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Edo State PANDEF Claims Debunked: A Detailed Look At Niger Delta Ministry’s 2024 Budget
Edo State PANDEF Claims Debunked: A Detailed Look At Niger Delta Ministry’s 2024 Budget....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In response to the recent statements from the Edo State chapter of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) regarding the 2024 budgetary allocation to the state by the Niger Delta Development Ministry, we appreciate the opportunity to provide clarification and shed light on the broader implications of certain perspectives…CONTINUE READING.
While we acknowledge the importance of open dialogue and constructive criticism, it is essential to address the concerns raised by Elder Asemota and his group, who seem to champion a Benin agenda to the perceived detriment of other senatorial districts in Edo State.
Firstly, we want to emphasize the critical distinction between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Niger Delta Development Ministry. The NDDC focuses on oil-producing areas, whereas the Ministry encompasses the entire region, aiming to address comprehensive developmental needs. It is crucial for stakeholders to understand these distinctions to foster accurate discussions on regional development.
Furthermore, the recent claims by Edo State PANDEF insinuating a concentration of projects in non-oil producing areas merit clarification. The budgetary allocation is a result of careful consideration, and the Ministry remains committed to transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution of resources.
However, the danger lies in prioritizing a narrow Benin agenda over the overarching development of Edo State. This approach not only risks undermining principles of fairness and equity but also fosters division among senatorial districts.
The allocation of funds intended for the development of oil-producing areas is managed through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Additionally, the 13 per cent derivation fund, originating from the federation revenue, is directed to oil-producing communities via state governments, as stipulated in section 162, sub-section 2 of the Nigerian constitution.
We strongly urge Elder Asemota to conduct a thorough inquiry into the actions and initiatives executed by both the state government and the Edo representative in the NDDC. Notably, these representatives not only originate from Benin but are also situated in Benin. The inquiry should particularly center on their utilization of the direct derivation funds earmarked for the development of the oil-producing community in Edo State.
In the pursuit of regional development, it is essential for stakeholders to focus on collaborative efforts rather than internal matters that divert attention from critical issues. The Niger Delta region faces numerous challenges that require a unified approach for sustainable solutions.
Additionally, the ministry’s budget reflects the allocation of almost three billion naira to constituency projects by some members of the National Assembly representing Edo North.
This is a key factor contributing to the perceived concentration. If representatives from Benin had pursued a similar course of action, they would have witnessed a substantial increase in projects within the Benin area, supplementing the existing developments.
It is essential to emphasize that Edo State’s scope extends beyond Benin City; it encompasses three distinct senatorial districts.
Rather than advocating for increased funding in the Ministry, as endorsed by prominent leaders and youth across the region, Elder Asemota and his group from Benin seem preoccupied with investigating the source of the leaked “overnight soup.” This diversion of attention raises concerns about their priorities and detracts from the collective goal of securing improved financial support for the region.
We call upon Elder Asemota and his group to recognize that the era of political campaigns and elections has concluded. Elections have been decided, and now is the crucial phase of dedicated governance.
This is the moment to shift focus towards advocating for a more comprehensive outlook that acknowledges and attends to the varied needs of all communities within Edo State. The advancement of the region demands collaboration, comprehension, and a steadfast commitment to the welfare of every constituent, irrespective of their geographical location.
In conclusion, the Niger Delta Development Ministry reaffirms its dedication to transparency, accountability, and fairness in resource allocation for the development of the entire Niger Delta region. We remain open to constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to address concerns and ensure that the development agenda serves the collective interests of the region.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, Special Assistant on Media to HM Abubakar Momoh.
The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has appealed to residents of Abia State and other road users along the Aba–Azumini highway to protect the newly completed road from activities that could damage it.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
FERMA’s South-East 2 Zonal Director, Suleiman Mohammed Omonowo, issued the warning during an inspection of the project, cautioning against the burning of tyres during celebrations, which he said could damage the road surface.
He noted that destructive practices by some youths and community members often contribute to the early failure of road projects across the country.
“Our advice to road users, especially indigenes, is to protect the road from destruction. Let nobody come and destroy it or burn tyres in the name of celebration,” he said.
Omonowo said the Aba–Azumini highway was previously in a very bad condition before FERMA intervened, describing it as a death trap for commuters and residents.
He also expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done on the project, adding that drainage structures such as catch pits would help prevent flooding and extend the lifespan of the road.
According to him, the highway serves as a major link between Aba, several Abia communities, and Cross River State, carrying heavy traffic daily.
He urged local construction firms to improve on quality delivery to compete effectively with foreign contractors.
Meanwhile, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer in Abia State, Festus Okafor, said FERMA workers have not faced harassment or violence from residents during operations in the state.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Yobe State Command, has declared a 30-year-old inmate wanted after he escaped following a road accident involving a prison transport vehicle.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The incident reportedly occurred on April 13, 2026, while inmates were being conveyed from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Potiskum to Damaturu.
In a statement issued in Damaturu, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Abdullahi Adamu, said the vehicle conveying the inmates was involved in a crash during the journey.
He said the accident happened while efforts were ongoing to rescue those affected.
The escaped inmate was identified as Dahiru Mohammed, with prison number J/1539/24, who was admitted into custody on November 29, 2024.
The Correctional Service described him as dangerous and warned members of the public not to have any form of contact with him.
It urged residents to report any useful information that could lead to his re-arrest to the nearest security agency.
Authorities also cautioned that harbouring a fugitive is a criminal offence punishable under the law.
The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has ordered the University of Ibadan (UI) to reinstate three students suspended over their participation in a protest against tuition fee hikes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Nkeonye Maha set aside the decision of the university’s Central Student Disciplinary Committee, ruling that the students were denied fair hearing during the disciplinary process.
The court held that the failure to allow the students call witnesses and present evidence violated their constitutional right to fair hearing, rendering the sanctions against them invalid.
The affected students — Aduwo Ayodele, Mide Gbadegesin, and Nice Linus — were suspended on July 14, 2025, after taking part in a protest against increased school fees approved by the university’s governing council.
Dissatisfied with the suspension, they approached the court, arguing that the disciplinary proceedings breached their fundamental rights and due process.
They asked the court to quash the suspension, reinstate their studentship, and award damages for alleged rights violations.
In her ruling, Justice Maha agreed with their arguments, stating that the university’s actions failed to meet the standards of natural justice.
Following the judgment, rights group CAPPA hailed the decision, urging the university to comply fully, reinstate the students, and issue an apology.
The group said the ruling reinforces constitutional protections for freedom of expression and serves as a warning against the suppression of student protests in tertiary institutions.
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