*urges Nigerians to discourage wrong practices 

By: Celestine Ukah

The Community Empowerment For Development Initiative, CEDI a Non Governmental Organization, NGO, is advocating for ethical reorientation of Nigerians in public sector in order to help reduce corruption across all areas of the country.

Mrs. Onose, while briefing the press & others observe 

This advocacy was made by the Executive Director, CEDI, Mrs. Martha Onose Friday December 9, 2022 during a press conference with select-Journalists at her office in Warri, Delta State, to mark this year 2022 World anti-corruption Day and to also celebrate 20th anniversary of the body which is tagged ‘@20 uniting the World Against Corruption’ she is calling on all concerned to shun corruption as it has destroyed development of Nigerian States and its people.

Mrs. Onose charged Nigerian people to be discouraged from engaging in wrong practices, noting that CEDI will sustain its advocacy on sensitizing Nigerians on the National Anti Corruption Strategy , NACS II being in existence without much attention to the document by the people.

According to the CEDI Executive Director, it is better to prevent corruption than to let it happen, they emphasized on the need for Nigerians to seek attention toward how to manage the recovered looted funds Act signed Into law and as well all should take advantage of the law.

A Cross Section of participants at the press conference

According to the content of the press briefing by CEDI read by the Executive Director, Mrs. Martha Onose, thus:

” It is with great honor and pleasure that I welcome you all to this Event to commemorate the Anti-Corruption Day on National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS II) and pending Anti-corruption bills under the SCALE project tagged Enhancing Anti-corruption and Social Inclusive Reform Initiatives in Nigeria as you are aware, corruption is a major challenge that is hindering the growth and development of Nigeria hence it is consistently ranked one of the most corrupt countries or territories in the world as evidenced by several Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) reports. The 2021 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by Transparency International (TI) ranked Nigeria 154 out of 180 countries. The latest ranking was five places below the 2020 CPI ranking for the country. Nigeria also scored 24 out of 100 points falling back one point compared to the 2020 CPI, indicating high level of corruption as in the previous reports. Other reports including the Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends Second Survey on Corruption as experienced by the population, 2019, published by NBS and UNODC supports this position. A number of public institutions in Nigeria are not working effectively to deliver on their mandates to the citizens, this has amplified the corruption situation in the country.

“The overall effect of corruption in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large is negative with serious implications for security, living standard of the people, economic growth, and development. This affects both men, women and the vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities, even disproportionately. In terms of the Human Development Index score, Nigeria ranked 163rd in the United Nations (UN) Human Development Index (HDI) for the second consecutive year, a new report by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) as the figure remained unchanged with 0.535. Its life expectancy reached 52.7 years in 2021, the expected years of schooling was 10.1, this mean year of schooling was 7.2 and the country’s income per capita hit $4,790 in 2021.

“The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on November 17, 2022, recently launched its most extensive national measure of multidimensional poverty. The report shows that 63% of persons living within Nigeria (133 million people) are multidimensionally poor. The National MPI is 0.257, indicating that poor people in Nigeria experience just over one-quarter of all possible deprivations. Interestingly, some states in the Niger Delta where special intervention commissions like the NDDC and/or the oil and gas commissions operate still record high poverty level.Recall that in an effort to fulfill President Buhari’s campaign promises in 2015, the Federal Executive Council under his Administration approved the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2017-2021 on the 5th of July 2017. This was in compliance with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) which Nigeria is a signatory to. Under Article 5, Chapter 2 of UNCAC, State Parties are required to develop and implement or maintain effective anti-corruption policies that encourage the participation of society, reflect the rule of law, and promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs.

“The National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) and other anti-corruption laws like the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022, provides the framework that outlines how issues of grand corruption in Nigeria can be tackled. There are also a few of the anti-corruption laws such as the Whistleblower Protection Bill and Witness Protection Bill amongst others that need the assent of President Buhari to encourage citizens report corruption cases if there is legal backing of the law that seeks to protect them.

