who have a track record of genuine interest in the course of development of the region.
  1. The funds of the NDDC are not a gift but an entitlement of the people of the Niger Delta, hence the people and the Civil society organisations must show serious interest in the NDDC revenue inflow and how these resources are spent thus checking corruption.
  1. There is an urgent need for the National Assembly to go beyond the “off your mic” charade and carry out effective oversight of the activities of the NDDC. 
  1. The ICPC is commended over the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Groups (CEPTG) launched to track project infractions. However, the ICPC and other accountability institutions must ensure those found culpable of corrupt practices in the execution of NDDC projects are held to account hence serve as deterrent to others.
  1. The new administration should create more rooms for citizens to participate in the NDDC budget processes. A strong consultation process should be established to allow adequate input and participation of community people in the budget process.
  2. The 10th National Assembly should ensure prompt passage of NDDC Budget to enable effective utilization of allocated resources. That the NDDC Budget should be made accessible to the public like every other MDA.
  1. The new administration as a starting point of reform for the NDDC should publish the forensic audit report of the commission hence show value for the resources spent in the forensic audit and most importantly empower citizens with the necessary tool to set up a tracker that will track the implementation of recommendations in the audit report.
  1. Civil society organizations should set up a tracker that will track the implementation of recommendations in the audit report.
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Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media and ICT Consultant, Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Insecurity: Gombe Governor Orders Immediate Closure Of All Gala Houses In The State

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4 weeks ago

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August 29, 2023

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Gombe state Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya
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The Gombe state Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON has ordered the immediate closure of all ‘Gala Houses’ within the State.

This is contained in a statement issues and signed by the Director General press Affairs Government House Isma’ila Uba Misilli, through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, stating that the governor gives the directives following the series of complaints from the general public on the incessant immoral, criminal activities and security breaches being perpetrated in such night clubs.

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According to the statement, the Governor has, consequently, ordered the the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Operation Hattara to mobilise their personnel to ensure strict compliance with the directive.

He therefore said for the avoidance of doubt, the affected Gala Houses are: Jami’a Gidan Wanka located at Mile 3 Yola Road, Gombe, White House Theatre (Babban Gida) located at New Mile 3 Yola Road, Gombe; Gidan Lokaci General Merchant located at Mile 3 Reservoir Road, Gombe and Farin Gida Entertainment II located at Wuro Karal, Kalshingi Road, Gombe.

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Others are: Gidan Zamani Entertainment New Mile 3, Yola Road, Tumfure, Gombe; Albarka Entertainment Located at Wuro Karal, Bypass near Hara Form, Gombe; Gala Houses Located at Kuri Town, Lubo village and Kurba village all in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area.

Also affected are Tauraren Wash located at Trailer Park, Bauchi Road, Gombe and Gala House located at Bajoga Town in Funakaye Local Government Area.

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Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media and ICT Consultant, Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Full List of The New Ministers and Their Portfolio

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1 month ago

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August 16, 2023

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Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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Nigeria President, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday 16th August, 2023 approved the appointment of the new ministers designate and also allocated their portfolios.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Ajuri Ngelale made this known while briefing State House Correspondents in Abuja,

He said that the swearing in is expected by next week after the retreat by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); adsbygoogle || []).push({});

The following is the list of the new ministers and their portfolio are:

  1. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy-  Bosun Tuani
  2. Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management-  Ishak Salako
  3. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy- Wale Edun
  4. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy-  Bunmi Tunji
  5. Minister of Power- Adedayo Adelabu
  6. Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare- Tunji Alausa
  7. Minister of Solid Minerals Development- Dele Alake
  8. Minister of Tourism- Lola Ade-John
  9. Minister of Transportation- Adegboyega Oyetola
  10. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment- Doris Anite
  11. Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji
  12. Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha
  13. Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy
  14. Minister of Works, David Umahi
  15. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
  16. Minister of Youth, Abubakar Momoh
  17. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu
  18. Minister of State, Gas Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo
  19. Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri
  20. Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh
  21. Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike
  22. Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy- Hannatu Musawa
  23. Minister of Defence- Mohammed Badaru
  24. Minister of State for Defence- Bello Matawale
  25. Minister of State for Education-  Yusuf Sununu
  26. Minister of Housing and Urban Development- Ahmed Dangiwa
  27. Minister State, Housing and Urban Developmet- Abdullahi Gwarzo
  28. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning- Atiku Bagudu
  29. Minister of Environment and Ecological Management- (***Kaduna***)
  30. Minister of State, FCT- Mairiga Mahmud
  31. Minister of State, Water Resource and Sanitation- Bello Goronyo
  32. Minister of Agric and Food Security- Abubakar Kyari
  33. Minister of Education – Tahir Mamman
  34. Minister of Interior – Sa’idu Alhaji
  35. Min. of Foreign Affairs – Yusuf Tuggar
  36. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare- Ali Pate
  37. Minister of Police Affairs- Ibrahim Geidam
  38. Minister of State, Steel Development- Maigari Ahmadu
  39. Minister of Steel Development-  Shuaibu Audu
  40. Minister of Information and National Orientation- Muhammed Idris
  41. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice- Lateef Fagbemi
  42. Minister of Labour and Employment- Simon Lalong
  43. Minister of State, Police Affairs- Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim
  44. Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs- Zephaniah Jisalo
  45. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation- Joseph Utsev
  46. Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security- Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi
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The ministerial position for Kaduna State has yet to be announced as the Senate is yet to clear the nominee.(NAN)

