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Ex-Lawmaker Farah Dagogo Demands Accountability for 13% Derivation Funds in Niger Delta
Ex-Lawmaker Farah Dagogo Demands Accountability for 13% Derivation Funds in Niger Delta....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Former federal lawmaker, Farah Dagogo, has expressed grave concerns over the management of the 13% derivation funds by the governors of the nine Niger Delta states, funds that are crucial for the development of oil-producing communities in the region. Dagogo, who represented the Bonny-Degema Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, voiced his worries in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Monday morning.
The statement, signed by his media aide, Ibrahim Lawal, was made available to PUNCH Online. As a governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, Dagogo highlighted the alarming situation where trillions of naira, constitutionally allocated to the Niger Delta over the past 23 years through the 13% derivation, have not translated into tangible improvements for the oil-producing communities.
Dagogo noted that despite the Federal Government’s shortcomings in various areas, it has consistently increased the 13% derivation allocations to the Niger Delta states. In the first half of 2024 alone, over N600 billion was released to the region. “In January, N57.92 billion was released to oil-producing states. In February, it rose to N85.10 billion, and by March, the states received N166.24 billion,” he stated. The trend continued with N90.12 billion in April, N120.45 billion in May, and N106.50 billion in June.
Despite these substantial allocations, Dagogo criticized successive governors for their failure to uplift the communities, where people still live in “squalor, diseases, and the worst forms of poverty.” He lamented that instead of acting as custodians of these funds, governors perceive them as “free monies,” leading to widespread mismanagement and a lack of accountability.
“The 13% derivation is meant to assist oil-producing communities in addressing infrastructural decay and degradation. Yet, after more than two decades, what do we have to show for the vast sums of money allocated?” Dagogo asked. He pointed out that the governors often prioritize their personal interests over the development of these communities, leading to in-fighting among political elites trying to control these funds.
Dagogo called for an investigation into the living conditions in these oil-producing areas, which he described as appalling. “No electricity, no drinking water, no roads—there is a total lack of basic amenities,” he said. He questioned the governors’ indifference to the suffering of the communities they are supposed to serve, accusing them of enriching themselves rather than committing funds to meaningful development.
Dagogo demanded transparency and accountability in the management of the derivation funds, urging the governors to explain how these funds have been spent. He concluded with a note of scepticism, expressing doubt that any substantial explanation would be forthcoming, given the apparent apathy of the people towards their ongoing deprivation.
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AFRICAN FOOTBALL PAYS HOMAGE: Emotional Outpouring As Super Falcons Legend Osinachi Ohale Bids International Career Farewell
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has extended heartfelt tributes to veteran Super Falcons defender Osinachi Ohale following her official retirement from international football, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 16-year journey representing Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
At 34 years of age, Ohale announced her retirement, marking the end of an era defined by immense dedication. Her legendary career includes representing Nigeria across four FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments (2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023) and seven Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) editions, ultimately clinching five WAFCON titles for the country.
Reflecting on her departure from the national team, Ohale shared an emotional statement on Instagram:
“After 16 years of wearing the Nigeria jersey, representing my country and giving everything I had for this beautiful sport, I have made the very difficult decision to retire from international football… I gave this jersey my youth, my strength, my sweat, my tears, and my heart. And if I had to do it all over again, I would choose Nigeria every single time.”
She concluded her farewell message with deep appreciation, stating that she steps away from international duty carrying 86 total appearances, zero regrets, and boundless gratitude for her teammates, fans, and the nation.
Joining the global wave of recognition, CAF honored her monumental impact on African women’s football via social media, writing:
“Five WAFCON titles. One immortal legacy. Thank you Ohale for every battle, every trophy and every memory.”
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“Give Us More Time!”—Tinubu Appeals To Nigerians For Patience With Ongoing Reforms Ahead Of 2027
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to grant his administration more time to fully implement and complete its ongoing reforms and programs.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The President made this appeal through the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during a special Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque in Abuja. The prayer was part of the activities commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Reflecting on the country’s journey, President Tinubu noted that at 66 years old, Nigeria has reached maturity despite facing a mixed journey of past challenges and missed opportunities. He assured citizens that his administration is actively working to correct the cumulative mistakes inherited from previous governments.
Key Highlights of the President’s Message:
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Call for Patience: President Tinubu urged citizens to give the current government more time and opportunity to conclude its reform initiatives.
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Hope for the Future: Conveying the message alongside the leadership of the National Assembly, Speaker Abbas assured Nigerians that peace and development are returning to the country.
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On the Right Track: The President stated that Nigeria is firmly on the right path, maintaining that there is light at the end of the tunnel as the nation works toward greatness.
A major political feud has erupted within the opposition coalition as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) officially distanced itself from a faction of the OK Movement led by John Oghulu. The friction follows Oghulu’s public refusal to surrender the movement’s national, state, local government, and ward structures to the NDC, insisting that the group is an independent political organization rather than a conventional support group.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The controversy gained momentum after NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson—speaking while welcoming former SGF Babachir Lawal into the party—criticized support groups that operate as rival structures instead of focusing on grassroots mobilization for candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Reacting sharply to Oghulu’s dismissal of these concerns, the NDC Director of New Media and Strategic Communications, Theo Abu Agada, issued a blistering clarification on social media:
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Disowned Leadership: Agada declared that John Oghulu’s faction does not speak for the party, stating explicitly, “The OK movement that we know, did not authorize this statement.”
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Working Against the Party: The NDC spokesperson accused Oghulu of actively undermining both the NDC and the broader Obidient movement.
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True Grassroots Alignment: Agada affirmed that the legitimate wing of the OK Movement remains in close collaboration with the party to drive mobilization for the upcoming 2027 elections.
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