“The Objective of this meeting is;To carry out press briefing with CSOs, the media and PWDs to raise public awareness and make a case for the NACS 11.Popularize the NACs11call for implementation of NACS II and passage of pending anti-corruption billsWHAT DOES THE NACS SEEKThe NACS seeks to develop and implement mechanisms to improve the governance of public institutions at the Federal, State and Local Government levels To remove corruption related factors inhibiting their accessibility and capacity to deliver quality services to Nigerians. At the level of the private sector and society, The strategy seeks to promote the establishment of ethical standards where they do not exist and enforcement of such standards where they exist.Given the negative effects of corruption in our society, CEDI and other CSOs present, therefore, are demanding that:CEDI welcomes the announcement of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2022-2026), therefore, calls on the Federal Government to work closely with media and CSOs to popularise the implementation of the newly extended strategy and ensure that it provides mechanisms for creatively aligning different institutions and agencies in the Nigerian integrity framework, and supports private-public partnerships against corruption in a manner that ensures; effective collaboration, coordination, and synergy, as well as delineation of sectoral program priorities, within and outside the public service, whilst serving as the broad umbrella road map under which mass mobilization of citizens behind the crusade is pursued and achieved. Relevant agencies of government fast-track the process of operationalization of the adopted National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

“The NASS should move quickly to ensure quick passage and transmission of the pending anti corruption bills to the President for his assent.

“We also call on Nigerians to uphold values of honesty; integrity and transparency as well as resist, discourage and report against practices to the relevant agencies within their environment” . She stressed.

Deck Capoon Dr Michael Eyide, addressing critical stakeholders before the commencement  of the Seadogs market cleaning exercise at Okurigwre, SLGA, Saturday December 10, 2022

As part of the activities marking the 70th anniversary of the National Association of Seadogs ( Pyrates Confraternity) the association has commenced the official implementation of its programme : ” Weekend Service to Humanity” with the clearing and cleaning of Sapele Market of dirt’s and refuse to keep the environment clean, hygiene for the traders and visitors.

7am on Saturday 10, December 2022, members of the National Association of Seadogs ( Pyrate Confraternity) had gathered at the Okurigwre Market in Sapele local government area of Delta State, with critical stakeholders to commence the humanitarian service which saw them cleaning the entire market environment and packing the refuse into a waiting refuse truck for proper evacuation.

Some Seadogs pose for the press before the commencement of the exercise  

In his speech at the occasion, the Deck Capoon of the National Association of Seadogs in the area, Dr Michael Eyide, explained that the event was another vivid demonstration of the Confraternity’s abiding commitment to lend helping hands to mankind. He said they chose to do this in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of UN on SDG 3: Good Health/Well being.

He stated that since 1952, when the National Association of Seadogs ( Pyrate Confraternity) was founded by Wole Soyinka, Raph Opara, Nathaniel Oyelola, Pius Oleghe, Olumuyiwa Awe, Ikpehare Aig – Imoukhuede and Sylvanus Egbuche which they christened the “original 7”. The association has contributed immensely to national development through various advocacy and humanitarian projects, striving for the “attainment of a just society” which he said, has inspired hope in communities around the world.

In his remark, the Chairman of Okurigwre Community, Mr Akpoaisi Happy, thanked the members of the Confraternity for their wonderful commitment to humanitarian ideals and appealed to critical stakeholders to cooperate with them in their quest for Service to Humanity.

Former member, Delta State House of Assembly, Warri North State Constituency and Commissioner for Agriculture, Delta State, Hon Misan Ukubeyinje, Area Mate 7, of the Natoinal Association of Seadogs was on ground to join other Seadogs during the clean up exercise.

By: Celestine Ukah

College of Commerce Old Students Association, COCOSA, has elected Kolawole Victor Enijuni as its National President, Mrs. Yemisi Adebisi emerged as Vice President, Journalist Celestine Ukah was elected as the National Public Relations Officer, PRO of the Association.

Others also elected include: Mrs. Violet Elum- Secretary General, Elohor Gloria Enibueta Assistant Secretary, Moses Kakoh- Welfare Officer 1, Rose Daramola – Welfare Officer 2, Engr. James Adjuga- Publicity- Secretary, Ngozi Nzeribe- Treasurer and Ekama Stephen Okoro- Provost.

