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AKPEDERIN SPEAKS ON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BID

AKPEDERIN SPEAKS ON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BID

  • LAYS OUT HIS AGENDA
  • PROMISES TO MAKE OKPE/SAPELE/UVWIE FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY MORE PROSPEROUS

Prominent Delta lawyer and politician, Kingsley Akpederin, has attributed his House of Representatives bid to the decision of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) stakeholders in Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency and the need for the party to put forward its best in the 2027 elections.

‘’Politics is collective and the bid for public office and especially that of which stage to aspire to represent is not left out. The NDC being one which is attracting massive interest now has decided to put forward its best as much as possible. I did not even know that many stakeholders of the party and especially those of my area of Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency have been having a conversation as to whom to encourage for the House of Representatives position’’.

He told journalists in Abuja how the position was concretized during a caucus meeting at the party’s state secretariat, for him to represent the party in the federal constituency.

‘’I must reveal that at the beginning of consultations to decide on whether it is the House of Assembly or the House of Representatives I should go for, the support for the latter was substantial. I needed to expand the conversation beyond the Sapele Constituency before coming out fully. Now that the party stakeholders clearly endorsed me for the position and that I should immediately do the switch before the ruling party sponsors someone to hijack it with their resources, I have taken the bold step to declare for the House Representatives for the Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie Federal Constituency. I have undergone the party’s screening process with the national leadership in Abuja and we are good to go. The people of OSU Federal now have the opportunity for some breath of fresh air and a completely different orientation in representation that places premium on constant feedback with the people’’.

Akpederin said that he was ready to put the issues of Sapele Port, more financing of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun and the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, the need for a forward movement on the Petroleum Refinery, Ekpan, the dire state of the Sapele/Effurun Highway which reconstruction has been so slow and Amuokpe Agbor Highway Dualisation project on the front burner of national attention.

‘’There is a dire need for our people to have those who represent them to be persons who are prepared to sacrifice all to see that the area is selflessly represented. When those who represent a people are not preoccupied by what they can get from the office for themselves but motivated by the needs and interests of the masses, then the people they represent are in for positive impact. Let me just point out the recent example of Certification and Compliance Processes for five deep seaports, one each in Lagos, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers. This leaves Delta State out of the equation. A State with some of the best natural harbours in Nigeria like Sapele, Warri, Forcados, Koko and others that should be the maritime hub of the country has been neglected. This is an example of what happens when we don’t put strong advocacy voices on the National stage to generate the necessary attention to the areas of strength and comparative advantages of your area. If we in Delta put out our best forward on the National stage like the National Assembly which the House of Representatives is an integral part of, the issues of our areas would continue to be on the front burner of National attention. The issues of the Sapele Port, more financing of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun and the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, the need for the for a forward movement on the Petroleum Refinery, Ekpan, the dire state of the Sapele/Effurun Highway which reconstruction has been so slow, Amuokpe Agbor Highway Dualisation project, and so much more that the people OSU Federal Constituency desire to be championed can receive national attention if the representative in Abuja actively and continually advocates for them and possesses the negotiating capacity to see them to fruition’’.

One area that representatives have not focused on, according to Akpederin, is the need to defend the people against the unprofessional conducts of the officials of some federal agencies including law enforcement and even the military agents against our people.

‘’When some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force for example violate the rights of our people, they have to be taken up if not impunity would make them continue maltreating our people. I therefore intend to set up a Human Rights Protection office which is to handle matters where our people’s rights are violated by whoever be it law enforcement agents or others. The focus would be on the voiceless and those without the resources to challenge such oppressive acts among the people and residents of OSU Federal Constituency. There is so much to do and we need a total departure from a leadership that is not bothered about what happens to the downtrodden in the society’’.

The legal practitioner said there were no doubts as to his preparation for the primaries and the 2027 National Assembly Elections.

