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Contractors appeal to CBN to release funds to Niger Delta Ministry, NDDC, to pay for completed projects
By Our Correspondent
Niger Delta contractors have appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Ministry of Finance to release monies to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC to fast-track their outstanding payments for projects executed in the oil-rich region.
According to sources, the contractors who had recently pleaded with the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio and the Interim Administrator of the NDDC, Effiong Akwa, to complete the payment of contractors, have now discovered that their monies are tied up in the CBN.
Responding to the plight of the contractors, Akpabio had pushed the blame to International Oil Companies, IOCs, positing that the entities owe the NDDC over $4bn.
The contractors also pleaded with the Muhammadu Buhari-led Presidency to inaugurate a permanent board for the NDDC in place of Interim Management Committee headed by Mr. Akwa.
This, according to the contractors, would pave way for a seamless transmission of policies that would in turn fast-track the disbursement of their monies.
Recall, in a statement issued recently by its Chairman and Secretary, Engr Kelvin Douglas and Preye Briggs, the coalition said their members “are dying on a daily basis as result of pressure from banks loans, harassment and intimidation”.
They added that some other contractors have developed High Blood Pressure already.
To this end, they also begged the Presidency to intervene in the matter, stressing that some contractors completed their jobs two years ago or more and are yet to access payment from the commission.
The contractors recalled that weeks ago, Akwa assembled some contractors with payments below N100million, “assuring them of payment but until now nothing has been paid”.
While making a passionate plea for the payments to be fast-tracked, they noted that billions are still being owed contractors.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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