The National Body Election of the Association was conducted at the residence of the immediate past President, Barr. Patrick Ederi whose set of 1981 and 82 hosted.

Colleges of Old Students Association National body election which was keenly contested saw the new President Kolawole Victor Enijuni winning massively with 66 votes of the old students members present which signified that he is generally accepted to lead the Association .

In his acceptance speech the new President, Mr. Kolawole Victor Enijuni commended all members of COCOSA for putting their trust in him and the new executive to serve them, assuring that he will treat all equally in discharge of his duties in COCOSA, he promised to unite all who feel aggrieved before the election and seek for seniors and elders counsel all the time for smooth tenure.

The immediate past President of COCOSA Barr. Patrick Ederi gave his stewardship to the body, according to home some of his leadership achievements include attracting government intervention to the school, support to the football team to emerge champions of the Delta State Principal Cup Football tournament winning it back to back with two new buses among others .

He urged the new executive to sustain the development strides recorded and work hard in growing the Association.

The three members Electoral Committee that conducted the election chaired by Mr. Golohor Victor, Chief Amadi Reginald and Chief Theresa Amobokpa, charged the new executive to be active and carry everyone along as well see their election as a call to serve COCOSA and improve on things concerning their alma mater.

Newly elected Public Relations Officer, PRO of COCOSA, Celestine Ukah hailed his colleagues for voting him and the entire 11 executive members unanimously, Ukah an award winning seasoned journalist assured of disseminating the activities of COCOSA globally and also assist in discovery and recruitment of new members.

While congratulating the new leadership of COCOSA, Chairman of Team Kolaful campaign council, Chief Isaac Ehwherume commended all old students for their support and understanding in making sure there is a successful transmission of power to another elected executive to pilot the affairs of Association.

Chief Ehwherume appealed to all members to support the new executive just as he urged the ecvo to be proactive and look inwards towards attracting corporate organization and individuals as well as government in improving development of the alma mater.

Other members of the campaign team included: Sir Benson Ohajiaka – DG, AKA Alegbe Baba, Mrs Faith Okiemute – Woman- Leader, Yalaju Dere – Director Mobilisation and Engr. Osajie Chukwuyem – Director Logistics.

The 11-member executive whose mandate is two years  were sworn-in immediately by the former COCOSA President, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Dickson Onajemoh.

 *Provides Public Convenience To Alma mater 

By: Celestine Ukah

From left: Phil Idahor- Treasurer , Ann Ogele- Provost, Evang. Engr. Ñurudeen Oluoboh- VP & Phillip Adugboh,- Welfare Officer

Ugborikoko Secondary School Old Students Association, USSU, Ugborikoko, Effurun Class 90 set has donated relief materials worth thousands of Naira to Little Saints Orphanage Ekpan, Uvwie LGA, Delta State as part of activities to mark their One year in office and to also assist the less privilege in the society.

While presenting the relief items to the orphanage home Saturday December 10, 2022, Vice President of the Ugborikoko Secondary School Old Students Association Class 90 set, Evang. Engr. Nurudeen Oluoboh stated that when they were inaugurated December 11, 2021, they promised to give back to their alma mater  and to the society, hence they are fulfilling their earlier promise when they came onboard to pilot the affairs of the association.

Areanewsng.com reports that Evang. Oluoboh stressed that Ugborikoko Secondary School Old Students Association set 90 is highly committed towards improving on the their alma mater and to also assist their members that are not too doing well in order to encourage them, he added that the body has also established a cooperative as a means of welfare to support members with soft loan in order to improve on their businesses where necessary.

USSU Vice President noted that the Association also built and commissioned public convenience with well installed water systems for students and teachers of the school.

He commended all members for their support in making sure the programmes outlined are executed successfully, assuring that going forward things will be better just as he appealed to other members for more support and cooperation.

Items presented to the orphanage home include: 50kg Rice, Soft drinks, cartons of indomie noodles, litres of ground nut oil, bunch of plantain, Carton of Tin Tomatoes, packets of maggi, rolls of sachets of Milo, rolls of milk, some garri, Packets of sugar, paste and baskets of beans.