‘’I am absolutely prepared to and have the capacity for this position. As a legal practitioner with substantial experience in political activism since my University Benin days in the 1990s and so much experience in advocating for an agenda for the people after, there is so much that I can bring to the table. The Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie Federal Constituency is in a strategic position in Delta State and Nigeria. It is the gateway to the Niger Delta and a large portion of the riverine part which is potentially the maritime goldmine of Nigeria and the region which produces a large chunk of oil and gas for Nigeria. Both Sapele and Uvwie (entrance to Warri) represent the geographical bridge to the Niger Delta coastal areas. Nigeria is missing so much in not realizing the huge economic potentials of the Niger Delta area to making Nigeria great. The focus is wrongly just about crude oil exploration and extraction. The OSU Federal Constituency is also supposed to be the Petroleum and petrochemical refining hub of the country if we seize the opportunity of proximity to the raw materials on the one hand, and its natural advantage in land and sea transport’’.

He stated that his House of Representatives bid should not be taken for granted

‘’I am prepared to the best of my ability and the task is to continually reach out. For the general election, we have several months to still reach out to the people of the OSU Federal Constituency. We are prepared to present ourselves to the people as the trusted alternative to the current leadership which has largely made the people disillusioned about politics and the governance of Nigeria for a couple of years now. Restoring the greatness of Nigeria and making meaning for the lives of the masses is possible’’.

He however said that contesting for public election was not a physical combat that can engender fear.

‘’I am in the race for the people and the people supporting me amounts to them supporting themselves. I am therefore not scared of others. I see them as partners for the public good. It is an intra-party contest and whoever emerges would need the support and cooperation of the others in promoting the party and thus enhance her chances in the coming general elections’’.

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UDUAGHAN WARNS ORODJE AGAINST COMMUNAL CRISIS

UDUAGHAN WARNS ORODJE AGAINST COMMUNAL CRISIS

 

  • URGES HIM TO CONFINE HIS ACTIVITIES TO 510 ACRES GRANTED IN THE W.A.C.A JUDGEMENT

 

  • REFUTES OKPE’S CLAIM OVER SAPELE

 

  • INSISTS SAPELE NOT EXCLUSIVE TOWN OF OKPE PEOPLE

 

The Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, on Saturday urged the Orodje of Okpe to restrict his authority and confine his activities to the said 510 acres granted in the judgement of Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A).

 

“I sincerely hope that the said proposed foundation laying ceremony of the sub-palace by the Orodje of Okpe is within the said 510 acres granted to the Okpes in the judgement of Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A), as anything outside this will be far reaching and would be an invitation to communal crisis by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and this will be resisted by every legal means possible”

 

In response to the foundation laying ceremony of the sub-palace in Sapele Town by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Uduaghan said that the issue of the ownership of Sapele by the Itsekiri Nation has been corroborated by the Intelligence Report of the Colonial Authority as far back as 1930 on the Okpe Sobo Clan wherein they listed all Okpe villages, sub-clans and communities.

 

“The Intelligence Report by L.E.A. Fellows listed the notable Okpe villages to be Amukpe, Elume, Orerokpe and Gbukurusu”

 

Uduaghan who is the administrator of Ugbekoko, Utonyatsere, Ajimele, Aji Dore, Irakpa and other notable Itsekiri communities within Sapele under the over lordship of the Olu of Warri, Atuwatse 111 said the judgement in Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A) that the Okpe often rely on to claim the ownership of Sapele does not confer ownership of Sapele on the Okpes.

 

‘”The judgement in Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A) did not grant the ownership of Sapele to the Okpes; rather it granted 510 acres of land to the Okpes. The area of land granted is well known”

 

“Sapele is not the exclusive town of the Okpe people. Sapele from the time immemorial belongs to the Itsekiri people” he added.

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NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO OKPE NATION BY PROF. O. IGHO NATUFE OKPE UNION WORLD WIDE PRESIDENT GENERAL

NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO OKPE NATION BY PROF. O. IGHO NATUFE, PRESIDENT GENERAL, OKPẸ UNION (WORLD WIDE)

 

January 1, 2026.

