News
Reps probe abandoned $38.7m NNPC-NAOC power project
The House of Representatives has unveiled plans to investigate the abandoned $38.7 million Phase 2 of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation – Nigerian Agip Oil Company joint venture Okpai independence power plant project.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by a lawmaker, Nnamdi Ezechi, who called for the intervention of federal lawmakers.
In his lead debate, Ezechi observed that the Okpai Independent Power Plant project, a joint venture between NAOC and the Federal Government, received approval from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission for the construction of Phase 2.
Ezechi said, “The House also notes that despite the substantial investment of $38.7m, and the commencement of Phase II construction in November 2017, the project ended up being abandoned, resulting in the dilapidation of the critical federal infrastructure.
“The House is aware that the Phase II project has reached approximately 90 per cent completion prior to its abandonment by contractors – Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
“The House further notes that the project site is in a grave state of decay, with billions of dollars worth of equipment and turbines unused, covered by grass, and taken over by shrubs.
“The House is concerned that the abandonment of the Phase II project jeopardises significant investments and furthermore hampers an increase in electricity generation for the nation.”
The lawmaker added that the “House is also concerned that there is ambiguity surrounding the project’s contract amount, casting doubt on accountability and transparency in its execution.
“The House recognises the fact that the NAOC and Saipem Contracting Nigeria SCNL were involved in the award and execution of the project.
“The House is disturbed about the lack of advancement of the project and the need for government action to preserve this essential national resource,” he noted.
Consequently, the House mandated its Committee on Power to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the funding and contractors, which includes NAOC and SCNL, and ascertain the impediments leading to the abandonment of the project, and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
News
LET THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE BE*
The hurriedly written press statement by the embattled Patrick Osadebamwen and OCHIAKA UGWU recently impeached as Exco of the FCT Council of the NUJ is really sad, appalling and completely unwarranted.
It is a brazen attempt by them to usurp the powers of the National Secretariat of the Union.
Article 5(9c, d) of the NUJ Constitution is so unambiguous that does not need any interpretation.
Article 5 sub section 9(C) states inter alia; “The Credentials Committee at the National level shall act independently of the President, National Secretary and any other National Officers, while the Credentials Committee at the State Council level shall be independent of State officers of the Union but shall be responsible and answerable to the National Secretariat.
5 (9d) The Credentials Committee at the State Council level shall be nominated by the State Congress subject to the approval of the National Secretariat.”
From the constitutional provisions, it is clear that the Committee is not in any materia particula answerable to any ‘Executive’ Committee member of the Council but the National Secretariat. And not to the already impeached Patrick-led Exco.
It is more worrisome that this so-called cut and join chairman is oblivious of the constitution he swore to defend. What do you expect of a place -holder chairman?
More importantly, since the National Secretariat has communicated with the Committee to go ahead with its mandate, the outgoing ‘Executive’ Committee has no locus standi in the matter whatsoever.
It is also an irony to note that the outgoing Chairman and Secretary could shamelessly claim that our respected former Chairman of Council, Mr AMOS DUNIA took over proceedings of the Extraordinary Congress. Both officers are obviously having selective amnesia. It’s appears they forgot how they came cap-in-hand to beg former leaders to come to their rescue. What can be farther than the truth. Whereas, members were told at the beginning of the Monday Extraordinary Congress that the Committee of elders and former Chairmen of Council, mandated MR. DUNIA to conduct the affairs of the Congress following the VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE passed on the Patrick Osadebamwen-led Executive by the Congress the preceding Saturday.
It is really shameful that an Executive that was saved from being disgraced and booted out of office can still have the temerity to openly and outrightly dish out tissues of lies to the public. What a shame!
The question to ask remains, if Patrick Osadebamwen and OCHIAKA UGWU who has indicated interest in contesting the election, now want to act and take decisions on behalf of the National Secretariat.
Members are aware of the antics and game being played to cover up shady deals perpetrated these past six years and we are watching.
We say NO to the attempt to usurp the constitutional role of the National Secretariat by Patrick Osadebamwen and OCHIAKA UGWU.
Enough is enough!
News
#EndBadGovernance Protest: Reps Minority Caucus Demands Justice, Compensation for Victims Arrested
News
NNPCL Debunks Video Claiming Sale Of Adulterated At Keffi Flyover Outlet
-
News22 hours ago
Court halts CBN, AGF from freezing Kano LG funds
-
Foreign22 hours ago
US election: Netayanhu opens up on Trump’s victory
-
News22 hours ago
Despite hunger govt jacks up cost of meter
-
Entertainment22 hours ago
S3xtape: Nigerian actress invites Engonga for unfettered quality balling
-
Foreign21 hours ago
White House race: Factors that worked against Kamala Harris
-
Foreign21 hours ago
US election: Kamala Harris finally concedes election to Trump
-
News22 hours ago
READ what Ghanaian celebrities are saying about Trump
-
Foreign21 hours ago
Republican Regains Control Of The Senate