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Tag: Nelson Ossaieze

  • CSO Urges Governor Oborevwori to act fast to prevent break down of law and order in Ibusa

    CSO Urges Governor Oborevwori to act fast to prevent break down of law and order in Ibusa

    • Warns That Community Peace Is at Risk if Lawlessness Is Allowed to Stand

    A foremost civil society organization, African Leadership Strategy and Transparency Development Initiative (ALSTDI), has lend its voice, condemning the recent installation of an illegal interim youth government in Ibusa community of Delta State.

    Describing the development as a reckless and dangerous affront to democratic values, the group urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene before the situation escalates into a full-blown community crisis.

    In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Ossaieze on Wednesday, ALSTDI stated that it was “deeply alarmed” by reports that, despite a subsisting court injunction stopping the conduct of any youth elections, the Palace of the Obuzor and the Oshimili North Local Government Chairman went ahead to inaugurate unrecognized interim youth government which are largely made up of factional cult group.

    “This is not only an affront to judicial authority, but a brazen abuse of power by political and traditional actors who are expected to be custodians of peace and order. What is currently happening in Ibusa is a deliberate attempt to bypass constitutional mechanisms and impose leadership through backdoor arrangements.” It read.

    According to ALSTDI, such disregard for due process threatens the social cohesion and political stability of Ibusa and in extension Asaba and could set a dangerous precedent for other communities if left unchallenged. They warned that youth disenfranchisement, particularly through manipulation by power brokers, fuels civic frustration, political apathy, and in some cases, violence.

    “We cannot continue to build a democracy where the law is treated as a suggestion and not a command. The court is the proper venue to settle electoral disputes, and any illegal contraption created in defiance of judicial judgments can lead to chaos.” Ossaieze said.

    ALSTDI criticized the involvement of individuals allegedly described as “non-indigenes, political thugs, and cult actors” in the secretive meeting held at the Palace of the Obuzor, where the interim body was allegedly constituted. The organization said it was unacceptable for any form of youth leadership to emerge outside the scope of inclusive, transparent, and legal electoral processes.

    Calling for urgent intervention from the governor of Delta State who is the chief security officer of the state, the organization urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently dispatch a team to assess the situation in the community and restore order.

    ALSTDI also called on the security agencies to ensure that all actors involved in the illegal installation are held accountable. The group advocated for immediate dissolution of the interim body and the need for to call the local government chairman to order.

    “We stand in solidarity with the law-abiding youth of Ibusa who have remained peaceful despite these provocations. Their resilience must not be betrayed by silence or complicity,” Ossaieze concluded.

     

     

     

  • BudgIT: ALSTDI Urges Thorough Investigations to Prevent Misrepresentation of Facts

    BudgIT: ALSTDI Urges Thorough Investigations to Prevent Misrepresentation of Facts

    •  Clarifies Projects Linked to FCC Oji River
    • Calls for Strengthened Civic Engagement, Public Accountability Efforts

    The African Leadership Strategy, Transparency Development Initiative (ALSTDI) has urged civic organization BudgIT to conduct thorough investigations and factual verifications before publishing reports on public projects, cautioning that inaccurate reporting could inadvertently mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of credible institutions.

    In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Ossaieze, on Saturday, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, good governance, and institutional accountability through independent monitoring and constructive engagement.

    The call followed ALSTDI’s independent fact-finding assessment, conducted as part of its corporate social responsibility activities, which addressed claims in BudgIT’s 2023/2024 Tracka report alleging that certain projects linked to the Federal Cooperative College (FCC), Oji River, were abandoned.

    ALSTDI explained that its investigation, which entailed continuous procurement monitoring since 2021 and a recent physical verification exercise, confirmed that the projects in question were neither abandoned nor mismanaged, contrary to the allegations.

    The statement read: “The misrepresented projects cited include: ERGP30212691 – Fencing of Government Boys Secondary School, Ibusa, Delta State:

    Our findings reveal that the project was carried out at St. Thomas Boys College, Ibusa, and not Government Boys Secondary School as stated in the Tracka report. The construction company involved is Tonigate Multinational Services Ltd., a registered firm with verified records at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The fencing of over three hectares of land has been completed and is currently in use. Also ERGP20231932 – Furnishing of a Hospital in Zone 9, Okafia, Bende L.G.A., Abia State:

    Our findings disclosed that this was a constituency project sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, with the hospital sited in Igbere, not Okafia. Executed by Swiber Africa Ltd., the furnishing project was completed in 2023. However, the medical equipment is securely stored within the hospital pending the deployment of healthcare personnel and the resolution of security challenges in the area.”

