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Alleged N33.2bn Fraud: EFCC Tenders More Documents Against Dasuki, Others

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Alleged N33.2bn Fraud: EFCC Tenders More Documents Against Dasuki, Others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday tendered more evidence in the trial of retired Col. Sambo Dasuki and three others before an Abuja High Court.

Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser (NSA), is charged with an amended 32-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, dishonest release, and receiving various sums of money to the tune of N33.2 billion.

He was accused of misappropriation of security funds in the accounts of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), alongside a former General Manager with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa.

Others are two firms: Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited.

The EFCC arraigned the four defendants afresh on March 25 in a case that began in 2015.

The anti-graft agency accused Dasuki, among others, of releasing the equivalent of N10 billion in foreign currencies from the NSA’s account.

The account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the 2014 presidential primary election of the then ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Dasuki and his co-defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, marked as FCT/HC/CR/43/2015.

At the resumed hearing of the case , PW1, Adariku Michael, a detective with EFCC, informed the court that the commission received an intelligence report on Sept. 21, 2015 bordering on abuse of office and money laundering.

He was taken in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN.

He alleged that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) moved huge sums of money between October 2014 and April 2015 to accounts of various companies.

The witness said the report was assigned to a special task force headed by ACE Halimah Kazeem.

The witness said that on receiving the report, the special task force swung into action and wrote a letter to the CBN.

He narrated how money for the ONSA account in the CBN was transferred to different individuals and companies into their different banks.

Responses from requests sent to CBN and other banks were tendered in evidence and marked as exhibits.

The defendants counsel , A A Usman for Dasuki, Solomon Umoh, SAN for Baba-Kusa and Acacia Holdings Limited, and A O Ayodele for Reliance Referral Hospital Limited reserved their objections

The parties, as suggested by Umoh, agreed to be shown the documents before the proceedings so that the trial can go smoothly.

Justice Charles Agbaza then adjourned the case until November 11 for continuation of hearing.

Court Sacks Zamfara Rep For Defecting From PDP To APC

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Court Sacks Zamfara Rep For Defecting From PDP To APC

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sacked Rep Abubakar Gummi, for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC).

Gummi, represents Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara in the House of Representatives,

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in a judgment, restrained the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, from further recognising Gummi as member representing Gummi/ Bukkuyum Federal Constituency.

Justice Egwuatu also made an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission. (iNEC) to conduct fresh election to fill the vacancy fot the constituency within 30 days from the day of the judgment.

The judgement was delivered on Thursday, the certified true copy was sighted on Friday.

The suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024, was filed by the PDP and its state’s Chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, as 1st and 2nd plaintiffs.

The duo, in the originating summons dated Nov. 28 but filed Nov. 29, 2024, by Ibrahim Bawa, SAN, had sued Hon Abubakar Suleiman Gummi; Speaker of the House of Representatives and INEC as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

The plaintiffs had set out four questions for determination and sought nine reliefs for determination.

They asked whether having regard to the provision of Section 68 (1) (9) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it was not unconstitutional for Gummies to retain his seat as member in the house.

They said he defected from PDP which sponsored him for the election to Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency to APC, when there was no division in the party, among other questions.

One of the reliefs sought was a declaration that it was unconstitutional for the speaker to refuse/fail to declare Gummi’s seat vacant.

Gummi, in his response through his lawyer, filed a notice of preliminary objection and a counter affidavit.

The lawmaker, in his argument, argued that his decampment was due to the crisis within the PD..

He said contrary to the deposition of the plaintiffs, the lingering unresolved internal and external crisis both at the national level and in his constituency is the reason for his defection from the party to APC.

Gummi said the crisis resulted into a state where he could no longer represent his constituents properly and ensure that they all benefit from shared distribution of the dividends of democracy within the bounds of law, and without undue interference from anyone or anything.

Delivering the judgment , Justice Egwuatu granted all the plaintiffs’ reliefs.

The judge condemned the attitude of some politicians who see defection as a normal culture.

