NDDC forensic audit: probe of persons found culpable has begun – Mr. Umana

 

 

The Federal Government, on Friday, disclosed that it had already begun the implementation of some aspects of the forensic audit conducted on the financial and operational activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana, who disclosed this while responding to questions at a press conference he addressed at the end of a two-day retreat organised by his ministry, said the aspects of the report, bordering on criminality, had already been referred to appropriate agencies for appropriate actions.

The minister also disclosed that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affair does not have enough funds to immediately liquidate all the debt owed contractors to the NDDC, pointing out that when it finds it possible to settle the liabilities, it would start with those who have delivered their task.

Answering a question on the implementation of the forensic audit report, which he said was received on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, Umana said the process of reviewing, evaluating and offering of recommendations on the implementation are in the final stage and would soon be made public.

“The report was received on behalf of the President by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the President had then directed that the report should be reviewed, evaluated, and appropriate recommendations are made for further actions.

“The reports, I must say, already was sent to relevant agencies of government for the implementation of some of the aspects, especially aspects that border on criminality. So those aspects already are being handled by those agencies of governments.

“But you know that there are some aspects of those reports, which also cover institutional issues and what we’ll need to do to reset the NDDC, moving forward. Those other aspects too have been reviewed and the final reports, which would enable the government to set up the templates for full implementation of the reports, are being put together for consideration by Mr. Presidents.

“When I took over and I also wanted to have an insight into what’s the status, I call the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and had a meeting and he briefed me and I got to know that we are at the final stage.

“So, you should be expecting the next phase, which would come up with the various items that the government would have isolated for implementation, which will be made public”, he said.

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DR. PATRICK UMOH: A Round Peg for the Round Hole

 

By Jude INYANGETOH

The Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Patrick Umoh is no doubt one of the finest breed of gentlemen we have in this part of our clime. 

He is an accomplished Lawyer by profession, a Teacher by career and Politician by calling. When asked about what inspired him to go into politics, he had this to say, "My foray into politics was inspired by the quest to be of service to my people, community and society at large. This singular objective is what has kept me going for years and since then, I have decided not to look back." 

HIS LEADERSHIP & CAREER TRAJECTORY

Having been privileged to rise through the rungs of leadership right from his undergraduate years in the University,  Barr. Patrick Umoh as he is fondly called and addressed by his friends and foes alike, has by sheer providence been sufficiently equipped for public service even at the highest level that he can think of. A cursory look into his  resume reveals that the young Patrick was the Class Representative for the Faculty of Law, University of Uyo between 2005 and 2008. He served as the President, National Association of Obot Akara Students  Worldwide from 2007 to 2008. He also served as the President of Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), University of Uyo . 

The records also show that this gentleman had his legal tutelage as a Pupil Counsel with Lex Fori Partners, Calabar from 2010 to 2011. Thereafter, he was employed at Matrix Solicitors, Abuja. Dr. Patrick Umoh returned to Uyo in 2012 and worked briefly with Nwoko & co before his appointment as Secretary of Obot Akara Local Government Area. Between 2012 and 2016, Barr. Patrick Umoh served as the Council Secretary of Obot Akara Local Government Area. He returned to legal Practice and worked with the firms of Fortress & Shepherds, Uyo; Kris & Paul services, Uyo respectively. Thereafter, Dr Patrick Umoh co- founded the firm of Godswill Akpabio Law House where he serves as Managing Partner. Dr Umoh is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Centre for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development(CERAD). 

Between 2018- 2019, Dr. Patrick Umoh served as the Senior Legislative Aide to the former Senate Minority Leader - Sen.Godswill Akpabio,CON. He was the  Special Assistant to the immediate-past Honourable Minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. 

Dr. Patrick Umoh is an astute legal practitioner and a Law Lecturer at the University of Uyo. Some of the law courses taught by Dr. Umoh include  Legal Method, Law of Evidence, Oil and  Gas Law , Law of Torts, Principles of Law of Contract etc. 

