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NDDC $15bn Railway MoU Yahoo Yahoo Deal – Timi Frank
….says invites EFCC, ICPC
A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, on Sunday demanded that anti-graft agencies should investigate the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a $15 billion Trans-Niger Delta Railway Project signed by the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, with Atlantic Global Resources Inc, describing it as “Yahoo Yahoo Abracadabra.”
While.describing the action of the NDDC’s MD as illegal and a Yahoo Yahoo abracadabra, that is fraudulently laced with deceitful intentions aimed at siphoning the resources of the commission, he called on any of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, to urgently intervene, arrest, investigate and prosecute Ogbuku and his co-conspirators for attempted fraud and misappropriation.
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According to Frank in a statement in Abuja, only the Chairman of the Governing Board of the NDDC was vested with powers to enter into contracts with other firms by the Act establishing the agency.
He said, “It is worthy to note, that as part of the responsibility of the Governing Board of the NDDC, as empowered by its establishment Act No 6, 2000, only the Chairman is vested with the sole power to sign contracts or MoUs with any firm or organization.
“It is curious therefore, as to how only the Managing Director and a selected few in connivance with the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs would proceed to sign an MoU without the prior knowledge of the Chairman, but rather justifying an ultra vires action.
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“The position of the NDDC management in its reaction affirming that the $15billion Railway MoU was signed for the preliminary process for a railway network and not an award of contract, suggests that ongoing talks with this company is another calculated attempt to defraud the Niger Delta people in the guise of ‘Preliminary Studies’ for a Trans-Niger Delta Railway.
“This shady MoU without due consultation with the board, carried out by the MD of NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, with Atlantic Global Resources Inc, to build a railway network connecting the nine Niger Delta states can only be described as crass carelessness and outrightly insensitive at this time.
“Mr. Ogbuku must be reminded that the struggle for the attainment of a better Niger Delta was a battle fought by many and thus as stakeholders in this struggle, we’re mandated to serve the people relentlessly rather than engaging in the same setbacks of the past.
“In the light of the above therefore, it is clear that the MD and his partners are clearly toeing the same path as the pre-forensic audit of the commission.
“Besides, in pursuit of a better Niger Delta, we’re poised to applaud laudable projects and disapprove of white elephant projects in this regard.
“It is sad that whilst we continue to hope for overall growth and development of the region, we’re still confronted with weighty and dubious setbacks detrimental to the positive advancement of the zone.
“It will be foolhardy to jump on a Trans-Niger Delta Railway network’s feasibility, when the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had only recently in 2021 awarded a $11.7 Railway contract that would connect states in the entire region from Lagos.
“It is therefore shocking that an agency of government will seek to override the prior approval of FEC and initiate another MoU on behalf of the NDDC and the Federal Government for the same project in 2023 without due process nor approval by FEC in the twilight of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“The FEC must make its position clear as regards this recent MoU duplicating the project even as the completion of the East/West Road has since become a mirage with little or nothing done all these years.”
He called on the National Assembly, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, the nine Niger Delta States’ Governors (Advisory Board of NDDC), and all other stakeholders to outrightly reject the flawed MoU as it is of no immediate significance save for personal aggrandizement.
“Any form of support in aiding the commission to secure loans for the purpose of this purported ‘Preliminary Studies’ for the railway construction must be rejected and resisted.
“The Niger Delta people are desirous of more sustainable programmes that positively
affect daily living rather than any phantom project.
“The NDDC must focus on the implementation of its original masterplan, which no board has achieved since inception and concentrate more on Human Resource Development programmes, including training of youths, provision of better healthcare, education, etc., and cease from being used as a conduit in impoverishing the people”, Frank emphasized.
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By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, has urged religious bodies to unite in condemning the violation of religious rights across the country.
He stated, “Religious rights violations affect both Christians and others. If we genuinely want to fight against such injustices, we must do so collectively in the interest of all believers.”
Rev. Hayab emphasized that no individual, regardless of their faith, should be denied their rights. He stressed the importance of respecting religious freedoms, allowing every citizen to move freely and engage in legitimate business activities for personal and national development.
Speaking in Kaduna on Monday during a congratulatory visit by Christian journalists following his recent election as Northern CAN Chairman, Hayab reiterated, “Religious bodies must stand against the violation of others’ rights.”
He expressed concern over increasing instances of religious intolerance, warning that such actions place Nigeria among countries of concern regarding religious freedom.
According to him, religious organizations should collectively urge the government to prosecute individuals who violate others’ rights based on religious differences.
“If the government starts enforcing the law against such violations, people will understand that religious discrimination is unacceptable,” he said.
” Enforcing these laws will help create an equitable society where all citizens are treated fairly.
He also thanked the Christian journalists for their support, assuring them that the new CAN leadership would ensure that Christian voices are heard and protected.
He acknowledged the backing of Christian youths, women, church leaders, and the entire Christian community in Northern Nigeria.
Reflecting on the recent CAN elections, Hayab admitted that there were challenges but was pleased that the Northern CAN constituency united in support of the elected leadership.
He affirmed his commitment to fostering understanding and harmony, stating, “My doors are always open to diverse opinions, and I am dedicated to working together to promote peaceful coexistence for the development of Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole.”