“Before I take my fingers off the key board, let me just add, that politicians should respect the wishes of the electorates that elected them into office.

“A situation where the electorates have made their choices between different political parties and their candidates based on the manifestos and marketability of such a political party, it is legally and morally wrong for such a politician to abandon the party under which platform he or she was elected into office and move to a rival party without relinquishing the mandate of his or her former party.

“If a person must decamp, don’t decamp with the mandate of the electorates.

“Don’t transfer the votes garnered on the platform of one party to another party.

“A politician has no such rights to transfer votes of a political party to another political party.

“The law must punish such moves by taking away the benefits bestowed upon the decampee politician by the electorates.

“And that is what Section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution has done.

“Political prostitution must not be rewarded.

“In total, I resolve all the issues in favour of the plaintiffs and against the defendants,” Justice Egwuatu said.

The judge, therefore, ordered that Gummi , having defected from PDP to APC “before the expiration of the period the house was elected, automatically loses his seat as member of the House of Representatives.

He made an order restraining Gummi from further receiving monies as salaries, allowances or howsoever called in his capacity as member representing the constituency.

He also made an order directing the lawmaker to refund to the Federal Government all monies collected as salaries, allowances or howsoever called as member representing the constituency from Oct. 30, 2024 to the date of judgment.

“An order is made directing that the evidence of the refund of all monies collected as salaries, allowances or howsoever called be filed in the registry of this court within 30 days of the judgment of this court,” he said.

Justice Egwuatu consequently awarded a fine of N500, 000 in favour of the plaintiffs and against the defendants.

Nigerian Rivers Heavily polluted, Says Environmentalist … Proposes Organised Community Clean-ups To Remove Plastics, Wastes From Rivers

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Nigerian Rivers Heavily polluted, Says Environmentalist … Proposes Organised Community Clean-ups To Remove Plastics, Wastes From Rivers

An environmentalist with the Lower Niger River Basin Authority (LNRBA), Dr Olabisi Awoniyi, has warned that Nigerian rivers continue to face serious pollution challenges.

In an on Friday in Ilorin, Awoniyi described rivers as synonymous with life, noting that they remained vital sources of sustenance for humans, animals, and plants.

He observed that Nigerian rivers suffered from significant pollution, mainly caused by industrial waste, poor sewage management, and agricultural runoff, among other factors.

Awoniyi, who is an instructor and environmental scientist at the LNRBA, said rivers provide water, food, transportation, and energy, and in some areas have become cultural symbols — such as in the Argungu Fishing Festival.

“Through the rivers, we have our drinking water, it supports agriculture through irrigation, and fisheries,” he said.

According to him, rivers provide transport, generate energy through hydropower and support biodiversity; aquatic plants and animals.

He, however, lamented that there were many challenges facing our rivers and that all livelihoods that rally round them were under serious threats, saying this was detrimental to the existence of man.

He described pollution as the introduction of harmful or contaminating substances, or even excess natural materials into the environment at a rate faster than it could disperse, dilute, or decompose.

According to Awoniyi, the result is a negative effects on ecosystems and human health.

“So when harmful substances such as industrial waste, human waste in form of sewage, chemicals and plastics are introduced into our rivers, they become polluted and the effects are better imagined,” he said.

The environmental scientist explained that the Asa River in Ilorin serves as a confluence where other rivers and streams emptied their waters, adding that Asa is a tributary of the River Niger.

“Research findings have shown bacteriological contamination, high faecal coliform counts, and elevated physicochemical parameters downstream of urban and industrial discharges recorded in the river,” he said.

He noted that a healthy community thrived when its rivers were protected and appealed to residents to stop dumping refuse in gutters and channeling sewage into rivers.

“Whatever you do to the rivers have a way of coming back to you. Let us organise community clean-ups to remove plastics and waste from the rivers.

“Plant trees along riverbanks to reduce erosion and organise community education and advocacy programmes to raise awareness in rural and urban areas on the need to protect our rivers,” he advised.