He is a consummate  member of the Nigerian Bar Association; Member, Institute of Chartered Mediators & Concilliators; Member, Professional Negotiators & Mediators of Nigeria among others. 

YEARS OF INTELLECTUAL EXCURSION:

Born on 9th April 1982, the emerging legal guru attended St. Peter's Primary School, Urua Edet Obo where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate at the Distinction level. He later got enrolled in Queen of Apostles Seminary, Afaha Obong where he obtained his Senior School Certificate in 1998. He then proceeded to the University of Uyo where he studied Law and did graduate Magna Cum Laude in 2009. Having been festooned with the legal badge of LL.B, he moved on to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos and was thereafter called to Bar in 2010. 

In a bid to assuage his innate craving for the attainment of higher academic goals, he went back to his Alma Mater in 2012 to pursue a Master's degree in Law. He successfully completed the program in 2014 with an award of LL.M by the Faculty of Law, University of Uyo.  With a Masters  degree in Law in  his kitty, one would have thought the intellectual Icon would endure an interregnum to study less, but Barr. Patrick Umoh would have none of that. He had already set his eyes on the goal to become a Doctor of Law - a legal guru by implication. So like a go-getter that he is, he enrolled in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka for his third postgraduate degree and there he was awarded a Ph.D in International and Comparative Law in 2019. Dr. Patrick Umoh through his many years of intellectual excursion and study has won many distinctive awards some of which include:

• Best Graduating Student in Law.

• University of Uyo Academic Prize Winner.

• Mma Obot Foundation Award for Best Graduating Student in Law.

• Students Representative Council Award. 

Dr Umoh has authored books and published in many reputable journals. The latest of his works is  titled “Climate Change Law in Context”.

HIS CHURCH & COMMUNITY SERVICE EXPLOITS:

Dr. Patrick Umoh is a practicing Christian with untainted bias for the Catholic faith. His exploits in the Church has no doubt been remarkable as observed in the key positions of trust he has held in the past. Presently, he sits as the Secretary of the Justice Development & Peace Commission - a Social Welfare Agency of the Catholic Diocese of Ikot Ekpene. He is a worthy member of the Order of Knights of St. John's International (KSJI). 

Over the years, Dr. Patrick Umoh has also not ebbed in his involvement in Community Service and Development Initiatives, some of which has seen him play lead roles. Through his direct intervention, he was able to attract a road construction project to his Community with support and funding from the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. He has also singlehandedly rebuilt and caused to be put back to use a dilapidated Catholic Church building in his Community. The reconstructed Church edifice was dedicated and commissioned for use sometime in August 2021 by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Camillus Umoh  - the Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese. 

THE 'YOUTH PRODIGY' DESERVE OUR VOTES:

Having achieved all these in a space of 2 scores which to a layman translates to a span of 40 years, one would readily agree with the fact that Barr. Patrick Umoh is a 'Youth Prodigy' capable of impacting our society pretty more than we can ever imagine, if given the platform to stand. He is already armed with quite an intimidating array of   credentials to function maximally at the  Green Chamber and he has also got in his kitty a well-loaded portfolio of experience in public service to bouy his performance. Besides, Dr. Patrick Umoh is a well known Orator whose oratory prowess puts him at a vantage position to contribute more meaningfully in any debate at the floor of the 10th Assembly, if elected by the grace of God. 

THE UGLY SPECTACLE OF OUR TIME:

In this era and time that a lot of people seek to occupy public offices not because they want to make a difference but rather because they lust after the trappings of high office, we the electorates must bear to be more circumspect in deciding who we give our mandate to represent us at any level of governance. It is most regrettable that our public offices which hitherto were the hallowed precinct of upstanding and forthright personages have today been desecrated and rendered an all-comers-affair. We have seen on flagrant display what ranges from the mundane to the most absurd. No wonder Edmund Burke stated thus: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." 