 

Introduction

 

Fellow Okpe Citizens I greet you all. Ekpako mẹ, mi di ghwẹn. I bring you fraternal greetings from the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpẹ Union.

 

It gives me profound joy and a sense of civic responsibility to issue this *NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO OKPE NATION* on behalf of the NEC and the world wide membership of the Okpẹ Union.

 

First and foremost, we give thanks to God for his blessings and guidance as we successfully navigated our paths in our respective endeavours throughout the year 2025. Second, we pray for God’s continued blessings and guidance in the New Year, 2026 and beyond.

 

While we pray for ourselves, our families and neighbours, we also pray to God to grant us the will to forge a strong unity of purpose as a People to work collaboratively in our pursuit of the growth and development of Okpẹ Nation, a task which is fundamental to the ideological construct of the Okpẹ Union. As the mouthpiece of the Okpẹ Nation, Okpẹ Union shall remain steadfast on its historical mission of facilitating the independence of Okpẹ Nation, which is to struggle for the recognition of Okpẹ as a distinct ethnic nationality, and not an appendage of any other ethnic nationality.

 

*The Year 2025*

 

2025 has been a landmark year for the Okpẹ Nation. One defined by unity, resilience, and purposeful remembrance. Most notably, we proudly commemorated the 95th Anniversary of the establishment of the Okpẹ Union on May 16, a historic milestone that honoured our roots, reaffirmed our identity, and strengthened our collective resolve as a people.Held at the registered national headquarters of the Okpẹ Union in Obalende, Lagos, the Anniversary was attended by members from all branches in Nigeria and from the Diaspora. I thank God for making it possible for me to physically attend this august celebration and to preside over it. The positive vibes at the event were electric, and guided by our ancestors.

 

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to every member whose dedication, sacrifice, and collaboration made the 95th Anniversary, as well as all the other efforts and activities of the Union, a success. Your efforts, seen and unseen, contributed immensely to this feat and to the continued growth and relevance of the Okpẹ Union. Members across Nigeria and in the Diaspora worked tirelessly in rendering their altruistic services to the Okpẹ Union and Okpẹ Nation. In the face of endogenous and exogenous challenges and distractions, our members remained resolute.  Mention must also be made of the invaluable financial and moral support we enjoyed from several Okpẹ nationals, non-members of the Union, in support of our activities since 2021.

 

Okpẹ Union was actively involved in numerous activities throughout 2025. These engagements spread across invitational meetings, celebrations and call to action. Okpẹ Union continues to play critical roles in both the Movement for National Reformation (MNR) and The Rebirth Group (TRG); both national organizations that are actively engaged in the restructuring of Nigeria’s federalism. As a stakeholder in TRG, Okpẹ Union participated in its maiden symposium in Ibadan, in May 2024. Subsequently, in 2025, we participated in TRG Symposia on political restructuring of Nigeria, in Enugu, Gombe, and Port Harcourt, in July, October and December, respectively.

 

The Union took part in several social and community engagements, including funerals, weddings, and other important events. These representations were carried out by members of the NEC, Okpẹ Union branches and in some cases, both organs. We participated in the burial ceremonies of our brother and mentor, Rev. Dr. Charles E. Osume, an illustrious son of Okpẹ Nation and an unwavering advocate of Okpẹ Identity in March 2025. Overall, Okpẹ Union performed admirably in 2025, demonstrating commitment, progress, and strong visibility across various engagements. Our branches have solidified their positions while some have engaged in initiatives geared towards the growth and promotion of Okpẹ Identity. In this regard, we commend the South West Region for the following initiatives:

 

  1. Okpe Cultural Troupe: The Region has started practising Okpe cultural songs/ Dances, which we are encouraging our young ones to emulate, imbibe and participate in; overtime this project may be displayed to the public and or during the centenary celebration of the Founders Day on May 16th 2030.

 

  1. Bursary Award to Okpẹ Students: This is for Okpẹ in higher educational institutions.

 

Plans are in place for other Branches to emulate the South West Region. We are also working on plans to open new branches of the Union in 2026.