How New Tax System Will Affect Youths, Small Businesses – Presidential Aide

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How New Tax System Will Affect Youths, Small Businesses – Presidential Aide

Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr Tope Fasua, says Nigeria’s new tax regime is designed to significantly reduce tax burden on majority of Nigerians, particularly the youth and small business owners.

The Atlantic Bell reports that the new tax regime being introduced by the present administration led by President Bola Tinubu will take effect from January 1, 2026.

Fasua spoke during a panellists session on “Nigeria New Tax System: What every youth should know,” at the Youth National Discourse Abuja 2025, organised by the Eleniyancares Leadership Foundation in Abuja.

He said that the primary aim of the new system was to ensure that those who should not be paying taxes in the country were exempted.

“For most youths, the President does not want you to pay any tax. That is the aim of the new tax regime for our youths,’’Fasua said.

He highlighted specific tax reliefs under the new system for low-income earners and small businesses.

“The law says that anybody earning one million naira and below per annum should go tax-free.

“That is N800,000, being the allowance you’re given for zero taxes plus N200,000 allowance for your rent.

“So, that is one million and below. So, that means you’re earning about N83,000 or so naira per month for a whole year you’re not supposed to pay taxes.

“It’s only when you have earned more than one million that you now begin to pay a minimum amount of taxation,” he said.

He added that under the new law, entrepreneurial businesses and small business owners with an annual turnover of N50 million or below would also be exempted from all taxes, including the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Fasua said that the government was only interested to collect tax on profits and not turnover and businesses falling within that turnover bracket would not pay any tax whatsoever.

He explained that the government’s tax focus was being redirected toward high earners, particularly those in the informal sector with high turnover who have historically evaded adequate taxation.

“What we’ve tried to do on the upper end for people earning N50 million and above is to take their taxes to about 24 per cent,” from a previous rate of around 18 per cent,’’ he said.

Fausa said that beyond tax reforms, the broader goal of the new regime was to create a new Nigerian economy that leverages innovation, skips outdated developmental stages and focus on adding value.

He appealed to the youths to move away from business models focused solely on buying and selling, imported goods, encouraging them to embrace innovative entrepreneurship by adding value to products and services.

On the various economic reforms under President Tinubu, the special adviser said that the positive economic indicators were evident that the President’s recent, difficult reforms were working.

Fausa noted that the national growth rate was increasing by 4.23 per cent, with a projection to hit 5 per cent by the end of the year.

“Our inflation rate is dropping month by month. In the past six months now, it’s dropping. Now we’re on 18.02 per cent.

“We’re likely to get to 13 per cent by the end of this year. By 2026 we’ll get to what they call single-digit inflation,” he said.

Fausa said that a leader is actually distinguished from followers by his ability on calculated risk-taking and power of visioning.

He described Tinubu as a bold risk-taker, citing his decisions on petroleum subsidy and on the foreign exchange rate.

“He took the risk on petroleum subsidy to say subsidy is gone right from May 29, 2023. Nigeria is beginning to reap those gains now.

“Even the Naira is getting stronger. Our reserves have gone up to 43 billion dollars, going to 50 billion dollars. Our manufacturing exports have gone up 67 per cent year on year. We’re just seeing positives everywhere.

“In fact, it’s unbelievable that in two years, less than three years, we’re seeing the kind of results that we’re seeing,” he said.

Fasua encouraged young Nigerians to engage positively with the economy and avoid “doom-scrolling” for negative news.

“This is the best country to be in the world and the place where the youths can be most prosperous,” he said.

$32.8m Data Privacy Sanction: Meta, NDPC to Adopt Settlement Terms, Monday

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$32.8m Data Privacy Sanction: Meta, NDPC to Adopt Settlement Terms, Monday

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and Meta Platforms, Inc. will, on November 3, adopt the terms of settlement in the dispute on the 32.8 million dollars fine imposed against the latter by the regulatory agency.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja fixed the date following the inability of Meta’s lawyer, Fred Onuobia, SAN, to file the processes on time.

