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NDDC saga: Don’t distract Akpabio, NYCN Tells Critics
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has urged the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswil Akpabio not to allow himself to be distracted from pursuing the reforms in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) insisting that the benefits of the reforms are being felt by the people of the region as reflected in the peace being enjoyed in the region today.
The NYCN in a statement signed by its President, Solomon Adodo reacting to allegations by critics of the Minister who accused him of passing the buck on his responsibility for the constitution of NDDC Board, urged the Minister to follow due process and not be intimidated by those who are rattled by the ongoing reforms at the NDDC.
It would be recalled that a group, Niger Delta Peoples Forum had issued a statement entitled, ‘NDDC Board: ‘Akpabio is responsible for delay of inauguration’.
However, the NYCN maintained that the allegations were baseless considering the fact that report of the Forensic Audit just submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari needs to be studied before action would be taken.
“It is spurious that the said group making allegations against the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs forgot that in the 19 years of existence of NDDC prior to this dispensation, it has always been used as conduit pipe for a few individuals to siphon resources to their private pockets without any tangible development for the region. It is rather regrettable, that now that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is on the mission of repositioning the Commission for the benefit of the entire region, these individuals are struggling to ensure that the region remains relapses back into a chaos and a redundant state”.
“The attempt by the group to thwart the achievement of Senator Akpabio such as the completion of NDDC Head office (laying claim that its was already 80% complete before his assumption of duty in July 2019); the completion of a student hostel block in Uyo; and a rural electricity project in Ondo, is laughable. The headquarter building of NDDC that was started several years ago and is completed under Akpabio is no mean achievement. While it may not be convenient for the critics to highlight the gains of NDDC under this administration, the people of the region are grateful for the reforms.” the statement noted.
The NYCN maintained that the NDDC that almost went comatose prior to the administration of President Buhari is been rejuvenated. Apart from the several infrastructural and skills acquisition programmes executed by the Commission, contractors who abandoned projects after payment fully made are returning to site to execute the projects.
Consequently, the umbrella youth body pledged to stand by the present administration to ensure that the Commission is transformed to serve the purpose it was created for.
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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