Perhaps that may be the reason why in this season of elections, we are wont to see all manners of character bereft individuals filing out for the all-important contest. In that vicious crowd of ill-inspired folks seeking to call the shots in our political space; we can see those who are patently encumbered by the eligibility baggage because they have procured or cause to be doctored that which they wish to use in gaining the eligibility pass; still they must vie. Yet there are others who are  struggling in sheer futility to deodorize the stinky underbelly of their odoriferous past which trails them like a death-bound fly. For these peculiar reasons, the people of Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency must be thankful to God that their frontline Candidate - Obong Dr. Patrick Umoh is not one among the vicious crowd of contenders posing for attention. He is a thoroughbred gentleman who has no questionable attribute to worry about. Like the Whiteman would say, "he is as plain as the nose on one's face." 

CONCLUSION:

It is on this note that we must ensure that we put party sentiments aside and rise to the occasion to vote for the best candidate the Federal Constituency would ever produce. Barr. Patrick Umoh is not just among the finest breed of candidates the APC has lined up for the 2023 contest; he is exceptionally brilliant, young, vibrant, dynamic and results-oriented. In a nutshell, the emergence of Obong Dr. Patrick Umoh as the next Representative of our people at the Green Chamber shall amount to putting a round Peg in a round hole. The time is now to elect the best for us to experience the best in leadership. 

Comrade Jude Inyangetoh is a Union Activist & Public Affairs Analyst, he writes from Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

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USPI YOUTH WING CONGRATULATES PASTOR UMO ENO, OTHER PDP CANDIDATES ON HIGH COURT VICTORY

... Urges Aggrieved Members To Sheathe Sword For Akwa Ibom Interest

Reactions have trailed the Abuja High Court judgement in a suit which challenged the validity of the April 30, 2022 PDP Ward Congress in Akwa Ibom which produced the party's governorship candidate; Pastor Umo Eno and other candidates for the National and State Assemblies in 2023.

The latest reaction is coming from the YOUTH WING a formidable political group in the state, known as Uyo Senatorial District Peoples' Initiative (USPI).

Reacting to the judgment by Justice Obiora Egwuata in suit No.FHC/ABJ/CS/606/2022 between FRIDAY IWOK & ORS V INEC & ORS, the YOUTH WING of USPI in a statement signed by its Media and Publicity Directorate said the Court verdict was a victory for democracy and the PDP family in Akwa Ibom.

While thanking God for the victory, the organisation appreciated the judiciary for rising up to its solemn responsibility of ensuring that justice prevails, stressing that the judgment was a clear indication that the third arm of government is the last hope of the common man.

The formidable organization specifically congratulated Pastor Eno/Senator Eyakenyi joint governorship ticket as well as all the candidates of the PDP in the forthcoming National and State Assemblies, stressing that today's verdict was a sign of more victories that await PDP in Akwa Ibom.

The YOUTH WING of USPI used the occasion to urge a few individuals who are still aggrieved with the outcome of the adhoc delegate and primary elections to put their differences behind and join hands with the leader of the party in the State; His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the State Chairman; Rt Hon Aniekan Akpan and stakeholders of the umbrella party in moving the state forward for the overall interest of the people.

Meanwhile, the judgment of the Abuja High Court today, was received with jubilation by supporters of the Party who were in court in their numbers.

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High Court Judgement: GOVERNOR'S AIDE CONGRATULATES PASTOR UMO ENO/EYAKENYI, OTHER PDP CANDIDATES

Special Assistant on Media to Governor Udom Emmanuel, Mr. Uko Umoh, has advised aggrieved members of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom to put legal tussles behind them and join hands with the party's Governorship Candidate; Pastor Umo Eno and running mate; Senator Akon Eyakenyi as well as other candidates of the party in the forthcoming general elections with a view to forming a formidable front towards recording victory for PDP.  

This is as the Governor's aide, otherwise called, 'Uko Biafra', congratulated the leadership of the party led by the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, State Chairman; Rt Hon Aniekan Akpan and stakeholders of the PDP for the victory recorded by the party in the Abuja High Court suit No.FHC/ABJ/CS/606/2022 between FRIDAY IWOK & ORS V INEC & ORS, which challenged the validity of the April 30, 2022 PDP Ward Congress in Akwa Ibom. 