Onuobia, on October 3, had informed the court of Meta’s plan to reconcile with NDPC in the suit the American multinational technology company filed seeking to quash the regulatory agency’s sanction.

The lawyer had told the court after Justice Omotosho had prepared to deliver a ruling on NDPC’s preliminary objection against the suit filed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

Onuobia begged the court to defer the ruling on NDPC’s preliminary objection and the ruling on the motion on notice to amend their suit.

He told the court that the parties had reached an advanced stage on settlement in the case.

He said the parties “are afraid” that the ruling might affect discussions on settlement.

And after NDPC’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, confirmed Onuobia’s submission, the judge fixed today (Oct. 31) for either adoption of terms of settlement or ruling.

When the case was on Friday, Onuobia, who also appeared for Meta Platforms, Inc., told the court that parties had reached a settlement.

“We are happy to announce to my lord that the parties have reached a settlement,” he said

He, however, apologised to court that though Meta had prepared to settle with NDPC, he was only able to file their documents this morning.

He acknowledged breaching the court protocol for filing processes earlier before proceedings.

He said the development was due to circumstances beyond their control.

“We may ask for a standdown so that the copy for the court can be filed my lord,” Onuobia prayed.

But the judge, who declined to grant application for standdown, said he must perused the terms of settlement thoroughly before delivering his ruling on it.

The judge told the lawyer that it had always been his practice to go through processes filed before his court.

“There are instances that what is not in the claims will be included in the terms of the settlement.

“So I will have to read it,” he said.

Besides, Justice Omotosho said he also had afternoon session where other matters would be heard.

Adedipe, in his response, thanked the judge for accommodating them.

The lawyer observed that earlier, the matter was scheduled for ruling on their objection but the judge reconsidered this to give them the opportunity to explore reconciliation.

Justice Omotosho consequently adjourned the matter until Nov. 3 at 12noon for adoption of the terms of settlement.

The NDPC had, on Feb. 18, imposed both a remedial fee of 32,800,000 million US dollars and eight corrective orders against Meta Inc.

The company was alleged to have violated the fundamental privacy rights of its Nigerian users with respect to behavioural advertising on Facebook and Instagram.

Dissatisfied with the action, Meta Platforms Inc., in a motion ex-parte dated and filed on Feb. 26, dragged the regulatory agency to court as sole respondent.

In the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/355/2025 and moved by Fred Onuofia, SAN, on March 4, Justice Omotosho granted one of the two orders sought.

The judge had granted leave to Meta to commence proceedings by way of judicial-review seeking, inter alia, an order of certiorari quashing the compliance and enforcement orders dated Feb. 18 issued by NDPC against the company.

It urged the court to nullify “all other investigations, proceedings and actions taken by respondent against the applicant leading to the ‘Final Orders.’”

The judge, however, refused to grant Meta’s relief seeking a stay of the proceedings of all matters relating to the “Final Orders” issued by NDPC against it, pending the hearing and determination of the judicial review proceedings.

Instead, the judge made an order of accelerated hearing of the suit.

But NDPC, in a preliminary objection filed by its lawyer and the head, ALPHA & ROHI Law Firm, Adedipe, SAN, told the court that the suit was incompetent and the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain same.

The regulatory agency, in its objection dated April 10 and filed April 11, urged the court to either strike out or dismiss the case.

Adedipe, in two grounds of argument, submitted that the originating summons filed by the company is incompetent for non-compliance with the mandatory provision of Order 34 Rule 6(1) of the FHC (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

Quoting the provision, the lawyer said: “No ground shall be relied upon or any relief sought at the hearing, except the grounds and reliefs sought in the statement.”

He also argued that the suit, as presently constituted, is grossly incompetent and academic, the reliefs sought therein, not being capable of activating the jurisdiction of the court.

“The suit is liable to be struck out/dismissed, in limine,” Adedipe had argued.

