News
Tinubu Commissions several roads in Akwa Ibom constructed by NDDC.
In a landmark event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing all abandoned projects in the Niger Delta region. The President made this declaration while inaugurating a 600-meter bridge, 6.87km road in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State.
Represented by the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, the President praised the renewed focus and unity of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board and management. “This is the first time since 2002 that the NDDC board and management are united and focused on commissioning projects that benefit the people of the Niger Delta,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President noted that under the Tinubu administration, the NDDC has made significant strides, including connecting five local government areas in Ondo State to the national grid by commissioning a transmission station in Okitipupa. “The substation will serve 64 communities,” he added.
Akpabio called on the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to go beyond road construction and focus on empowering women in the communities with soft grants to help them preserve their farm produce, particularly fish.
In his address, Dr. Ogbuku stated that the NDDC has been commissioning a series of projects across the nine states of the Niger Delta to commemorate President Tinubu’s first year in office. “We have commissioned transmission stations, roads, and bridges as a gift to the people of the Niger Delta from the President,” he said.
The NDDC has also been providing free healthcare and enhancing e-learning in primary and secondary schools by delivering 48,000 tablets to the region.
The Honorable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, expressed his joy at the project’s inauguration, stating that it would trigger economic activities in the surrounding communities. “We are fully aware that before now, the 20 communities were disconnected. With the construction of this road, they can easily access themselves, and that means the economic activities will increase and lead to the development of this area,” Momoh said.
The Minister also noted that the performance bond signed between his ministry and the NDDC management has yielded tangible results, as evident in the projects being commissioned. “President Tinubu is deeply committed towards the development of the Niger Delta, and he has given an instruction that all abandoned projects and legacy signature projects will be completed,” Momoh added.
The inauguration of the 600-meter bridge and 6.87KM road in Ibeno is part of the Tinubu administration’s renewed focus on the Niger Delta region, underscoring the President’s commitment to addressing the long-standing developmental challenges in the region.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued a decisive deadline for the submission of the state’s 2025 budget.
His directive follows delays in re-presenting the budget, raising concerns over efficiency and governance. The governor has urged all responsible authorities to act promptly, warning that any further setbacks will not be tolerated.
Simultaneously, the Rivers State House of Assembly has granted the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) one last opportunity to appear before lawmakers. The decision comes after his repeated failure to honour previous summons, creating frustration among legislators.
During a tense parliamentary session, a prominent lawmaker called for patience while setting a strict deadline. “Let us give him one more chance, Mr Speaker,” the lawmaker urged. “I echo my colleagues’ sentiments—this is the final time we should debate this issue. He has 72 hours, just 72 hours. If he fails to appear by Monday, then we cannot blame anyone but him.”
However, their warning is clear: further delays will not be tolerated. Should the RSIEC Chairman fail to comply within the stipulated timeframe, serious repercussions could follow, including potential damage to public trust in the electoral body and the state’s governance system.
As tensions rise, all eyes remain on the RSIEC Chairman to see whether he will finally heed the Assembly’s call or face the consequences of continued non-compliance.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Gov. Sule Abdullahi of Nasarawa State has paid glowing tributes to Mr James Garba, a late former director of the Department of State Services, who was laid to rest in Kyari, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sule, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, described the deceased as a man who lived a life of godliness, modesty and charity.
“There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone, and such fittingly describes late James Garba.
“He was always rendering assistance and showing concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return,” he stated.
In her tribute, wife of the deceased, Hadiza Garba, said her late husband was a humble man who always put the needs of others before his own.
According to her, she will remember her husband for his moral standards, integrity and intelligence which he stood him out a rare gem.
On her part, his eldest daughter, Dr Deborah Usman, instilled in her and her siblings the virtues of tolerance, honesty and the love of Christ.
Usman pledged to honour her late father’s memory by sustaining his legacy of peace, faith and love for community.
For Rev. John Hayab and Dr Bagat Job, Northern CAN chairman and ECWA president respectively, Garba would be remembered for his laudable contributions to the sustenance of peace in Ham land.
Also speaking, the Kpop Ham, Dr Danladi Maude, was a remarkable patriot who left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him.
Represented by Bello Shamaki, the district head of Daddu, the traditional ruler noted that Garba lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
Garba died on February 20 at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
He was a pioneer staff of the Department of State Services who worked as part of the security detail of two past presidents before retiring in 1994.
In a pivotal development in Rivers State politics, Governor Siminialayi Fubara has extended a formal invitation to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other legislators for a strategic meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The invitation, issued by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, signifies the first time Governor Fubara has officially addressed Amaewhule as the Assembly’s Speaker.
The letter, dated 7th March, acknowledges an earlier correspondence from the governor on 5th March, in which he confirmed receipt of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
According to the invitation, Governor Fubara has directed that Speaker Amaewhule and his fellow lawmakers attend this meeting to discuss key legislative and administrative matters that affect the state’s governance.
These include:
Providing a Functional Legislative Space: Ensuring that the State House of Assembly has a suitable venue for its sittings remains a priority, as legislative proceedings are fundamental to governance.
Resolving Unpaid Allowances and Remuneration: The issue of outstanding salaries and allowances for lawmakers is expected to be addressed, which could ease tensions and foster cooperation.
Presentation of the State Budget: Budgetary discussions will be central to the meeting, as the approval of financial plans is essential for the execution of government projects.
Other Vital Governance Matters: Additional topics concerning the state’s development and administrative efficiency will also be on the agenda.
The lawmakers have been requested to meet with Governor Fubara at his office on Monday, 10th March, at 10:00 a.m.
As the state watches closely, this engagement could determine whether cooperation will be restored within Rivers State’s political framework or if further discord lies ahead.