Validnews.ng

19/06/2025

NDDC decries disruption of projects commissioning in Calabar, warns against unhealthy politics

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC has dismissed as bad politics and mischievous, allegation by officials of the Cross River state government that it hijacked projects undertaken by the state.
Speaking Wednesday in Bayelsa state during the inauguration of some projects executed by the Commission, Chairman, Governing Board of the interventionist agency, Barrister Chiedu Ebie, wondered why some people would descent so low as to tell barefaced lies against the commission just to cast it in bad light and score cheap political goals.
The NDDC boss warned such individuals to leave the Commission out of their dirty politics as the commission was irrevocably committed to the socio- infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region and therefore, has no time for inanities.
His words: "Last week we were in Calabar to Commission a state office and also some roads in Calabar South local government area and Calabar Municipality but it is very unfortunate that despite the good work and the amount of efforts and energy put into these projects, not just by the contractors but also by the staff who monitored, evaluated and certified them, that people will take it upon themselves to cast us in bad light or ensure that they spin the wrong narrative out there.
"Yesterday or two days ago, the media was awash with the projects we went to commission in Calabar where they alleged that due process was not followed in the award of the road projects"
Continuing, Barrister Ebie stressed: "The law said that the Chairman and Managing Director shall sign contracts on behalf of the Commission. We only do that when the due process is followed- the procurement process is done, the award letter issued and the bill of engineering measurement also issued.
“So, how can a mischievous individual sit down and say there was no award letter, there was nothing, and so, how did the contractor go to site? Did he just go there and do whatever it is he wanted to do?
"Politics is politics, leave your politics aside, do not include the NDDC because this is a new NDDC and we are determined to make a difference.”
Recall that persons suspected to be agents of the Cross River state government, last week disrupted the commissioning ceremony of NDDC- executed road projects in the capital, Calabar, claiming the projects belonged to the state government.

09/02/2025

Justice on Trial: Why the ICPC Must Swiftly Prosecute Chief Okoi Obono-Obla to Restore Public Trust

By Dr Okechukwu Okonkwo (O.O of SouthEast)

In a country striving for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, the trial of Chief Okoi Obono-Obla by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) represents more than just a legal proceeding it stands as a litmus test for Nigeria’s fight against corruption. Obono-Obla, a former presidential aide, faces grave charges of certificate forgery and the misappropriation of N19.9 million. These allegations, if proven, paint a disturbing picture of deceit and misuse of public trust at the highest levels of governance.

This case transcends the individual; it reflects the broader challenges the country faces in curbing systemic corruption. The ICPC must expedite the trial and, if the evidence supports the charges, ensure a robust prosecution. A sluggish or inconclusive legal process would undermine public trust in Nigeria's anti-corruption institutions and embolden those who believe they can exploit their positions without consequence.

A conviction, on the other hand, would send a powerful message: no one, regardless of their political connections or former status, is above the law. It would affirm that public office is a position of service, not an avenue for personal enrichment. Swift justice would also bolster Nigeria's international image, signaling to the global community that the country is committed to upholding integrity in public service.

In a functional society, individuals accused of such serious misconduct would not only be barred from political office but would also face social ostracization until they have been cleared by the courts. The mere suspicion of certificate forgery should be enough to trigger immediate administrative consequences, including suspension from public duties pending the outcome of investigations. Allowing individuals like Obono-Obla to continue engaging in political activities or public affairs while under such a cloud tarnishes the sanctity of governance and the democratic process.

Public office holders are supposed to embody the highest standards of integrity and accountability. When individuals with questionable credentials or conduct are allowed to thrive in political circles, it sets a dangerous precedent that undermines meritocracy and promotes a culture of impunity.

Failure to prosecute high-profile cases like this contributes to a sense of disillusionment among the populace. When citizens perceive that justice is selectively applied or that the powerful are shielded from accountability, it erodes confidence in democratic institutions.

A Call to Action

The prosecution of Chief Okoi Obono-Obla is more than just a legal necessity; it is a moral imperative. The ICPC must act decisively, not only to ensure justice is served but also to demonstrate that the country is serious about cleansing its political and administrative systems of corruption.

In a sane society, individuals facing such allegations would be nowhere near the corridors of power. It is time Nigeria lived up to this standard. The ICPC’s next steps will determine whether this is just another headline or a turning point in the nation’s ongoing battle against corruption.

05/07/2023

Dr Betta Edu is the strongest foot forward from Cross River State! She is intelligent, brilliant, hardworking, well read and has contributed to the success of the party both at the National and in the state. All elections in her Constituency was won by her party APC of which she worked so hard and no one can ever dispute that.

I make bold to state that Dr Betta Edu is a Cross Riverian by Birth, By Origin, by Marriage she has the Cross River blood flowing in her veins. For the records the late Senator Rose Oko is a sister to Dr Betta’s Edu parent! Their family compound is well known and she has every right to be the minister from Cross River state. This campaign of calumny must end.

By Richard Romanus (US4US Movement) Dr Betta Edu is the strongest foot forward from Cross River state! She is intelligent, brilliant, hardworking, well read and has contributed to the success of the party both at the National and in the state. All elections in her Constituency was won by her party A...

29/06/2023

APC Support Groups in Cross River State have held a victory celebration in honor of the Governor of the State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, following the recent resounding election victory in March.

APC Support Groups in Cross River State have held a victory celebration in honor of the Governor of the State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, following the recent resounding election victory in March. Speaking at the event which held at the Dome in the Calabar Munic...

28/06/2023

Cross River State Deputy Governor Receives NYSC State Coordinator

The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, H.E Rt. Hon. Peter Odey on Tuesday, 27th June, 2023, received the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Zeboh Andrew Jebo, in his office. Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor expressed his love for the NYSC program and relived his days as CLO when he served a...

23/06/2023

The Current Administration will accelerate healthcare reforms and move towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).The President is determined to provide Health For All in Nigeria---Dr Betta Edu

The Presidential Health Reform Commitee on Wednesday Presented her Report on Key Policy Recommendations from the citizen led health Agenda. The event which took place at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja had Health stakeholders cut across WHO, FMOH, CHATHAM HOUSE, amongst others. Prominent among the keynote sp...

17/06/2023

The Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has condoled with the family of Late Mr. William Awak Anam who passed away on 29th April, 2023. The Governor, who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, prayed for the repose of the soul of t...

08/05/2023

Cross River State Government under the administration of His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade had over the years engaged in the establishment of some agro value chain Industries under its agro-industrialization policy aimed at strengthening the infrastructure capacity, reposition the State, focus....

14/04/2023

Hakimi’s Wife Hiba Abouk has demanded Half Of Her husband properties In divorce Suit, but the Player Registered Everything in his Mother’s Name. Read full details below.

Hakimi’s Wife Hiba Abouk has demanded Half Of Her husband properties In divorce Suit, but the Player Registered Everything in his Mother’s Name. Morocco’s Footballer Achraf Hakimi’s wife Hiba has filed for divorce and demanded half of his property. She was however informed by court that her ...

12/04/2023

University of Calabar announces date and activities for 35th/36th Convocation Ceremony for 2019/2020 & 2020/2021 academic sessions.

11/04/2023

Elon Musk is worth $188B. One of the richest people in the world. This is his bedroom:

Source we: Gaut Twitter.

09/04/2023

….Onofiok Luke ranked among 20 top legislators in 9th N’Assembly. Member representing Etinan/ Nsit Ibom/ Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Mr Onofiok Luke is to be rewarded for his outstanding performance in the 9th National Assembly comprising members of the Senate and House of Representatives. ...