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House Of Reps Insists Threats, Blackmail Won’t Stop NDDC Probe

Published

6 years ago

May 26, 2020

Editor

The House of Representatives said on Tuesday that it will not succumb to any form of threat, intimidation or blackmail in its quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding allegations and counter allegations of corruption rocking the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The House also said it decided to carry out the investigation as part of its legislative function, adding the exercise has not in any way hindered the forensic audit of the commission ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Reacting to series of allegation, Chairman of Committee on Niger Delta, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also denied claims by the Executive Director, Project of the IMC, Dr. Cairo Ojuogoh the House was sitting on the Commission’s 2020 budget.

The NATION reports that he insisted that the delay by the Commission in submitting its 2019 budget performance was responsible for the delay in passing the 2020 budget.

He said since threat and intimidation has not succeeded in stopping the National Assembly from carrying out its functions, those involved in the allegations have resorted to blackmail, adding that anyone who has nothing to hide should come forward to defend themselves of the allegations instead of throwing tantrums.

Tunji-Ojo dismissed claims of award of emergency contract not budgeted for by the commission, saying “Obviously, this is sheer blackmail and we expected this from the onset when the investigation process started.

He said, “The bottom line is that we are not going to be deterred. This is coming after threat to life by militants and different text messages which has failed. The next agenda to stop the legislative work is blackmail. I can say it categorically that we are more determined to work for the people of the Niger Delta”

He said it was it part of budget indiscipline for any body to award a contract for a project that was not budgeted for.

Reacting to allegations that he demanded for payment for an emergency training, which was smuggled into the 2019 budget, the lawmaker said: “I have gone through the 2019 budget as approved and I can tell you that there is no provision for emergency training and so.

” I don’s know what he is talking about. I have said it before and let me repeat it for emphasis sake that I dont have a single contract in NDDC. It started with a 17 kilometre road which they could not substantiate and now, they have come up with another thing. We are only expecting more.

” I have never had any contract with NDDC, I am not a contractor with NDDC, I have never worked for NDDC and I have never been paid by NDDC for anything.

“I am the chairman of this committee by the grace of God and I know the responsibilities on my shoulders. I know that the Niger Delta is looking up to us for succour, for intervention, for help and for a greater tomorrow. We will not mortgage of the Niger Delta people for sake of our today. That will not happen.

“I don’t have a contract, and I repeat, I dont have a contract. It is an indictment on their part if they claim that there was an award for none budgeted item. That is a very serious offence which the National Assembly must look into.”

(NATION)

(PHOTO: File)

Related Topics:#Probe NDDC House of Representatives NDDC

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Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

8 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.