 

Another major activity of the year 2025 is the progress recorded in ongoing court cases, which have continued to yield positive outcomes for the Union. This reflects the Union’s determination and commitment to protecting its interests through legal intervention.We shall continue our legal actions against the contemnors as a just and legal avenue to the restoration of democracy and good governance in Okpẹ Nation.

 

During the preceding year, the Union was compelled by several factors to address pressing issues affecting the Okpẹ people in the media. Some of these media engagements clarified deliberate distortion of facts regarding Okpẹ Identity. The Union was very active in the media space, either in the social media or mainstream media. These media visibility has positioned the Okpẹ Union as a strategic group among ethnic nationalities in Nigeria capable of championing and protecting the collective interests of the people at home and in the Diaspora.

 

*OKPE UNION AND OKPE KINGDOM*

 

While we reiterate our profound reverence for the Okpẹ Throne, we remain resolute in our defence of democratic tenets and good governance in Okpẹ Nation. We also reiterate our firm view that Okpẹ Kingdom is not an absolute monarchy where a monarch’s pronouncements are considered “final” even when they violate basic democratic norms.  We recognize that to toe the path of *TRUTH* is a difficult choice that only a small minority with sound social consciousness can embark on. *TRUTH* can be suppressed, but can never be imprisoned.

 

*INTERNAL DYNAMICS*

 

The interference/usurpation of the role of Okpẹ Union as a registered body with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a socio-cultural cum a pressure group has limited our effectiveness, given that much financial resources have been diverted towards our court cases with the renegade group. This role amongst others is being threatened by the traditional leaders maybe for political reasons, as they now want to dictate who emerge the leaders of the Union. The recent anti-Okpẹ Identity role of HRM Orhue l, the Orodje of Okpẹ Kingdom and some of his chiefs, is a challenge which we are destined by History to overcome for the interest of the Okpẹ Nation. The Okpẹ Identity project is a task that is crucial to the entire Okpẹ people.

 

*OKPE UNION AND EXTERNAL IRRITANTS*

 

Some elements of the Itsekiri and Urhobo nationalities continue to constitute irritants to the Okpẹ Nation. The Urhobo via their nefarious WADO activities claim Okpẹ territories. We vehemently reject this as Okpẹ is not Urhobo and neither are we an appendage of any ethnic nationality.

 

*THE MENACE BY SOME ITSEKIRIS*

 

The menace by some Itsekiris is more troubling to the Okpẹ Nation. Recalling that we opened our doors to welcome Itsekiri fleeing from their civil war and offered them shelter, it now seems that our hospitality has become a curse; just as the Hausas in the north and indigenous nationalities in central Nigeria are experiencing with the Fulanis. The Itsekiri civil war, known as the “Nana war” of 1894 forced scores of Itsekiris to flee their lands and *”ran for refuge to Sapele where they were granted refuge by the Okpẹ people”*, the owners of Sapele. This was the judgement of the West African Court of Appeal (WACA), Holden at Lagos, Nigeria, on April 30th 1943, before their Honours: Sir Donald Kingdon, Chief Justice of Nigeria – President; Sir Philip Bertis Petrides, Chief Justice, Gold Coast (now Ghana), and George Graham Paul, Chief Justice, Sierra Leone.

 

As a nationality that prides itself as a respecter of the rule of law and court judgements, one would expect the Itsekiri Nation to honour the 1943 WACA judgement and desist from all their bogus claims on Okpẹ territories. They illegally renamed the sections they were allowed to reside as refugees with Itsekiri names. For example, they changed *Etamua* to “Ogunaja”, *Amua Ogodo* to “Aja Ogodo”, and a part of Amuokpe to “Aja-Sagay”, etc. Speaking on behalf of the Itsekiri Nation, one Prince Nosa had the audacity to declare that:

 

*”Sapele is a local govt NOT a community. Within Sapele local govts, there are dozens of Okpe and Itsekiri communities. Itsekiri communities in Sapele local govt include Obotie, Ugbekoko, Aworun, Enaso, Adaka, Ajojiguo, Ugbosien, UtonIyatsere, Ogunaja and many others”*.

