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NDDC: We uncovered illegal spending of billions of naira as Commission refuses to submit budget performance – Reps
By Yemi Itodo
The Nigerian House of Representatives, on Tuesday, took swipes on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), describing it as a “corrupt” agency that has been engaging in “illegal and unauthorized spending”, to the tune of “billions of naira”. com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Spokesman of the House, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, in a statement on Tuesday, also accused the NDDC of refusing to avail the National Assembly with the agency’s budget performance reports for the 2018 and 2019 fiscal years.
Apparently responding to what it described as “an unhinged television interview” granted recently by the Executive Director in charge of Projects and Member of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of NDDC, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh; the House lambasted the Commission for casting aspersions on its integrity and credibility.
Dr. Ojougboh was quoted in the said interview as accusing the Lawmakers of been responsible for the delay in passage of the NDDC budget; “vandalized” and “raped” the Commission’s 2019 budget and working against the ongoing forensic audit instituted by the Presidency recently; amongst other things.
But in its response, the House said, it has rather, been pushing the Commission to do the needful and render account to the Nigerian people.
“Section 18(1) of the NDDC (Establishment) Act mandates the Commission to, not later than 30 September in each year, submit to the National Assembly, its budget estimates for the following year. The House recalls that for more than 13 months after the time required by law, the Commission deliberately failed to submit its 2019 budget to the National Assembly for approval, choosing instead to engage in illegal and unauthorized spending to the tune of billions of naira.
“It took the intervention of the House, following a motion moved by Rep. Benjamin O. Kalu on November 26, 2019, to compel the Commission to present its 2019 budget”, the House explained.
Stressing further, the House recalled that, “on December 10, 2019, the date fixed for the budget defence, the Commission failed to appear with its 2018 budget performance report, a document critical to assessing its previous expenditures and approving its 2019 budget; as a result of which, the budget defence had to be stepped down.
“The Commission was only able to return with their budget performance report on February 5th, 2020 following which the House passed the 2019 budget 3 weeks after (February 27th, 2020)”.
The lower legislative House also stated that, “the negligence and/or deliberate mischief of the Commission has also frustrated all efforts by the National Assembly to expeditiously approve the Commission’s 2020 budget”, adding that, “till date, the Commission has refused to render an account of their 2019 budget expenditures to Nigerians”.
Contrary to the allegation of budget padding leveled by Ojougboh, the House said it was rather forced to cut down the budget estimates from ₦409bn to ₦345bn when it was discovered that the Commission’s projected expenditures were unrealistic, having exceeded their revenue source by ₦63bn.
“The House is also concerned by Dr. Ojougboh’s grave allegations attempting to indict President Muhammadu Buhari of influencing the 2019 NDDC budget by inserting the so called ‘President’s regional projects’. While we have a duty to remove any suspicious items identified in the budget, it must be stated that the House is not aware of any line items in the 2019 budget estimates bearing the name or indicating the personal interests of the President”, the statement further read.
On the forensic audit instituted by the Presidency, the House waved Ojougboh’s comment as “untrue” and “misleading”, saying, it has always expressed total support for the exercise, as approved by President Muhammad Buhari.
The House boasted of been responsible for adding a provision for the forensic audit in the 2019 budget after discovering that the Commission’s original budget estimates failed to include a line for the forensic audit.
“Echoing the sentiments of Nigerians, our only concern is as to the propriety of the appointment or supervision of the forensic auditors and also to ensure that any auditing process is done in accordance with the Constitution”, the statement added.
The House insisted that, a supervision of the auditing process by the IMC or any other subjects of the audit, “defeats the cardinal principle of natural justice, nemo judex in causa sua (no-one is judge in his own cause) and undermines the integrity of the investigation”.
It expressed continuous commitment to exposing corruption, inefficiency or waste in any aspect of the government, as the Peoples’ Parliament, adding that, “our support for the forensic audit does not in any way silence or preclude our oversight mandate in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) (as altered) as both arms of government must continue to work according to the principles of the doctrine of separation of power”.
The House also vowed to continue with its independent investigations, in order to be equipped with information in anticipation of the outcome of the forensic audit.
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June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots Development
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The chieftain of the APC in Kwara state , Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, on the occasion of Democracy Day 2026 Celebration and the third years anniversary of their administrations.
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This is contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Friday in Abuja, Ajia described June 12 as a historic symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, resilience, and collective aspiration for good governance.
Ajia commended President Tinubu for demonstrating courage in implementing reforms aimed at repositioning the nation’s economy, improving infrastructure, attracting investments, and strengthening key institutions of government. He noted that the administration has laid important foundations for long-term national development.
While acknowledging these efforts, he urged the President to pay greater attention to the pressing challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians. According to him, the hopes and aspirations of citizens remain the strongest mandate of any democratic government.
The Ilorin-born security expert further called for intensified efforts to secure lives and property across the country and encouraged the President to deepen youth inclusion in governance by appointing more competent young Nigerians into strategic decision-making positions. He noted that Nigeria’s youthful population represents a vital resource for innovation, nation-building, and sustainable development.
Ajia also advocated the continuation of inclusive economic policies capable of empowering local contractors, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and investors, while ensuring that the benefits of governance are felt more directly at the grassroots.
The philanthropist and business leader equally congratulated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on the achievements recorded in Kwara State, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, social investments, and public sector reforms.
