Featured
NDDC Money Is Intact, Acting MD Reacts To N40 bn Probe
Joel Ajayi
The Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, revealed that N40 billion was not missing from the commission’s account neither has it been misappropriated.
Pondei, while addressing journalists in Abuja said that the commission operates only one account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
According to him, there is no way such an amount will be missing without the Office of the Accountant General flagging it.
According to him, If you attended the hearing in the Senate, the CBN and the Accountant General’s office, gave account of how much that had been spent by the two interim management committees of the NDDC which was N81 billion.
“Out of the N81 billion, N59.1 billion was recorded to have been spent by this particular management committee here.
“In the same report from both agencies, the commission spent N38.6 billion on projects and over N35 billions of this amount, we have published in the media and none of the contractors have come out to say that they did not receive that money.
“The balance of N20.5 billion covered a wide range of things from grossly related to staff matters mostly salaries, historical debts we inherited because the IMC cleared a backlog of files left untreated that were left to continue, we have paid back hotel bills that have been there for long, Staff Duty Tour Allowances (DTA) for almost four years,” he said.
Pondei said that some staff had gone out for different assignments and for almost four years, they were yet to be paid saying that the management was clearing those.
According to him, we are still owing Transcorp Hilton Hotel N30 million and by the grace of God, we will take care of all of those.
“Apart from that we have done different interventions; nobody can find N40 billion missing, we operate accounts only in the CBN and the accounts there were published and it is from there that the investigation in the Senate was based on, the account provided by the CBN, item by item.
“So there is no way N40 billion can be missing and the office of the Account General will not flag it, the Auditor General Office also audit accounts, so let them wait and do the proper auditing and if we are found liable, then they will know what to do.
“That is why the National Assembly has the Public Account Committee which looks into all types of expenditure and revenue and does it mostly as a postmortem.”
Featured
Delta North 2027: Between Legacy and Renewal- Why Victor Ochei Represents The Future
By Austin Edemodu, PhD
The emerging political discourse surrounding the 2027 Delta North Senatorial contest raises a fundamental question about leadership, succession, and the moral obligations of those who have long occupied the public space.
Recent reports suggesting that Ifeanyi Okowa has “accepted” calls by stakeholders to re-enter the senatorial race have, understandably, stirred both interest and concern across the district.To be clear, every Nigerian, including Dr. Okowa, is constitutionally entitled to seek elective office.
However, beyond legality lies a more compelling question; one of equity, fairness, and the sustainability of democratic culture.
Should the political space continually revolve around a single individual who has, by all standards, had an extensive and privileged run in public service?
Dr. Okowa’s political résumé is both rich and undeniable. From his early days as Secretary to Ika North East Local Government, to his roles as Commissioner in multiple strategic ministries, Secretary to the State Government, Senator, and ultimately Governor of Delta State for two consecutive terms, he has occupied some of the most influential offices available within the state and beyond.
His trajectory reflects not just ambition, but opportunity; opportunity that many equally capable individuals have not been afforded.
It is precisely within this context that his reported return to the senatorial contest raises legitimate concerns. At what point does experience give way to overreach?
When does political continuity begin to resemble stagnation? And perhaps more importantly, what message does this send to a new generation of leaders waiting in the wings?
Democracy thrives not merely on participation, but on renewal. It depends on the deliberate cultivation of successors, the encouragement of fresh ideas, and the willingness of established figures to step aside in the interest of broader inclusion.
A system that recycles leadership without fostering transition risks alienating its most vibrant and innovative minds.
This is where the candidacy of Rt Hon. Victor Ochei becomes not only relevant but compelling.
A former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Ochei embodies a blend of legislative experience, administrative competence, and grassroots connection. His career has been defined not by political dominance, but by service across multiple sectors. As an engineer, lawyer, and public servant, his intellectual depth is matched by practical engagement.
His tenure in the state legislature was marked by strategic empowerment initiatives and a demonstrable commitment to constituency development.
Beyond the legislature, his role at NIMASA and his current position as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation further underscore a capacity for leadership that transcends politics. These experiences have equipped him with a national outlook and administrative discipline, qualities essential for effective representation at the Senate.
Yet, perhaps Ochei’s most distinguishing attribute is his accessibility. In an era where political office is often perceived as distant and elitist, he has maintained an open-door philosophy that resonates with ordinary citizens.
His appeal among youths, women, and grassroots communities is not incidental; it is the product of consistent engagement and inclusive leadership.
The argument, therefore, is not merely about replacing one individual with another. It is about redefining the political trajectory of Delta North. It is about choosing between continuity that risks entrenchment and renewal that promises expansion.
This is not to diminish the contributions of Dr. Okowa, but to recognize that leadership must, at some point, evolve beyond individual dominance.
The future of Delta North cannot be built on the foundations of perpetual recycling. It must be anchored on deliberate transition, generational inclusion, and visionary representation.
As 2027 approaches, the people of Delta North are presented with a choice that goes beyond personalities. It is a choice between the comfort of the familiar and the promise of the possible.
In Victor Ochei lies a candidacy that reflects not just competence, but the urgency of a new direction.
History will not merely remember who held power, but who had the courage to pass the torch.q
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News1 year agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
