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APC Support Groups to PMB, Inaugurate NNDC Board Now to Boost Developmen
A Coalition of APC support groups in the South-South region has called on the Federal government of President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately inaugurate the already constituted board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC) to pave way for the optimal functioning of the commission and the development of the region.
In a Press release signed by the national coordinators of the groups, Engr. Jator Abido, Mrs Regina Amadi, Chief Preye Ogbofoni and Comr John Umeh made available to journalist in Abuja on Wednesday, the group urges President Buhari to take the appeal seriously to avoid a breach of security and lawlessness in the region as the 2023 elections draw near.
“We want to appeal to Mr. President to make haste and inaugurate the Board of the NNDC which was dully constituted by Mr. President but could not be inaugurated because of the antics of the then Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio. It is our hope that this development will usher in the much needed development and security of the region, the statement noted.
The statement further called on all politicians especially delegates from the Niger Delta region to see the inauguration of the NNDC Board as a top priority without which no delegate from the region should participate in the forthcoming APC primaries.
“Politics is about development. Development has stalled in the region because of funds including the Ogoni Clean up project. Our appeal to delegates from the South South region is that without the inauguration of the NNDC Board, none of them should participate in the APC primaries. Boycotting the primaries is the only viable way of peacefully protesting and making the people’s voices heard”, the statement added.
While pledging their loyalty and support for President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government, the group promised to mobilise the youths of the region and Nigerians at large to queue behind candidates of the All Progressive Congress to ensure victory for the party and Nigeria come 2023.
“Our loyalty to the Federal Government and our great party, the APC is unquestionable. We shall continue to mobilise youths in the region and elsewhere to ensure the victory of the party in the forthcoming elections. All we ask for is that the Board of the NNDC should be inaugurated so that our region won’t be left behind.
“The NDDC board should be inaugurated because if they continue to neglect our agitation it will seriously affect our chances of attracting more votes and supports for the party”, the statement concluded.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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