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Just In: Akpabio finally submits NDDC’s forensic audit report
Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has formally disclosed that the final report of the forensic audit of the administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been submitted.
The minister disclosed this while receiving in audience members of the NDDC Forensic Audit Security Committee, led by Admiral Bamidele Oluwagbamila, in his office, Abuja.
Speaking shortly after receiving the security report, the minister thanked members of the committee for their commitment to the success of the exercise.
“I am delighted to receive your report on this exercise, which started in 2020 and ended in July 2021. Though I have not looked at the nitty gritty of the report, but from my observation in your speech, I want to thank you for taking this national assignment seriously”, he said.
The assignment, according to Akpabio, “was not from us, even though the ministry supervised it. This assignment was from the President and Commander-In-Chief, Muhammadu Buhari. I want to, on his behalf, thank the security committee.”
The former Senate Minority Leader noted that “from what you have said, it is very clear that you were not only committed to your work, but you also carried out your assignment with professionalism.
“As you said earlier, there was no incidence concerning the field nor lead auditors at their residences, as well as the communities, either group or individuals.
“You were able to endear yourselves to the host communities and they, in return, gave you all the support in your assignment.”
Speaking further, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, added, “to the glory of God, the Forensic Audit Report is ready for submission to Mr President.
“It was also important that we also hear from the Security Team, thank them for their comportment, candor and discipline throughout the exercise.
“The forensic audit couldn’t have been successful without the involvement of the security agencies. We equally thank you for deeming it necessary to also give your independent report on what you saw, how you saw it and what the situation is in the Niger Delta Region, apart from providing security.
“If there are areas I need to take extracts for the Commander-In-Chief, to take further actions, I will do so. I know that history will remember you for good and what you have done. This exercise definitely is a turning point for the NDDC and the development of the Niger Delta Region,” he stressed.
Earlier in his speech, the leader of the security committee, Admiral Bamidele Oluwagbamila, thanked the president through the minister for the opportunity given them to contribute their quota to bring about the needed change in the commission.
“We are very happy to report that after almost over a year after the commencement of this assignment, that job has been successfully completed. We worked with the Auditors and provided them the right environment for them to do their job successfully.
“We secured them in their hotels and the projects’ site. Throughout the period, we enjoyed the support of the ministry, which provided all the logistics needed for the job. Over 398 personnel from across the services were engaged for the exercise.
“This exercise is a big plus for the Ministry of Niger Delta. I want to congratulate the minister for carrying it out, as directed by our Commander-In- Chief.
“Throughout the duration of the exercise, nobody died and all the property under our care can conveniently be accounted for. Once again, it is a honour and privilege to have worked with you in this task,” he declared.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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