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Youth groups laud Akpabio’s commitment to Niger Delta
Youth Leaders have commended the Minister, Nigeria Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio for conceiving and implementing projects in line with well-defined vision and strategies.
The Youth groups in a statement on Tuesday said, “the evidence so far is that the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, is well-informed of what is expected of him and he is rising to the occasion admirably.”
At a meeting in Owerri, the youths lauded the former governor for giving priority to basic infrastructures like roads, electricity, education, portable water, health, land reclamation, construction of jetties and canalization.
“Senator Akpabio is proffering permanent solutions to the Niger Delta problems. He is giving succour to the afflicted, building bridges of friendship across the region and giving the people a sense of belonging.”, the groups noted.
The Youth leaders also spoke on the 3 per cent contribution of Oil Companies from their annual budgets to Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) , the huge debt owed the commission by International Oil Companies, IOCs, operating in the region, Akpabio’s doggedness and sincerity about how to go about the financial needs of NDDC’s recurrent and capital expenditure,
In an address read on behalf of Youth Groups in the Niger Delta by the President, Coalition of Progressive Niger Delta Youths (CPNDY), Mr Chukwuma Nwabueze, the youth leaders praised Akpabio for properly and efficiently managing the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
They also applauded the former governor of Akwa Ibom State for galvanising the people into lending full support for the Muhammadu Buhari -led government in its resolve to transform the region.
“Our attitude to the call for the constitution of the board for the Niger Delta Development Commission in 2021 is one of extreme caution. We therefore, urge President Muhamadu Buhari not to yield to the temptation of constituting the NDDC Board now”, they noted
The youths also highlighted the on-going East West Road project, the 1050 bed space hostel in the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, human capital development, skills acquisition centres in all the 9 states of the Niger Delta and the132kv substation in Ondo State, which will supply power to about 5 local governments, as some of the projects executed by the NDDC under the strict supervision of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
“The good people of the Niger Delta Region have suffered from the myopic advice of The Ijaw Interest Advocate (IIA). We feel strongly that Mr Musa Saidu, is a busy-body that chose to cry wolf where there is none. We urge the general public to disregard the lies and rumours peddled by the Izanzan Intellectual Camp, Saidu and other unpatriotic elements.”
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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