Politics

Uzodimma urges comprehensive audit of abandoned projects in NDDC States

Published

1 year ago

March 26, 2024

Governor Hope Uzodimma have thrown concern for comprehensive audit of abandoned projects in NDDC States

…Wants Amnesty Programme re-energised

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has called for a comprehensive audit of all abandoned projects that litter the nooks and crannies of the States that make up the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He did on Tuesday when he received in audience at the Government House Owerri, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who came to Imo State on official duty with his key officials.

Apart from the call for a comprehensive audit of all abandoned projects in the Ministry of Niger Delta and NDDC States, Governor Uzodimma further suggested that the Amnesty Programme of the Ministry be strengthened to enable the people, particularly the youths of the region, to have commensurate value from the programme.

Governor Uzodimma requested the Minister to mop up all federal allocations meant for the region and deploy them appropriately to ensure that the area is given what is due and appropriate to it in terms of infrastructure.

He promised to continue to support and partner with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, the NDDC and other Agencies under the Ministry, to achieve the expected goals.

He called on the youths of the Nigerian Delta region to desist from vandalising NDDC projects or federal government assets in the region, appealing to the Federal Government to intensify efforts at creating employment and other opportunities that will make life more meaningful for the teeming youths of the region.

Governor Uzodimma challenged the Ministry and the NDDC to take serious interest in the documentation and completion of the abandoned projects in the region, noting that, “where all the abandoned projects are completed the region will be more than 80 per cent developed.”

He expressed delight to receive the Minister and his team in Imo State and commended Engr. Momoh on the changes he has so far initiated in the Ministry since he assumed office.

The Governor however sympathised with the Minister on the shoddy nature some projects were implemented in his Ministry before now as well as the ubiquitous abandonment of projects which the Minister has met on ground on assumption of office, and encouraged him to remain as focused today as he was on assumption of office.

Earlier while informing the Governor on why they were in Imo State, Engr. Momoh said that they came “to inspect ongoing projects of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development area and the Niger Delta Development Commission and to solicit greater partnership and cooperation of the Governors of the nine States of the region.”

The Minister maintained that “the Ministry of Niger Delta Development and the NDDC are never in competition with the States rather they are in partnership for the progress and development of the region.”

He acknowledged the existence of many challenges, especially in the area of abandoned projects, but promised that his Ministry and the Commission are on course to change the narrative.

The Minister used the opportunity to inform the Governor of the scheduled meeting of the National Council on Niger Delta Affairs that will be held between April 16 and 18, 2024 where the progress and prosperity of Niger Delta Region would be discussed.

Concluding, he thanked the Governor for the good works he is doing in Imo State, commending him, especially, on road infrastructure and other legacy projects.

Engr. Momoh also made particular mention of the ongoing flyover project which the 3R government of Governor Uzodimma has recently embarked upon in Imo State.

The Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and other top Government functionaries joined the Governor in receiving the minister.

Also present were the Member Representing Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu who is also the House of Representatives Chairman on Niger Delta and Amnesty, the Federal Commissioner representing Imo State at the NDDC, Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, former minister of State Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, the Chairman Imo State Council of Elders, HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, former Imo State APC Chairman, Barr. Malcolm Nlemigbo among others.

The Minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and Directors in the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor
March 26, 2024.

Politics

2027: There’s no coalition, I know who’ll get ADC presidential ticket – Omokri

Published

6 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has said that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, will not get the sole ticket of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, come 2027.

According to him, there is no coalition against President Bola Tinubu since all those involved cannot settle for one candidate with Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Chibuike Amaechi all indicating interest.

Omokri told Arise News that one thing that political leaders in the coalition all have in common is that they all lost in 2023.

He described the coalition as a loser’s convention, adding that President Bola Tinubu has no reason to be afraid of them.

“You’re forming a loser’s convention. I mean, why should I be afraid of you?

“It happens all the time in the United States, we see people forming a loser’s convention. When you gather negative thinkers together, there’s more negativity,” he said.

Reminded that there is a certain logic behind the coalition which is that the likes Peter Obi and Atiku do not want to split their vote, which collectively beat Tinubu hands down in 2023.

Recall that Tinubu got 37% of the votes in 2023, while Atiku and Obi combined got 54% and both parties feel that they might have won on a joint ticket in 2027.

Omokri, however, noted that there is no coalition, adding, “If Peter Obi says he’s running, if Atiku says he’s running…, if we are seeing Amaechi submitting a proposal to the ADC officially for a one term presidency. I mean, have you seen any coalition there?

“There’s no coalition. What you’re just seeing is egos, different egos. The man, Peter Obi, based on what has happened in the past, it’s very unlikely to get the ticket of the ADC.

“Because if you see what’s happening with the ADC, he doesn’t have that clout within the ADC. I have a good idea who’s likely going to get a ticket. It’s likely going to go to a Northerner.

“And the man [Obi] has said, I’m definitely going to run. So, there is no coalition, there are no general forces, this is just egos going here, right, and there.”

Politics

2027: I’ll defeat Matawalle by 10am – Gov Lawal

Published

6 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Ahead of 2027 general election, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has claimed that he will defeat the former Governor of the state, Bello Matawalle, if he makes a come back to run.

Lawal stated this on Wednesday while fielding questions on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme.

The statement comes amid speculation that he might switch camp to newly unveiled African Democratic Congress, ADC, following the intractable crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

However, the governor said he remains a member of the PDP, while also dismissing speculations that he was about to decamp to the All Progressives Congress.

Speaking about what would happen if the current Minister of Defense (State) Matawalle decides to seek a ticket for the governorship position under the APC, governor Lawal said he thinks there is no reason for him to fear anybody.

He said: “The truth of the matter is, when I contested in 2023 all these forces were there. They were all in APC when I contested in 2023 and I still won.

“What do you think will change now, in 2027 is it not the same Matawalle that I took over from? I’m praying to God that he should be the one under APC, and let’s see what will happen in 2027 I’m sure history will repeat itself.

“He’s (Matawalle) the one that will be an easier race, in fact, by 10am, it should be a walk over inshallah.”

Politics

Tinubu building on Buhari’s reforms – Former SGF, Boss Mustapha

Published

6 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, says the administration of President Bola Tinubu is building on the foundation of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

Mustapha said this at the public presentation of a book, “According to the President”, written by former presidential aide, Garba Shehu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mustapha highlighted Buhari’s legacy of institutional reforms and praised Tinubu for sustaining and building upon them.

The Ex-SGF stressed that both administrations exemplify a commitment to systemic governance rather than personality-driven politics.

“President Buhari governed with duty rather than drama. He was driven by principles, not applause,” Mustapha stated.

Mustapha also highlighted key policy interventions during Buhari’s tenure, including the Petroleum Industry Act, large-scale infrastructure projects, military retooling, and the National Social Investment Programme, NSIP.

He hailed the former president for advancing reforms in agriculture, power, education, and the digital economy, describing these efforts as part of a broader architecture of inclusive development.