Other members of the Ugborikoko Secondary School Old Students Association Class 90 set that spoke shortly after the presentation include Phil Idahor, Treasure, Ann Ogele- Provost and Philip Adugbo- Welfare Officer.

Comrade Sonia Unobunjo (left) & HRM Omu Anioma Nneoha 

The Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo has consulted and received the Royal Blessing of Omu Anioma, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu as she begins the critical stage of her leadership mandate, which is to advocate and fight for the rights of women in the society.

She began by eulogizing Omu Dunkwu as a renowned personality in Anioma Nation whose voice reverberates in honesty, transparency and credibility.

Comrade Sonia Unobunjo (left)  HRM Omu Anioma Nneoha (Middle) & other NAWOJ Official

Unobunjo said she had come to receive wisdom, guidance, direction and above all, blessing to lead aright and bring goodwill to the NAWOJ in Delta State.

“I feel proud standing before you Your Majesty, to consult with you, not watching from afar; and then seeking your Royal blessing which I know is more than enough for me to carry on with in my administration.

“I have carefully studied your antecedents and everything about you speaks of strength, truth and honesty. You are a known voice in Anioma Nation and there is no doubt your voice will propel NAWOJ to go higher as a body of women in journalism and women fighting the course of other women.

“We have come to tap from the fountain of knowledge and we will be satisfied with the intellectual benefit of meeting you.

“More importantly ma, I need your Royal blessing and wisdom to enable me break doors to enter. I need to succeed in my quest to take NAWOJ to the next positive level. We need your direction as a strong voice for women and an advocate of quality leadership.

“NAWOJ is advocating the protection of the rights and privileges of women and girl children. We are looking at the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law. It is a known fact that women and children are more vulnerable in issues of gender based violence, and so this is one aspect of activism the NAWOJ is taking up in this period of the 16 Days of Activism.

“We want to go to the remote places to sensitize our women on their rights as far as the VAPP law is concerned, and equally, sensitize other persons who are also victimised by women. We want to sensitize the women too to discourage their wards who are into yahoo runs and other dubious money making tendencies, to desist from such ventures”, Unobunjo posited.

Omu Dunkwu indeed in her response, granted Unobunjo’s request by pronouncing blessing on her.

According to Omu, “We need a proactive NAWOJ that can stand up for the truth in our society and at the same time fight for women. I can never advocate for equality of men and women, but I can advocate for women to be supported to achieve their purpose in creation.

“My dear Sonia, I can always support you to succeed because, this is our Constituency. I thank God that your election has come and gone. Let me use this medium to congratulate you on your well deserved victory.

“I see you as an intelligent, courageous and outspoken woman who is willing to dare beyond the ordinary. You fit into my usual description of a prototype woman of the 22nd century.

“Going forward my dear Sonia, you must lead a group that is united and ready to advance a collective course. I need you to succeed; in that case you must endeavour to build a strong institution that is looking forward to having its own Secretariat and supporting women in all ramifications. The sky is your limit and I know that the woman I am seeing is ready to take the bull by its horn. Just calm down, be focused, be the woman you are and refuse to be distracted, so you can get to your desired height in the leadership of NAWOJ and beyond”, Obi Dunkwu advised.

The NAWOJ Chairman was accompanied on the visit by a member and Secretary of DBS Asaba Chapel of NUJ, Comrade Caroline Ubini.

The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested one Iredia Endurance for alleged fraud.

Endurance, who claimed to be 19-years old was recently arrested by the Commission sequel to a petition by one Chrstine Brown, a British citizen, alleging that the suspect defrauded her of £450,000.

Upon arrest, the suspect confessed he received £250,000.00 from the complainant in Bitcoin, FedEx and gift cards.

On what he did with the money, the suspect averred that they were expanded on cars, gold chains, and landed properties, among others.

Some of the items recovered from the suspect include mobile phones, laptops, sim cards and landed property.