The fine against Meta came as one of the measures by the NDPC to protect Nigerians’ data under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.

Tinubu’s Aide Reveals When Nigerians Will Start Paying Fuel Tax

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Tinubu’s Aide Reveals When Nigerians Will Start Paying Fuel Tax

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has said that the proposed 5 per cent fuel surcharge will not be implemented until the economy shows clear signs of improvement.

Speaking at the Haulage and Logistics Magazine Conference and Exhibition in Lagos, Oyedele said the measure, aimed at funding road maintenance, would only take effect when the naira strengthens or global crude oil prices fall.

He explained that the surcharge, first introduced under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was designed to dedicate part of fuel revenues to road repairs — 40 per cent for federal roads and 60 per cent for states and local governments.

“The idea is brilliant and already in practice in more than 150 countries,” he said, adding that most of Nigeria’s 200,000 kilometres of roads remain in poor condition.

Oyedele disclosed that although the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) had sought to collect the levy after the removal of fuel subsidy, the committee opposed the move, describing it as “insensitive” at this time.

He said the draft tax law includes the surcharge but provides safeguards, requiring the Minister of Finance to issue a formal order before implementation.

Oyedele also assured that ongoing tax reforms will ease the burden on transport operators by eliminating multiple levies, reducing costs, and improving efficiency.

“We are not introducing new taxes; we are removing the many duplicated ones that frustrate businesses,” he said.

He added that under the reforms, small transport and logistics firms with annual turnover below ₦100 million will be exempt from company income tax and eligible for VAT refunds.

Monday Sinclair Was An Icon, We Will Immortalise Him In Rivers- Fubara

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Monday Sinclair Was An Icon, We Will Immortalise Him In Rivers- Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that the state government will take concrete steps to immortalise the memory of late Pa Monday Perekeme Sinclair, the revered former Super Eagles coach who passed away at the age of 89.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance on Thursday during the Service of Songs held in honour of the late football icon at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonnema Wharf Road in Port Harcourt.

Speaking to a crowd of family members, sports enthusiasts, and dignitaries, the Governor described late Pa Sinclair as a man of great wisdom and dedication, who made indelible contributions to football development in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

Governor Fubara commended the late coach’s legacy of service, discipline, humility, and mentorship, which, according to him, inspired generations of footballers across Nigeria.

“It will be improper and not complete if the state does not feature in this kind of programme, knowing the role late Monday Sinclair played in Rivers State when it comes to football. He was one-time our coach,” Governor Fubara said.

The Governor further assured that the Rivers State Government would take deliberate steps to ensure the late coach’s legacy endures.

“On behalf of the state and also as a friend to the family, I assure you that wherever we need to come in to immortalise the memory of this great man in the state, we will do that,” he declared.

The Governor noted that his presence at the event was motivated by both friendship and duty. He took a moment to console the bereaved family, urging them to find comfort in faith while embracing unity.

“The number of persons here to console you cannot fill the gap. The only person that can fill this gap is God. While we feel sad that he’s gone, we should also be happy that he has gone to be with the Lord. It’s a place of rest, where there is no insecurity, no need for a bulletproof car or a gate to your flat.”

Governor Fubara also used the occasion to preach unity and peace, emphasising that only peace has made it possible for his administration to continue its transformative work for the people of Rivers State.

With Mmom’s Appointment, FUET Ogoni on Firm Ground -Association

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With Mmom’s Appointment, FUET Ogoni on Firm Ground -Association

Old Boys hail Vice Chancellor’s vision, say new university is on firm foundation

Members of the County Grammar School, Ikwerre-Etche, Old Boys Association have expressed confidence that the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Ogoni, Rivers State, is on a strong footing with the appointment of Professor Chinedu Mmom as its pioneer Vice Chancellor.

During a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor at the university’s liaison office in Port Harcourt last Tuesday, the association described the appointment as a masterstroke, noting that the professor’s proven academic pedigree and administrative acumen provide assurance that the young university will thrive.

