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PANDEF hails TInubu for endorsing South South Devt Comm Bill into law

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing into law the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) bill recently passed by the National Assembly.

PANDEF noted that the presidential assent to the bill will further boost the confidence of the people of Niger Delta on the President Tinubu-led administration and its renewed efforts to bringing development to the oil-rich region.

In a statement on Wednesday signed by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Amb. Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, described the development as historic and laudable steps to bring succour to the region plagued by underdevelopment.

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Igali, according to the statement, the establishment of the commission would address peculiar social, environmental, and developmental issues.

PANDEF similarly commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill as it will help to accelerate development in the South-South.

“On behalf of the Niger Delta ethnic nationalities and peoples which make up the South-South geopolitical zone, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) conveys profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on the historic signing of the South-South Development Commission Bill into law, announcedon Tuesday the 25th of March, 2025. We also commend the National Assembly for the timely completion of work on this piece of legislation.

“This singular action has boosted the confidence of our people in the commitment of the Federal Government to promote even regional development across the country and; in particular, to address the peculiar social, environmental, and developmental challenges facing our region.

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“PANDEF is hopeful that in setting up this new Commission, Mr President will carefully select competent and tested hands with cognate skills and experience to ensure that this body plays its complimentary role to the efforts of our Governors in delivering sustainable development to the region, which continues to contribute immensely to the sustenance of the Nigerian national economy for decades.

“PANDEF reiterates that other outstanding issues, especially environmental remediation from the negative impact of oil and gas production as well as an acute deficit in basic infrastructure which constitute an existential threat to the South-South, would be treated as a priority.

“Finally , PANDEF is hopeful that based on the sustained nationwide appeals and genuine concerns from virtually every corner of the country over the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor and the State Assembly, Mr President would graciously accord urgent attention to restoration of the State back to its normal democratic governance by immediately recalling the Governor, Deputy Governor and the State Assembly”, the statement added.

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Tinubu to embark on working visit to Paris

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart for Paris, France, on Wednesday on a short working visit, the Presidency has revealed.

A statement signed by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said that during the visit, the President will appraise his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones.

He added that Tinubu will also use the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary.

This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year.

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Recent economic strides reinforce the President’s commitment to these efforts, as evidenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria reporting a significant increase in net foreign exchange reserves to $23.11 billion—a testament to the administration’s fiscal reforms since 2023 when net reserves were $3.99 billion,” Onanuga said.

He added that while away, President Tinubu will remain fully engaged with his team and continue to oversee governance activities.

He will return to Nigeria in about a fortnight, according to the statement.

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Ex-HoS Allegations Against Fubara: 30 CSOs ask security and anti-graft agencies to summon suspended governor, CoS

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The Coalition of Civil Rights Organizations, otherwise known as Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), on Wednesday demanded the immediate probe of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara following the weighty allegations levelled against him by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the State.

Highlighting some of allegations during a press briefing in Abuja, the Director General of CCLCA, Dr Gabriel Nwambu called on the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to carry out an in-depth investigation of the allegations against the Governor.

Dr. Nwambu emphasized that these allegations, if substantiated, highlight a serious crisis in governance and pose significant threats to the stability and integrity of our democratic institutions.

According to him, Dr. Nwaeke had made several alarming claims that the CSOs believe warrant immediate investigation by the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

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He noted the CSOs, numbering 30 are standing in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke who has offered to share evidence of corruption and other constitutional infractions perpetrated by Governor Fubara and Mr. Edison.

“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. It is imperative that these allegations are addressed to restore public confidence in the institutions of governance in Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”, he added.

The DG commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his decisive intervention in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, which he said has helped to stabilize the region during this tumultuous period.

Dr. Nwambu explained that the President’s action, confirmed by the National Assembly, was a critical step toward upholding democracy and ensuring the welfare of the people of Rivers State.

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He recalled the former Head of Service allegations against Governor Fubara as follows,

“Directives for Arson: Dr. Nwaeke alleged that suspended Governor Sim Fubara instructed his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to derail his suspected impeachment. This act, if proven, represents a direct violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, which mandates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

“Corruption and Financial Improprieties: It was stated that a bag of money was handed over for the purpose of executing this alleged arson. He also alleged the disbursement of large sums of money for personal interest of the suspended Governor Fubara implicating high-level corruption under Section 15(5) of the same Constitution, which emphasizes the duty of the state to combat corruption in all its forms.

“Threats to Public Safety and Security: Dr. Nwaeke expressed concern regarding planned sabotage of state infrastructure, which aims to incite public disorder. This falls under the purview of Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011), reinforcing the need for immediate intervention to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.

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“Collusion with Militant Groups: Allegations of meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders pose a serious threat to national security and violate the provisions under Section 43 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended concerning the right to property, as these actions endanger public and private assets, including critical infrastructure.

“Subversion of Labour Rights: Dr. Nwaeke also revealed attempts to compromise Labour leaders in the state to quell dissent. This breaches Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association, fundamental pillars of democracy.

“In light of these allegations, we strongly urge immediate action by the relevant agencies of Government”.

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Video: Watch Dr Nwambu of CCLCA analyse ex-River HoS allegations against suspended Gov Fubara

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Hammering on developments from last week opening of suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s underbelly by his HoS, Dr George Nwaeke.

Dr Nwaeke had over the weekend narrated all the hidden atrocities of Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.

Watch clip below:

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