By Israel Bulus
Young leaders who embody dedication, intelligence, and a progressive vision for their constituents stand out. Among them is Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the Member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Banking and Regulations in the House of Representatives.
His legislative approach, commitment to development, and active participation in national discourse have earned him recognition as a promising parliamentarian.
Since assuming office, Bello El-Rufai has demonstrated versatility and pragmatism in his legislative duties. His contributions on the floor of the House are not only well-articulated but also highly impactful, addressing key issues affecting his constituency and the nation at large. His active participation in debates, sponsorship of bills, and engagement in parliamentary committees reflect his dedication to governance and policy-making.
One of his defining strengths is his ability to combine youthful energy with intellectual depth, positioning himself as a progressive voice among his colleagues. He has consistently championed policies aimed at improving education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment, recognizing the importance of these sectors in nation-building.
Beyond the legislative chambers, Bello El-Rufai has taken deliberate steps to enhance the welfare of his constituents. Through various initiatives, he has worked to improve access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for the people of Kaduna North. His projects and interventions reflect a genuine commitment to grassroots development.
His leadership style is rooted in inclusivity, as he remains accessible to his constituents, frequently engaging with community leaders, youth groups, and business stakeholders. This open-door approach fosters trust and ensures that the voices of the people he represents are heard and addressed.
At a time when youth participation in politics is increasingly emphasized, Bello El-Rufai serves as a symbol of inspiration for young Nigerians aspiring to lead. His performance in the National Assembly underscores the importance of fresh perspectives and innovative ideas in governance. By balancing policy-driven leadership with grassroots engagement, he exemplifies what a modern-day legislator should be.
His presence in Nigeria’s political space also challenges negative stereotypes about young politicians, proving that with the right mix of dedication, vision, and leadership skills, young leaders can thrive and make meaningful contributions to national development.
Bello El-Rufai’s journey as a lawmaker is a testament to his passion for service, his unwavering commitment to the people of Kaduna North, and his broader vision for Nigeria. His ability to blend legislative advocacy with tangible development projects sets him apart as a quintessential parliamentarian.
As he continues to make strides in policy-making, representation, and constituency development, it is evident that his contributions will leave a lasting impact. Bello El-Rufai is not just a lawmaker; he is a symbol of the future of Nigerian leadership—one that is youthful, dynamic, and responsive to the needs of the people.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, has slammed stringent bail conditions on two Abuja-based business agents, Nsor Nyami and Iranloye Olusegun, who were put on trial by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun allegedly defrauding their employer of N10.6 million.
Justice Musa Suleiman Liman, while admitting the two business agents to bail on Monday, ordered them to produce one surety each who must deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of their landed property in Abuja to the court throughout the trial of the criminal charge against them.
The sureties to the two business agents are also to produce three years tax certificate that would be verified by the Federal Inland Revenue Service in addition to signing a N20M bail bond for the defendants to be released on bail.
Delivering ruling in their fresh bail application, Justice Liman ordered the two defendants to deposit their international passports and their passport photograph with the court, while their sureties must swear to affidavit of means and submit to the court their National Identification Certificate for the purpose of ascertaining their true identities.
Justice Suleiman, who said that he admitted them to bail on special circumstances of ill health groundS, had vacated his earlier order of January 2025, before admitting them to bail.
Nsor Nyami and Iranloye Olusegun, were arraigned before the court for allegedly defrauding their employer of N10.6 million entrusted into their care.
They were also accused of selling unregistered products to unsuspecting customers across the country before the National Agency for food Drug and Adminiu(NAFDA), sealed up their factory in Abuja.
The Inspector General of Police, who acted on the petition against them and after a thorough investigation slammed on them, a 10-count charge bordering on felony, conspiracy and criminal breach of trust contrary to Section 3 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 2007.
Although the defendants denied the charges, the IGP however alleged that the two accused persons, sometime in 2022 in Abuja, conspired amongst themselves to commit felony by dishonestly disposing of the Soya Plus product entrusted to them in violation of directives and guidelines prescribing the mode in which such trust is to be discharged.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 3 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2007 and punishable under Section 3 of the same Act.
The IGP also alleged that the two accused persons in the same year dishonestly converted the sum of N10.6M to their own use, being money given to them by various customers in the distribution of Peace Foundation International Soya Plus, and refused to remit the money to their employer.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code Act.
Also, the IGP alleged that the accused persons in 2022 in Abuja carried out the distribution of an unregistered product named Brika Soya Beans Milk without registration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 1 of the Food Product Registration Regulations of NAFDAC and punishable under Section 7 of the same Act.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/321/24, the second accused person, Olusegun Iranloye, was alleged to have criminally converted, for the purpose of stealing, the aggregate sum of N2.5m paid to him by various customers, the money being the property of his employer, contrary to Section 286 of the Penal Code Act and punishable under Section 287 of the same Act.
However, shortly after Monday’s ruling, the lead counsel to the accused persons, Ekanem Kanu Agabi, SAN informed Justice Suleiman that the two defendants would prefer to settle the dispute with the nominal complainant, while thanking the judge for admitting them to bail on health grounds.
Meanwhile, pending perfection of their bail conditions, the judge ordered that they be remanded in Kuje prison and fixed June 17, for trial of the defendants.