‘A Befitting Appointment’

Led by its National President, Venerable Bekwele Wabara (Rtd), the association lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing “an erudite scholar with a distinguished record in environmental studies and public service.”

Wabara described Mmom’s appointment as “befitting, spectacular, and a deserving recognition of his professional excellence and global academic standing.”

He also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his role in supporting the appointment, saying the choice of Mmom — an alumnus of County Grammar School, Ikwerre-Etche — has inspired pride among the school’s Old Boys.

“Professor Mmom is one of our brightest products, a distinguished Old Boy who has continued to make us proud,” Wabara said. “From his deliberate planning to his firm administrative approach, we can already see that FUET Ogoni is taking off on a firm foundation.”

Confidence in a Bright Start

The alumni president said the association was particularly proud of the Vice Chancellor’s efforts to ensure that the university commences academic activities in the 2025/2026 academic session.

Also speaking during the visit, a former president of the association, Professor Emenike Wami, said Mmom’s leadership style, built over decades of academic and administrative experience, would guarantee a successful take-off.

“Knowing your track record, there’s no doubt that this new university will be well-grounded and future-ready,” Wami said.

Also seaking, the National Vice President, Chief Vincent Erinwo, said optimism had remained high since Mmom’s appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver on his mandate.

“He has hit the ground running, and his leadership gives us hope that FUET Ogoni will soon become a model of academic excellence,” Erinwo added.

Tribute and Condolence:

The association also used the visit to condole with the Vice Chancellor over the death of his father, Elder Godfrey O. C. Mmom, who passed on at the age of 79.

Members prayed for the repose of his soul and praised the late elder for laying a moral and spiritual foundation that shaped his children’s achievements.

‘In Two Years, the World Will Hear About This University’

In his response, Professor Mmom thanked the alumni body for their solidarity visit and described their show of support as deeply motivating. He assured them that the management of the university was working in harmony to build a credible institution that will soon become a national reference point.

“We are building an institution that will stand out for innovation, integrity, and impact,” Mmom said. “In two years, the world will hear about this university.”

He pledged to uphold the values of hard work, discipline, and vision that County Grammar School instilled in him and others, and urged the association to continue supporting educational development.

Mmom also thanked members for their condolences over his father’s passing and invited them to participate in giving him a befitting farewell.

The visit ended with prayers for divine guidance, wisdom, and strength for the Vice Chancellor and his management team as they steer the new institution toward excellence.

About FUET Ogoni

The Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Ogoni, Rivers State, is one of Nigeria’s newest specialized universities established by the Federal Government to advance research and innovation in environmental sciences, technology, and sustainable development. The institution aims to serve as a centre of excellence for ecological research and technical education, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

Profile: Professor Chinedu Mmom

Professor Chinedu Mmom, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of FUET Ogoni, is an accomplished environmental scholar and administrator with over three decades of experience in academia and public service.
A former Dean and Head of Department at the Rivers State University, Mmom has published extensively on environmental management, sustainability, and policy development. He is also a proud alumnus of County Grammar School, Ikwerre-Etche, where he has remained an active mentor and benefactor.

Why Flooding Persists In Rivers State – Dep Gov … Commends Navy For Partnership in Flood Management

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Why Flooding Persists In Rivers State – Dep Gov … Commends Navy For Partnership in Flood Management

The Rivers State Government has frowned at the indiscriminate blockage of waterways by residents, which has led to the persistent challenge of flooding in the state.

Rivers State Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu expressed this displeasure during a Media Chat at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, 30th October, 2025.

According to the deputy governor, “the problem we have is that the canals have been blocked totally, people have built on the canals and blocked the waterways. The flood committee cannot go and uproot the houses.. The least we can do is to see how we can open the drains”. The Deputy Governor quipped.

Rivers State Deputy Governor and Chairman, Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu (Right), during the Press Briefing with the Flood Committee at the Government House, Port Harcourt on the 30th Oct. 2025.