He, however, urged the governor to devote greater attention to ward-level and community-based development projects that would create employment opportunities and empower indigenous contractors, local businessmen, women, farmers, and young entrepreneurs across the state.
Ajia further advised Governor AbdulRazaq to strengthen inclusive politics and governance by expanding consultation, participation, and representation within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and across the broader political landscape.
He stressed the need for reconciliation among aggrieved party members and stakeholders to consolidate unity and ensure the party’s continued electoral success in Kwara State.
According to him, June 12 reminds Nigerians that democracy thrives when leaders listen, citizens actively participate, and governance reaches every community, including the most remote wards.
He reaffirmed his support for both the Federal and the Kwara State Governments and expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to advance under responsive, inclusive, and people-oriented leadership.
Ajia wished President Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, and all Nigerians a peaceful and memorable Democracy Day celebration, praying for greater unity, security, progress, and prosperity for the nation.
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Dr. Ajia Congratulates Sheikh Bashir Dasuki, Praises Emir of Ilorin for Unifying Decision
AbdulRahman Obaje
The Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State Alh Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D has appreciated the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, for what he described as a wise, and excellent decision in appointing Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the new Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate.
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n a congratulatory message signed by his Director of Communications and Strategy, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and made available to journalists in Abuja, Dr. Ajia said the Emir’s choice reflects his deep understanding of the religious, cultural, and spiritual aspirations of the Ilorin people.
He noted that the appointment has been widely welcomed across the Emirate, earning the acceptance and admiration of both the elderly and the youth, while resonating with the collective conscience of the entire community.
According to Dr. Ajia, the emergence of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki through a transparent and rigorous selection process demonstrates the Emir’s commitment to merit, integrity, and the preservation of the rich Islamic heritage of Ilorin. He added that the appointment has further strengthened public confidence in the Emir’s leadership and his dedication to promoting unity, peace, and religious harmony within the Emirate.
Dr Ajia, while congratulating the new Chief Imam on his well-deserved elevation, he described Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki as an accomplished Islamic scholar, teacher, and community leader whose academic credentials, spiritual discipline, and years of service to Islam have prepared him adequately for the revered position.
He expressed confidence that the new Chief Imam would provide exemplary leadership and continue to advance Islamic scholarship and moral guidance among the faithful.
“On behalf of my family, associates, and well-wishers, I congratulate Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani on this historic appointment and commend His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, for making a decision that has united the people and inspired widespread confidence across the Emirate. This appointment is a testament to the enduring values of scholarship, piety, humility, and service that have long defined the Ilorin tradition,” Dr. Ajia stated.
The Ilorin-born security expert and business tycoon prayed Allah to grant the new Chief Imam wisdom, sound health, patience, and divine guidance throughout his tenure.
He also prayed for the continued peace, stability, and prosperity of the Ilorin Emirate under the leadership of the Emir, urging the Muslim faithful to support the new Chief Imam with prayers and cooperation as he assumes the important responsibility of providing spiritual leadership to the Muslim Ummah.
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NewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots DevelopmentNewsJune 11, 2026Dr. Ajia Congratulates Sheikh Bashir Dasuki, Praises Emir of Ilorin for Unifying DecisionNewsJune 11, 2026US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership AwardEducationJune 11, 2026Varsity Don Proffers Solutions to Building Prosperous Nigeria
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US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership Award
US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership Awar
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Advocacy For Youth Leadership in Governance, Nigeria (AYLGN) has conferred the Proficiency Management Leadership Global Award on Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa, CEO and Founder of Sabua Cares Foundation.
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Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa who also holds the Traditional title of “Ebule Attah Igala” USA, was recognized as the “Most Outstanding, Competent, Quintessential, Resourceful, Experienced, Renowned & Digital Philanthropist in the 21st Century.”
The award was received on her behalf by the National Coordinator of Sabua Cares Foundation, Comrade Usman Bashiru, who led some Executive members of the Foundation to the event.
Comrade Bashiru in his speech, thanked AYLGN for honouring the founder’s modest humanitarian efforts, noting that Chief Isa has been funding all her philanthropic activities alone.
He appealed to organizations and well-meaning individuals to partner with the Foundation to scale impact on the poor and downtrodden, adding that the Foundation is open to collaborations that will touch lives positively.
Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa who joined the event via Zoom from New York, expressed gratitude to AYLGN for the honour and dedicated the award to God, widows, downtrodden women, and youths.
Presenting the award, AYLGN National Coordinator, Comrade Ajinomoh Abiodun, Mnin, said the nomination followed a joint resolution of the organization’s Board and Executive Council after a critical assessment of Chief Isa’s career, public service, and humanitarian work.
In a letter dated 2nd June, 2026, signed by Comrade Ajinomoh and Secretary General Comrade Ajayi Nike Grace, AYLGN described Chief Isa as a “trans-generational philanthropist of international standard” with “global recognition on youth development,” citing her integrity, charisma, and result-oriented leadership.
Ends.
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NewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots DevelopmentNewsJune 11, 2026Dr. Ajia Congratulates Sheikh Bashir Dasuki, Praises Emir of Ilorin for Unifying DecisionNewsJune 11, 2026US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership AwardEducationJune 11, 2026Varsity Don Proffers Solutions to Building Prosperous Nigeria