    ALSTDI noted that the Tracka report may have relied on assumptions without exhaustive verification, and that no Freedom of Information (FOI) request was sent to FCC Oji River for clarification before publication.

    The group emphasized that while the contributions of civic organizations to transparency and accountability are commendable, such efforts must be built on rigorous fact-checking and direct engagement with institutions to maintain public trust.

    “Our findings, supported by pictorial and documentary evidence, have been submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for formal review,” the statement added.

    ALSTDI further recommended that civic actors should prioritize detailed field assessments and open institutional communication to ensure accuracy in public reporting, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s democratic accountability mechanisms.

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  • Abia North Road; CSO Investigative Council Absolves FCC-Oji River, Urges Contractor to Address Quality Concerns

    Abia North Road; CSO Investigative Council Absolves FCC-Oji River, Urges Contractor to Address Quality Concerns

    The Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Investigative Council has released a statement responding to the allegations of poor construction of the Abariba-Ohafia to Ndi Okoroc Road in Abia North Senatorial District, Abia State.

    This statement, signed by the council’s convener, Comrade Nelson Ossaieze, was made available to newsmen on Tuesday following an investigation prompted by an online protest from Tochukwu Ogbuagu, an indigene of the area and a social media influencer with Kepukepu TV.

    Ogbuagu, using video evidence, accused Swiber Africa Limited, the contractor responsible for the road construction, of substandard work, particularly in the extended section of the road. His video showing what appeared to be shoddy construction practices and the poor state of the road gained significant public attention, prompting the CSO Investigative Council to conduct an independent assessment.

    According to the CSO Investigative Council, the road project was initially awarded for a 600-meter stretch, with a budget of ₦250 million. The project was funded as a constituency initiative by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, with the scope including the construction of the road and the installation of two side drains. This initial phase of the project, the council confirmed, was completed according to specifications and in compliance with the outlined bill of quantities. No major issues were raised concerning the original 600-meter stretch.

    However, following the completion of the initial phase, the community, including traditional leaders, petitioned Senator Kalu to extend the road by an additional 400 meters. Responding to this request, Senator Kalu according to report, generously funded the extension with an additional ₦52 million, which was paid directly to Swiber Africa Limited. The council’s further revealed that the portion of the road funded for extension was the focus of the controversy, where concerns over poor construction were raised.

    They also noted that while the original 600 meters were constructed to the prescribed standards, the extended section exhibited signs of premature wear and tear. The extended 400-meter stretch showed inadequate road layering and drainage issues, leading to the road deteriorating at a much faster rate than expected. These findings were corroborated with local feedback, as residents noted issues such as pooling water and visible cracks along the newly constructed stretch.

    In its statement, the CSO Investigative Council stressed that the deficiencies observed were primarily in the extension, which was managed and funded separately by Senator Kalu, and was not part of the original contract monitored by the Federal Cooperative College Oji River, which had oversight responsibility for the initial project. The council confirmed that the college had no involvement in overseeing the extension works, thereby absolving them of any responsibility for the alleged deficiencies.

    It however, called on Swiber Africa Limited to address the substandard work done on the extended section, urging the contractor to carry out urgent remediation work while recommending resurfacing the road, reinforcing its layers, and improving the drainage system to meet the required engineering specifications.

    The Council stressing the need for a thorough investigation before publicizing such issues, urged Senator Kalu to work with the contractor to address problems in the extension, ensuring its quality matches the original project.

    Furthermore, the council commend the Federal Cooperative College Oji River for its commitment to transparency and accountability in public infrastructure projects. They emphasized the need for more support for independent oversight and called for future constituency projects to include more robust monitoring mechanisms to prevent similar issues.