She insisted that the attitude of dumping refuse into drains during rainfall also contributes to flash flooding and called on the people to support Government’s efforts to tackle flooding, which, according to her is everybody’s business.

Prof Odu, while insisting that the Rivers State Government remains fully committed to reducing the impact of flooding on our communities, debunked insinuations that flood has ravaged communities in the state.

The Deputy Governor, who highlighted the efforts of the Governor Fubara led administration at mitigating the flood scourge, said the committee would commence the distribution of relief materials to the flood prone Local Government Areas next week.

“From next week we will be sending things to the flood prone Local Government Areas to mitigate their pains, we are doing this because sometimes people go to the media and say flood is ravaging the State, that word is too hard, they will take one or two pictures of flooded areas and say what is the Committee doing? We are taking mitigating actions, flood prevention, and control is a tripartite approach, which involves the Federal Government, the State Government, and the Local Government,” the deputy governor further stressed.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has commended the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder for partnering with the State Government in the quest to mitigate the Flood scourge.

Rivers State Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Nma Odu made this commendation during a visit to the Commander of NNS Pathfinder Commodore Cajethan Aniaku at the Naval Base in Rumuolumeni in Port Harcourt, on Thursday, 30th October, 2025.

Prof. Odu expressed gratitude to the Officers and Men of NNS Pathfinder for partnering with the State Government and the Flood Committee in terms of ensuring the security of the relief items and for ensuring that they are preserved in a way that it would not be ruined or destroyed.

“If you did not provide a warehouse at that time, it could have been very difficult for us to find where to put the volume of these items that were procured”. Prof Odu stressed.

She thanked the Commander for the warm reception accorded to her.

The Commander NNS Pathfinder Commodore Cajethan Aniaku had earlier conducted the Deputy Governor around the warehouse, where she inspected the relief items.

NDDC Demands Retraction, Apology From Media Organisations Over Coup Story

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NDDC Demands Retraction, Apology From Media Organisations Over Coup Story

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has demanded a retraction and apology from the Punch and Daily Times newspapers over an alleged coup rumour against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In a statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC,

indicated that the Commission’s Legal Counsel, Adedipe and Adedipe Legal Practitioners, in a strongly worded letter signed by Chief Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, demanded that The Punch, the Daily Times and others retract the offensive and false publication and tender an unreserved public apology.

Adedipe said the report, “falsely alleged that Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was arrested by military intelligence for allegedly co-sponsoring a failed coup plot against President Tinubu.

“The publication further claimed, without any factual or evidential basis, that Dr Ogbuku transferred funds from NDDC contracts to finance an alleged coup plot. These allegations are entirely false, malicious, and defamatory.”

According to the letter, “Dr Ogbuku categorically denies these baseless claims. He has not been arrested, invited, or interrogated by any authority in connection with any alleged coup plot or financial misconduct. The publication represents a gross violation of journalistic ethics, as no attempt was made to contact or verify the story with him or the NDDC before its release.

“This reckless and damaging report has caused Dr. Ogbuku and his family severe emotional distress, embarrassment, and reputational harm. Friends, associates, and colleagues have inundated him with calls expressing shock and concern over the false claims.

“Accordingly, through his legal representatives, Dr Ogbuku has demanded the following from The Punch Newspaper and its editor, Awwal Owolabi:

Immediate retraction of the defamatory publication from all their news platforms; and

Publication of a written apology in at least four (4) national newspapers and five (5) consecutive editions of The Punch Newspaper, including all associated online and social media platforms.

“Failure to comply with these demands within seven (7) days from the receipt of the legal notice will compel Dr. Ogbuku to institute both civil and criminal proceedings against the publication and its editors, pursuant to the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024) and other applicable laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The NDDC reiterates its commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region, the peace and stability of Nigeria, and to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability in public service.

The NDDC Legal Counsel stated: “We therefore urge members of the public to disregard the said false report in its entirety and rely only on verified information from the Commission’s official communication channels.”

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