They noted that the  suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

By: David Ogba

*We’ll make sure our over million vote go massively to PDP – SSA Nze Onuora vows

A notable political pressure group known as the Ndigbo Political Ambassadors, NPA, has endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidature of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his Vice Presidential Candidate and Governor of Delta State , Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the forthcoming 2023 polls.

The Ndigbo Political Ambassadors also endorsed Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori the PDP Governorship candidate for Delta state in the 2023 elections. The group made this known Saturday December 3, 2023 in Warri through a press conference.

Addressing Journalists during the press conference, Senior Special Assistant SSA, to Governor Okowa on Community Development and Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Nze Francis Onuora reiterated the group resolve to mobilise massively the over one million votes of the registered Ndigbo indigenous vote capacity for Atiku-Okowa, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and all PDP candidates from top to bottom in 2023 elections.

Nze Onuora vowed to deliver PDP candidates in the State and across , adding that the PDP administration of Governor Okowa in Delta state has been fair and beneficial to Ndigbo in all aspect therefore where Okowa go they go and deliver their strong support to make sure he emerge.

He enjoined all members of the group to extend their mobilizing to others in order to increase the voting strength of the PDP for wide margin victory, Nze Onuora urged all registered Ndigbo voters to go collect their PVC as INEC begin PVC distribution this December.

Hon. Festus Ukeje, Senior Special Assistant SSA Political said in any town after the indigenous people Igbos are the highest in number across the States in Nigeria and in the world, he urged them to take advantage of it for political power negotiations, just as he appealed for Lagos political model of political representations and appointments be applied in Delta in 2023 and beyond.

The Ndigbo Political Ambassadors. NPA address as read by Hon.. Ogbonnaya Igwe, Ph.D. Special Assistant on Community Development to Governor Okowa read Italia :

PRESS CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY NDIGBO POLITICAL AMBASSADORS (NPA), DELTA STATE, TODAY 3 OF DECEMBER 2022.

Gentlemen of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen.

“The Ndigbo Political Ambassadors was established as a Political Pressure Group, with the following aims and objectives.

“To create political consciousness, awareness and participation among Ndigbo in Delta State.

‘”To guide Ndigbo in taking good and appropriate political decisions, as it relates to Delta State politics and beyond.

“To remove the stigma of political apathy in the lives of Ndigbo resident in Delta State and infuse in them the consciousness of political culture and socialization.

“To sensitize and clearly make known the achievements of His Excellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okown, the Executive Governor of Delta State, in the areas of economy, social infrastructure and other dividends of democracy and governance.

“To project, mobilize and campaign for the PDP Governorship candidate in Delta State Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori of PDP and by extension His Excellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okown PDP Vice Presidential candidate alongside the Presidential candidate of PDP, Atiku Abubakar, come 2023.

“Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa has been fair to Ndigbo and other non Deltans. We have enjoyed peace more than ever before. He also extended political dividends to Ndigbo, especially as it relates to appointments of

*Hon. Chief (Amb.) Michael Nnajiofor Ezeh (JP), Executive Assistant, (EA) on Community Development.

“Hon. Festus Ukeje, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Political

” Hon. Ne Francis Onuora, Senior Special Assistant (SSA), on Community Development.

” Hon. Ogbonnaya Igwe (Ph.D), Special Assistant on Community Development.

“This is just one out of the numerous that was done for Ndigbo by His Excellency. We therefore unanimously endorse the candidacy of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori of PDP as Governorship candidate and by extension His Excellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, PDP Vice Presidential candidate and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, PDP Presidential candidate respectively.

POWERED BY:

“Hon. Chief (Amb.) Michael Nnajiofor Ezch (JP), Executive Assistant (EA) on Community Development, Hon. Festus Ukeje, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Political Matters, Hon. Nze Francis Onuora, Senior Special Assistant (SSA), on Community Development and Hon. Dr. Ogbonnaya Igwe Special Assistant (SA) on Community Development.”

Others who spoke at the large turnout and well attended political meeting include: Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Industrial Traders in Delta South & Central, Igbo Youth Movement, IYM, with their mobilized executive members, Igbo Market Traders , Rubber plantation Spare parts traders, Lower Erejuwa spare parts traders, Igbo traders in Udu, Umuoma Women and some notable Igbo political stakeholders for PDP. in Delta South and Central.