 

This is a blatant demonstration of reckless expansionism by some Itsekiris. The settler equates himself to the indigenes. The Okpẹ Union demands that Itsekiri leadership call to order these Itsekiri elements who denigrate the sovereignty of the Okpẹ Nation over its territories. The case of the Itsekiri threat in Sapele should be of serious concern to all Okpẹ people.

 

The bogus claims by some Itsekiris to indigenous communities in Okpeland especially in the areas that were constituted into the Sapele Okpẹ Sobo Forest Reserve during the Colonial Era when the Okpẹ Nation was created under the Urhobo Division, led to the setting up of a Delta State Judicial Commission of Enquiry into the Okpẹ Sobo Forest Reserve in 2020 by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Administration. From the published Record of Proceedings of the Commission of Enquiry, the claims by the Itsekiris of Abigborodo, Obotie and others to indigenous communities in Okpẹ land were rubbished. In the turn of the New Year, the Okpẹ Union shall comprehensively bring out the contents of those revealing proceedings to the public so that once and for all, the false claims of these impostors who know the Itsekiri Communities especially in Warri North Local Government Area they hail from would be in the public domain. For the records, the Itsekiris and the Okpẹs do not have any land boundaries. The territorial boundary between Okpẹ land and Itsekiriland is the stretch of the Hole in the Wall Creek, the tributary that extends into between Sapele and Abigborodo (boundary between Sapele LGA and Warri North LGA)over which the Emmanuel Uduaghan Administration constructed a bridge, to Obotie-Ugbukurusu, to Ikeresan, to Elume River, to Erogho water side, and finally to the water boundary between Ughoton and Omadino (the boundary between Okpe LGA and Warri South LGA) over which the James Ibori Administration constructed the Ughoton-Omadino Bridge.

 

We call on the Okpẹ Traditional Council and political leaders, especially the chairmen of the Sapele Local Government Council (LGC) and the Okpẹ Local Government Council (LGC) and our representatives in the Delta State House of Assembly to stand up to their responsibilities as the defenders of Okpẹ sovereignty. We simultaneously call on Okpẹ political leaders, specifically Okakuro Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Okakuro Senator Ede Dafinone, Hon. Ben Etanabene, Ekakuro James Augoye and Perkins Umukoro to begin to articulate and promote Okpẹ interests in their respective portfolios. To start with, the appellation” Sapele Okpẹ Community” should be changed. It has no conceptual difference with the other ethnic communities in Sapele, for instance, the Sapele Ndigbo Community, the Sapele Yoruba Community, the Sapele Itsekiri Community, etc. It is passive. A more positive name, for example, *Sapele Indigenes Association* should be considered as it connotes a definitive and positive meaning.

 

*PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE*

 

The policy of peaceful coexistence continues to define the cornerstone of Okpẹ Union’s relationship with other ethnic nationalities. However, let it be known that, by any legitimate means possible, we will strongly defend the territories of the Okpẹ Nation against intrusions by any ethnic nationality on our sovereignty. While non-Okpẹ nationals are welcome in Okpẹ villages and towns; they must not forget that they are guests and not owners of Okpẹ land. Unlike other nationalities, some elements in the Itsekiri Nation do not seem to understand this fundamental principle of residency outside their ancestral lands. Interestingly, these Itsekiri elements will not dare to claim ownership of Ajoki, Ekehuan and Ologbo in Benin Kingdom.

 

*2026 AND BEYOND*

 

We look forward to 2026 and beyond with optimism for the future of Okpẹ Nation. We shall refine our strategic approach to better position us and our Okpẹ stakeholders in the pursuit of the recognition of Okpẹ as a distinct ethnic nationality in Delta State. This objective remains an existential challenge of the Okpẹ Nation whichOkpẹ Union was established to attain. We shall intensify our collaboration with internal and external forces for a better appreciation of the benefits of Okpẹ Identity to all parties, including the Urhobo. The two local government councils in Okpẹ Nation, Sapele LGC and Okpẹ LGC, shall be encouraged to play a pivotal role in the Redemption of the Okpẹ Nation.

