News
Niger Delta: New Contractors Executives Pledge An End To Unpaid Executed Contracts
By Ebi Imisi
The recently inaugurated Board of the Contractors Association of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has pledged to put an end to unpaid executed contracts insisting that the wrong status quo of unpaid contracts executed in the oil-rich region has come to an end.
In a Communique issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State after a meeting which ushered in a new leadership, the body of contractors urged President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio and the NDDC under the leadership of Effiong Akwa to mobilize payments for contracts executed by its members in the region.
It lamented that the NDDC under the purview of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has failed to heed to its plights despite several letters, complaints and engagements.
Jointly issued by its President, Comrade Sylvester Tonye iyade and Secretary, Comrade John ibigbame noted that the Niger Delta Affairs boss has failed to heed to the sufferings of NDDC Contractors but under its leadership all this will change.
“The Association noted with regret that after donkey years of completely executing contracts and a certificate of completion given, the management of the Commission under the supervision of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs led by His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio has failed and or neglected to heed to the sufferings of NDDC Contractors despite several letters, complaints and engagements.
“The Association further noted with great dismay that many contractors who executed one form of project or the other with the Commission took loans to enable them to fulfil their contractual obligations on the awarded contract. Interestingly, some of these projects were completed as far back as 10 years ago. However, due to the continuous refusal of the Commission to pay our members, most of them have died as a result of indebtedness, ill-health and hopelessness; whereas the Commission daily lavishes funds on parochial and less important issues.
“The Association wishes to emphasise firmly without mincing words, that we will no longer allow the leadership of the Commission and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to further expose our members to untold hardship, ill-health and death as doing so would be tantamount to stepping on the graves of our demised members,”
It added that “as mandated by the Association, the leadership of Comrade Sylvester will not sit idly and watch our members die and wallow in indebtedness over the indiscretions , manipulations and schemings of the leadership of the Commission and the Ministry for their own selfish gains”.
The contractors further resolved to “explore all legal options available to us to see that all our contractors are paid. We wish to therefore use this medium to intimate all relevant government agencies and security agencies to take notice as we shall not fail to exercise our constitutionally guaranteed rights in this regard”.
While drawing the attention of President Buhari to the plight of NDDC contractors who have suffered for years to contribute their quota towards the development of the Niger Delta region without honour, the contractors regretted that its members have remained in poverty and servitude.
“We hope that our demands shall be given the swiftest consideration it deserves as our patience has been pushed to the brink,” the statement added.
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
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