By: Celestine Ukah

*Says Labour Party has demolished other political parties in the North

*PDP exist only in Atiku palacess

The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Senator Ahmed- Baba Datti says his principal and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, has been generally accepted in the Northern parts of Nigeria for the 2023 election.

The Labour Party VP Senator Datti made this disclosure Sunday November 4, 2022 during his appearance as guest on the programme Politics Today, he xrayed the chances of the Labour Party in the forthcoming general poll, noting that the party has gathered momentum and wide acceptance across the country.

He reiterated that his party is in the race to win and is already ahead above the other political parties including APC PDP and that APC didn’t have any governor before president Buhari emerged in 2015, he pointed out that Buhari contested several elections in other political party before he finally succeeded with Tinubu support which according to him the APC presidential candidate is alone without the presidents support.

Senator Datti when asked about the PDP chances said the PDP is only existing in Atiku palaces and that party vote doest exist in 2023 election.

Nine oil-producing states received a total of N625.43 billion 13 percent oil derivation, subsidy and SURE-P refunds from the Federation Account in the last two years, 2021-2022.

The states that received the refunds dating from 1999 to 2021 are Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.

Data obtained from the Federation Account Department, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, show that a total of N477.2 billion was released to the nine states as refund of the 13 percent derivation fund on withdrawal from Excess Crude Account (ECA) without deducting derivation from 2004 to 2019, leaving an outstanding balance of N287.04 billion.

The States also got N64.8 billion as refund of the 13 per cent derivation fund on deductions made by NNPC without payment of derivation to Oil Producing States from 1999 to December.

The benefitting States still have an outstanding balance of N860.59 billion windfall from the refunds, which was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the figures, under the 13 per cent derivation fund on withdrawal from ECA without deducting derivation from 2004 to 2019, Abia State received N4.8 billion with outstanding sum of N2.8 billion, Akwa-Ibom received N128 billion with outstanding sum of N77 billion, Bayelsa with N92.2bn, leaving an outstanding of N55 billion.

Cross River got a refund N1.3 billion with a balance N792 million, Delta State received N110 billion, leaving a balance of N66.2 billion, Edo State received N11.3billion, with a balance of N6.8billion, Imo State, N5.5 billion, with an outstanding sum of N3.3 billion, Ondo State, N19.4 billion with an outstanding sum of N11.7bn while Rivers State was paid 103.6 billion, with an outstanding balance of N62.3 billion.

The States were paid in eight instalments between October 2, 2021 and January 11, 2022, while the ninth to twelfth instalments are still outstanding.

On the 13 per cent derivation fund on deductions made by NNPC without payment of derivation, the nine oil producing States were paid in three instalments this year, with the remaining 17 instalments outstanding.

Under this category, Abia State received N1.1 billion, Akwa-Ibom, N15 billion, Bayelsa, N11.6 billion, Cross River, N432 million, Delta State, N14.8 billion, Edo State, N2.2 billion, Imo State, N2.9, billion, Ondo State, N3.7 billion, and Rivers State, N12.8 billion.

Meanwhile, the benefitting States shared N9.2billion in three instalments in April, August and November 2022 as refunds on the 13 per cent derivation exchange rate differential on withdrawal from the ECA.

The three largest benefitting States were Akwa Ibom (N1.6billion), Delta State (N1.4billion) and Rivers State (N1.32billion).

Similarly, all the nine states received N4.7 billion each, totalling N42.34 billion as refunds on withdrawals for subsidy and SURE-P from 2009 to 2015. The refund, which is for all the states and local government councils, was paid on 10th November, 2022.

The Federation Account also paid N3.52billion each as refund to local government councils on withdrawals for subsidy and SURE-P from 2009 to 2015 on the same date in November.

President Buhari considers it a matter of honour and decency that debts owed to states or anyone for that matter be repaid, and in time without regards to their partisan political affiliations.

The President will continue to render equal service to all the states of the federation and an acknowledgment of this by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and the others is not out of place.

The refunds to the oil producing states will continue.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 2, 2022