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Allocation of N16bn to Cross River: NDDC insulting us – Obono-Obla

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Former presidential aide to Muhammadu Buhari, Obol Okoi Obono-Obla, has expressed dissatisfaction with the allocation of N16 billion by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for capital projects in 2023/2024, describing it as inadequate, unjust, and unfair to Cross River State.

In a statement released on Saturday morning, Obono-Obla, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), asserted that such an allocation is unconstitutional and should be rejected.

The NDDC, encompassing nine states, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers States, published the allocation for projects under their Appropriation Act 2023.

Obono-Obla questioned the basis for the NDDC to allocate only N16 billion to Cross River State out of the total of N900 billion, stating that every state within the commission should be treated equally without discrimination.

He argued against the assertion that the allocation was justified because Cross River State does not contribute to oil production, calling it wicked, illegal, wrongful, twisted, untenable, malicious, balderdash, and perverse, with no support under the NDDC Act.

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According to him, the NDDC management cannot introduce elements not contemplated by the NDDC Act, deeming the allocation unconstitutional in light of the Nigerian Constitution’s prohibition of discrimination.

Obono-Obla further contended that the 13% derivation principle does not influence the sharing template developed by the NDDC management, making the appropriation unconstitutional. He criticized those attempting to justify what he sees as blatant injustice, evident imbalance, and skewed politics in the distribution of resources among NDDC member states.

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Maiduguri flood: Ogun Govt donates N200m to Borno State

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The Ogun State Government has donated N200 million to the Borno State Government in response to the severe flooding that recently devastated the area, causing significant property damage and displacing thousands of residents.

The flooding was triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri on September 10.

Reports indicate that at least 414,000 people have been displaced, with 30 lives lost due to the disaster.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun had previously sent condolences to the people and government of Borno, praising the state government’s swift actions and the support from the Federal Government.

Kayode Akinmade, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, stated on Saturday that the donation aims to aid flood victims and provide immediate relief. He noted the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Borno State caused by the flooding and called on all Nigerians to help those in need.

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Ekiti: Gov Oyebanji appoints over 300 board chairmen, members

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Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of chairpersons and members for various government agency boards and parastatals.

This initiative aims to facilitate the efficient operation of government activities and improve service delivery.

The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode.

The appointments, which include both full-time and part-time roles, will take effect on Monday, October 7, 2024.

Governor Oyebanji congratulated the new appointees, highlighting that their roles present valuable opportunities for public service. He encouraged them to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior in their duties.

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Nigerian govt mobilises contractor to F107 Road, collapsing bridge in Abia

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Users of the Umuahia-Bende-Arochukwu-Ohafia road will soon heave a sigh of relief as the Federal Government has mobilized a new contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), to begin work on the collapsed sections of the road.

The mobilization of the new contractor followed a viral video by ABN TV titled “How Your Area,” which highlighted that the Onu Uduma Bridge, commonly known as Nmuri Bridge on the federal road, was on the verge of collapse.

The critical bridge, previously rehabilitated by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has come under severe pressure due to repeated downpours and the movement of heavy-duty vehicles, which exposed it to structural threats.

The Federal Executive Council approved additional funds for the project, supplementing the money initially approved in 2018.

The arrival of CCECC equipment at the affected site on Wednesday has brought hope to the people of Ohafia and all users of the road. This follows the termination of the previous contractor, Heartland, whose contract was revoked due to issues concerning the quality of work.

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Speaking on the arrival of the new contractor, the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Ibe Okwara Osonwa, stated that the progress was a result of his engagement with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, through the Abia State Government, to ensure repairs on the road and the Nmuri Bridge to prevent total collapse.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti, his deputy, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for their swift response to the road’s condition, but urged host communities to offer maximum cooperation to the contractor to ensure smooth and timely completion of the work.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

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