 

We shall continue to encourage the use of Okpẹ Language in worship and the translation of Church sermons using the Okpẹ language, to enhance the Okpẹ identity and development strategy of Okpẹ Nation. We shall continue to intensify our strategic collaboration with other Okpẹ organizations, as well as with other ethnic nationalities in Delta State and Nigeria, in the realization of this noble historical imperative.

 

Despite the schism between the palace and Okpẹ Union, the Union appeals to the entire Okpẹ people for cooperation and unity to enhance economic development of Okpẹ Nation.

 

Stay tuned for further information, including NEC’s programme for the celebration of Okpẹ Union’s Founders’ (96 Years) Day on May 16, 2026.

 

On behalf of the Okpẹ Union I wish you and your families a Prosperous New Year, 2026.

 

*Prof. O. Igho Natufe,*

 

President General, Okpẹ Union (World Wide)

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Nigerian students appreciate Julius Berger’s quality work nationwide

Nigerian students appreciate Julius Berger’s quality work nationwide

 

. We delight in transforming challenges into tangible opportunities, replies Kaita

 

 

It was encomiums galore for leading conglomerate, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc earlier in the week when Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Daniel Friday Egga praised the company for its numerous efforts at delivering quality jobs to its numerous clients, including governments and private concerns across the country.

 

 

 

Speaking when the group of students from the country’s higher institutions honoured Julius Berger’s Director of Administration, Alh. Dr. Abdulaziz Isa Kaita with an Award of Excellence in Nation Building, the NANS leader said, for some of us, we grew up hearing about Julius Berger; we grew up seeing the enormous work Julius Berger has put into developing our country Nigeria. Also, we grew up to see that most of the construction works we find here in our country are done by Julius Berger; and we appreciate the quality of work you give to the country.

 

 

 

On the CSR efforts of the company, the student leader had more praises to sing of Julius Berger. Said he, we also appreciate your love for Nigeria by also contributing to the growth of young people of this country, especially with the Academy you opened for making sure you train young people to be able to contribute to the development of our country.

 

 

 

He admonished those in positions of responsibility to always act well, especially in the interest of development for the country saying, as young people we see the need to come together to appreciate those who are doing well in their own endeavours; in their own offices. You may feel nobody is watching you, but Nigerian students have their eyes everywhere. So, we see those who are doing well; we see those who are contributing not just to the development of this country but also to the development of young people. Those are the people, like your good self, we see as role models.

 

 

 

Stressing that NANS on its own has continued to try to put programmes in place to orientate and reorientate young people, mostly Nigerian students, against vices like drug abuse, campus prostitution, campus cultism, Egga, added the maxim, catch them young, as the Association’s guiding philosophy in the foregoing respect. As a result, he continued, NANS has taken it upon itself as a body to always see that we organise sensitisation programs in most of our campuses.

 

 

 

To the Award recipient, the NANS Coordinator said, it is a day that we have chosen to come and appreciate you, to come and say thank for all you have been doing; to come and say thank you for your decades of service to the country, Julius Berger, Katsina state and to the young people of this country. You have given your all, your time, your resources, your energy, making sure that you develop people, making sure that you mentor people and that is why as NANS we have to come to appreciate you today and the little way we can do that is by presenting our plague to you; an Award of Excellence, and to tell you that before you receive your appreciation in heaven, we want to appreciate you here on earth. We are saying to you that over 40.1million Nigerian students are with you; and we will continue to stand with you, whenever, wherever you call on us.

 

Responding, the Julius Berger Director of Administration thanked NANS for its thoughtful gesture and the moving words of encouragement spoken by their Coordinator.