 Shortly after Justice Obiora Egwuata delivered his judgement in favour of the party, Mr Uko Umoh, while exchanging views with newsmen, noted that the victory has reaffirmed the conviction of genuine party members that the emergence of Pastor Eno and Senator Eyakenyi and other candidates for the National and State Assemblies produced through the primary elections in the State was a divine package to the people.

 "This victory will definitely motivate and inspire us as we go for more victories in the general elections," Uko Umoh said, appealing to the aggrieved members to sheath their sword in the interest of the party, stressing that power comes from God.

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Bandits kill over 25 worshipers in Ondo Church

Many persons were feared dead today as suspected bandits opened fire on worshipers at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in Owo council area of Ondo State capital.

The state police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami said the command would speak on the ugly incident later.

Vanguard gathered that the heads of state security agencies have rushed to the ancient town

A member of the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in Owo council area of Ondo State, Kehinde Ogunkorode has confirmed that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers attacked the church killing no fewer than 25 worshippers.

Ogunkorode told Vanguard that the bandits numbering five stormed the church during service and shot members.

According to him ” lt was like a movie, they invaded the church and shot indiscriminately.Several people were killed including children and women.

“It was when they wanted to abduct the priest that they threw dynamite into the church.

Another source confirmed that no fewer than 25 corpses have been moved out of the church with many casualties lying at the Federal Medical Center, Owo, for medical attention

According to him “some gunmen invaded the church during service, opened fire and killed no fewer than 25 members of the church.

“The congregants were caught unaware by the killers. They also used explosives but many were shot.

The state police command was yet to react to the killings in the ancient town.

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Source: VANGUARD

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Court adjourns hearing against Akwa Ibom PDP adhoc delegates

 

The hearing of a suit against the use of adhoc delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP during the just concluded primary elections of the party in Akwa Ibom State has been adjourned to June 14, by the Federal high court.

The court adjourned the hearing of all applications before it in the case between Friday Iwok and 30 others vs INEC, PDP and 229 others following a request from parties in the case, for more time to file their responses.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Mr Ahmed Raji, SAN had appealed for additional time to study the additional preliminary objections raised by the 2nd defendants and the 3rd to 331st defendants.

He had also wanted the court to examine pending motions while giving him time to study the issues raised in the preliminary objections raised.

While counsel to the defendant, Paul Usoro, SAN insisted that the court had earlier agreed, citing an authority in a matter between Dangote and African Petroleum(AP) that preliminary objections must be heard first before the substantive matter is heard.

Chief Usoro prayed the court to adjourn to a later date if the Plaintiff’s Counsel sought more time to study the preliminary objections.

Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, on his part agreed with the arguments of the Counsel to the 2nd Defendant on the need to exhaust the preliminary objections challenging the jurisdiction of the court and the locus standi of the petitioners.

“My lord, in our local parlance they used to say, the aeroplane does not have a reverse gear, meaning that the court cannot reverse itself.”

Arguing further on the need to adjourn the matter, Nwoko said, “Inside the court earlier today, we have been served with two affidavits by the Plaintiffs and I have not yet to read the contents of the documents.”

Justice Obiora Egwatu in his ruling adjourned the case to June 14 for a hearing on all applications before the court.

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Source: Daily Post

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Peter Obi declared winner of Labour Party presidential primary

The former Anambra governor won the LP presidential primary, which took place in Asaba, Delta state, on Monday.

He was declared winner of the primary on Monday around 4:50pm.

Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, Eragbe Anselm, national youth leader of LP, as well as Olubusola Olufolake, had earlier stepped down from the presidential race.

On Friday, the former Anambra governor joined LP, hours after announcing the resignation of his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said his decision to join LP aligns with the interest of Nigerians across different sectors, adding that he wants to take the country from consumption to production.

“Therefore, I have chosen a route that I consider to be in line with our aspirations and my mantra of taking the country from consumption to production; and that is the Labour Party which is synonymous with the people, workers, development, production, securing and uniting Nigerians as one family,” Obi had said.

Source:The Cable

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