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Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media and ICT Consultant, Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Organised Labour Staged Protest Across The Country

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2 months ago

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August 2, 2023

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NLC Protest August 2, 22023
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  • the protest was in obedience to the directive by the NLC President
  • Wants FG To Fix Refineries,
  • Halt school fees increase

The organised labour staged protest accros the country, on Wednesday 2nd August, 2023. push({}); adsbygoogle || []).push({}); with compatriots across the country in the protest against fuel subsidy removal, with a call on The Federal Government to fix Nigeria’s refineries.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), affiliates in Plateau State called on government to halt the arbitrary increase of school fees across the country’s higher institutions, as well as the unexplained taxes and utilities tariffs.

Mr Eugene Manji, NLC Chairman in Plateau, while addressing the workers, said that subsidy removal had exposed Nigerians to untold hardship.

Manji said that some Nigerians could barely feed their families because of the harsh economic situation.

“I wonder how many parents will be able to pay their children’s school fees in September?

“The increase of fuel from N195 to N617 has affected every sector of the economy.

“We are not antagonising government, but we are suffocating under the current economic challenges.

“Before you remove subsidy, fix our refineries and stop importing refined petroleum products, and ensure that every transaction concerning petroleum is done in our local currency (Naira and Kobo),” he stated.

The chairman further appealed to the government to pay attention to the plight of the masses, and rescind it decisions.

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Mr Kenneth Shamah, Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Plateau chapter, said that it was the first time organised labour made a chatter of demands and also suggested practical solutions.

Shamah said that the peaceful protest was not only about workers, but for everyone suffering in Nigeria.

According to him, many people can no longer feed their families as many businesses have crumbled.

Prof. Chris Piwuna, National Vice President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), said that the union had always stood for students and Nigerian citizens.

Piwuna urged government, and indeed the ruling class, to have a rethink and listen to the cries of the masses.

“There are taxes everywhere, electricity tariff has gone up, and the cost of food has skyrocketed.

“In the span of just two months, the price of petrol has gone up to over 300 per cent.

“Our leaders should listen, fix our refineries and go back to the resolutions reached between the Federal Government and the NLC on subsidy removal.

“They should also pay university staff their eight months outstanding salaries,” the ASUU scribe said.

Meanwhile, the protest was in obedience to the directive by the NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, that nationwide protests be staged against the fuel subsidy removal and other Federal Government policies.

Speaking with newsmen, the Caretaker Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Mr Victor Amusan, called the attention of the Federal Government to the plight of Nigerians, occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.

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NAN reports that from the venue of the protest, the workers later marched through the streets of Osogbo, singing solidarity songs and stopping to enlighten market people and road users on the basis for their action.

Amusan said that the subsidy removal was done without provision for measures to cushion its effects on Nigerians.

He said that there should have been palliatives in place before the removal of the subsidy.

According to the labour leader, Nigerians are currently going through serious hardship because of high cost of living.

Amusan said that some tertiary institutions had also increased their tuition, expressing the fear that the situation might force many students to drop out of school.

He urged government to roll out palliatives or reverse any policy inimical to the wellbeing of Nigerians.

Vice-President of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUWEE), Mr Sadiq Adewale, said that the fuel subsidy removal was having adverse effect on everyone in the country.

Also, the immediate past President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Mr Biodun Ogunyemi, who joined the protesters in solidarity, said that they were expressing their rights to protest against what they felt government was not doing right.

Ogunyemi said that subsidy removal would only benefit the elite, adding that government should be about the people as well as their welfare and wellbeing.

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He appealed to government to pay the backlog of salaries being owed ASUU members, as the cost of living had gone up due to the subsidy removal.

NAN reports that the protest was peaceful, as the police, NSCDC and other security agencies provided security for the protesters while they marched through Osogbo metropolis.

However, business activities were not disrupted by the protest, as banks, shops and government offices were open for business activities.

NAN reports that it was only the vehicular movements that were disrupted on the routes marched through by the protesting workers.

NAN.

Author Profile

Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media and ICT Consultant, Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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