    Finally the council reaffirmed that, while the original project met expectations, the extension funded by Senator Kalu needed to be reviewed and appeal to the Senator to look into this matter urgently.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • CSOs Demand Investigation of Delta State NSCDC Commandant’s Alleged Abuses, Extortion

    CSOs Demand Investigation of Delta State NSCDC Commandant’s Alleged Abuses, Extortion

    The African Leadership Strategy and Transparency Development Initiative, along with allied civil society organizations, has called for urgent action and investigation  against Mr. Suleiman A. Jimoh, the Delta State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    Addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, Comrade Nelson Ossaiege highlighted grave accusations of abuse of office, extortion, assault, and infringement of fundamental human rights under Mr. Jimoh’s command.

    He specifically cited the case of Mr. Nnamdi Okezie, who was illegally arrested, detained, and extorted.

    He further stated that Mr. Okezie’s ordeal sheds light on the alarming trend of arbitrary arrests and violence against Nigerians by NSCDC officers, allegedly orchestrated by Mr. Jimoh.

    Ossaiege said victims, including Mr. Okezie, reported being subjected to physical assault and threats, highlighting a culture of impunity within the ranks.

    He stressed that the call for action extends to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to overhaul the NSCDC and direct the Minister of Interior to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations.

    He said the demand underscores the need for accountability and respect for the rule of law within Nigeria’s security agencies.

    As the nation grapples with the need for reform and transparency, the groups further reaffirmed their support for President Tinubu’s administration and emphasized the imperative of addressing corruption within the public service.

  • Coalition Fault Call For EFCC Boss, Abdulrasheed Bawa’s Removal

    Coalition Fault Call For EFCC Boss, Abdulrasheed Bawa’s Removal

    Five Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has condemned in entirety attempts to remove Abdulrasheed Bawa, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), from office.

    Under the aegis of the Civil Society Alliance for Eradication of Corruption, the groups made their position known at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.

    The CSOs includes African Leadership Strategy & Transparency Development Initiative (ALSTDI); Transparency Watch; Civil Society Alliance for Transparency and Development; Northern Nigeria Good Governance Forum and Network of Young Female Leaders of Ecowas Community.

    Some groups had since February started a campaign for Bawa’s removal, over alleged disobedience to court orders and human rights abuse.

    Led by Nelson Ossaieze of ALSTDI, the coalition contended that the call for Bawa’s removal was unacceptable.

    Ossaieze said: “As an anti-corruption coalition, we have noticed with pain, how interagency rivalry and ‘cabals’ have severely stalled the operation of the commission in the fight against corruption. This is seen in the way and manner they have severely influenced the outcome of investigations and situations whereby the commission goes ahead, they come up with procured court injunctions to stall further investigations.

    “This attitude has stalled several anti-corruption battles being investigated upon by the commission, and has often at times led to collision of interest as the Bawa is left with no option to either respect court order or go ahead with the investigation so as to recover the looted loot.

    “The call for sack and removal of Bawa at this transition period is a wrong idea that will further defeat the already established fight against some political office holders most of whom will no longer enjoy immunity and thus makes investigation easily done.

    “Bawa should be allowed to complete the ongoing investigation of some of the political office holders, including that of the ruling party. We are sure these are part of those calling for his removal, which we stand against and advise the outgoing government to ensure that such calls are not listened to but instead make him focus more on delivering his mandate.

    “The flimsy excuse under which they are calling for his removal is selective disobedience to court rulings. We all know, the standard rule if such occurs, it’s for the complainant to approach court and charge him for contempt not call for outright removal.

    “At times, we also know that under corrupt charges some court rules need to be further tested before being obeyed as it can truncate an ongoing investigation.

    “Under the same Bawa, the commission has recorded 3,785 convictions and still counting, but to our surprise this was not celebrated by anyone but rather a frivolous call for his removal is what we are seeing. His removal now will further portray us in bad light in the international community as not serious enough to build a strong institution that we need to build to ensure that our looted funds are recovered and plunged back to the economy.

    “We also, wish to advice the President elect, not to listen to this nay sayers as Bawa will no doubt assist in bringing to book and make to face justice hidden corruption and recovery of loots that the government will need to stabilize with because we can’t be on a borrowing spleen again as a nation.

    “The war against corruption especially under President Buhari has its milestones, prospects and no doubt challenges hence the need to uphold and sustain what has been done by EFCC under Bawa and ensure those accused are called up to clear their names.

    “This we must sustain, and in doing that we hereby pass a vote of confidence on Bawa and urge him to carry on with delivery of his mandate and further deepen the anti-graft agency.”