News
Fresh Crises Rock NDDC over N111 Billion Unaccounted Accruals
*** Pitch Stakeholders Against Akpabio.
By: Isa”ac Thlama- Abuja.
Fresh crisis may be brewing at the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, over the failure of it’s new interim administrator to account for a whooping N111,621,716,618.4, which accrued to the commission in the last four months.
This is even as stakeholders have expressed fears that, the NDDC may not be able to pay April salaries, owing to it’s very lean balance in it’s accounts, which stood at N394,225,271.02, as at April 26th, 2021.
Records obtained exclusively from the Central Bank if Nigeria, CBN, indicate that, the NDDC received N73,459,210,640.42 through one of it’s two accounts, 9120179661018, domiciled with the CBN, and another, N38,054,241,559.60 through account number 0130179642013, still at the CBN.
The records also indicate that, while the balance in the first account stood at N108,264,418.38 , the second one has N285,960,862.74, as at April, 25th, 2021.
With a monthly wage bill of N1.2Billion, the NDDC requires over N700 Million additional to meet it’s salary requirement for the month of April.
As it is, there is palpable apprehension amongst staff, and stakeholders, including the state Governors of the possible failure of the commission to meet it’s core mandate, even as there are indicators of possible bankruptcy unless something is done.
It may be recalled that Governors in the region had earlier advised that an embargo be placed on spendings at the NDDC, pending the inauguration of a proper board, but that seems to have been ignored.
As it is, accusing fingers are being pointed at the minister of the Niger Delta, Senator Gods will Akpabio, for allegedly cajoling the interim administrator to embark on invisible spendings, leading to the present quagmire.
Some stakeholders who spoke to our correspondent on conditions of anonymity, alleged that, notwithstanding the denials by the minister, he has been wooing officers of investigative agencies, to forestall possible probes into the finances of the NDDC.
Our correspondent reports that, attempts to speak with the Interim Administrator of the NDDC, Mr Effiong Akwa were unsuccessful, as he was not picking his calls, neither did he respond to enquires vis sms.
The Director if Finance, who is a signatory to the NDDC accounts, Mr. Ubi Enoh, however told our reporter that he is not competent to comment on the issue, as he is not the custodian if the records obtained from the Central Bank.”I am not competent to speak on the matter. It is only my Interim Administrator, so you can direct your inquiries to him please”, he said.
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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