 

He said Julius Berger has carved a niche for itself as a renowned engineering construction company that first entered Nigeria in 1965 with the construction of Eko Bridge, Lagos; and ever since then, there has been no going back on our efforts to be partners for progress in Nigeria.

 

That is why as a deliberate policy, we engage in many activities to further the growth of the country. Like the Academy you mentioned, including serial CSR efforts, we do them to ensure limitless prosperity not just for the company, but for our operational communities and Nigerian nation. And that is why, we delight in transforming challenges into tangible opportunities, Kaita said.

 

Apart from Egga, other NANS executives at the event include, NANS Director of Programmes, Fabong Godwin Nanla, Director, Gender, Mary Timothy, Director, Media & Protocol, Ahemba T. Enoch, Secretary, Shobande Aminat Olayinka,  and the following; Salaudeen Afeez, Onoja Apeh David and Omede Onuche Sunday.

 

Team Julius Berger at the Award conferment were the recipient, Kaita, Head, Corporate Communications, James Agama, Media Relations Manager, Emmanuel Isibor and Assistant Senior Admin Officer, Bassey Effiong.

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ICPC refer N3.7trn budget padding to EFCC SERAP sues Akpabio ‘over failure to recall Ningi

SERAP sues Akpabio ‘over failure to recall Ningi, refer N3.7trn budget padding to EFCC, ICPC’

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio over “the failure to refer the alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution, and to recall Senator Abdul Ningi who blew the whistle on the allegations.”

Mr Akpabio is sued for himself and on behalf of all members of Nigeria’s Senate.

It would be recalled that whistleblower Ningi last month was suspended for three months over his allegations that the 2024 budget was padded by over N3 trillion and that the country is operating two budgets.

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/452/2024 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to refer the alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution of suspected perpetrators.”

SERAP is also seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to immediately take steps to ensure the reinstatement of whistleblower Abdul Ningi who was suspended from the Senate over his allegations that the lawmakers padded the 2024 budget by irregularly inserting projects worth N3.7 trillion.”

SERAP is also seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to put in place transparency and accountability mechanisms to ensure that the trillions of Naira budgeted for constituency projects are not embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.”

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “Granting this application would serve the public interest, encourage whistleblowers to speak up, improve public services, and ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.”

SERAP is arguing that, “Directing Mr Akpabio to refer these allegations to appropriate anticorruption agencies and to reinstate whistleblower Abdul Ningi would be entirely consistent and compatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international obligations.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “The allegations by Senator Ningi amount to public interest disclosures and can contribute to strengthening transparency and democratic accountability in the Senate in particular and the country as a whole.”

According to SERAP, “Suspension of Senator Ningi by the Senate followed a seriously flawed process and it amounts to retaliation.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “Senator Ningi’s status as a whistleblower is not diminished even if the perceived threat to the public interest has not materialised, since he would seem to have reasonable grounds to believe in the accuracy of the allegations of budget padding and corruption in the Senate.”

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs Adelanke Aremo, read in part: “It is in the public interest and the interest of justice to grant this application. No whistleblower should ever be penalised simply for making a public interest disclosure.”

“Directing Mr Akpabio to refer the allegations to appropriate anticorruption agencies would help to address the lingering problem of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects.”

“Directing Mr Akpabio to refer the allegations to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would also ensure probity and accountability in the budget process.”

“Investigating and prosecuting the allegations of budget padding and corruption would end the impunity of perpetrators. It would build trust in democratic institutions with the ultimate aim of strengthening the rule of law.”

“Years of allegations of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects have contributed to widespread poverty, underdevelopment and lack of access to public goods and services.”

“Allegations of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects have also continued to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens in several communities and the public interest.”

“Combating budget padding would improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services, and enhance the ability of ministries, departments and agencies to effectively and efficiently discharge their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.”

“Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”

“Section 16(2) of the Nigerian Constitution further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”

“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the National Assembly including the Senate to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”

“Section 81 of the Nigerian Constitution and sections 13 and 18 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act constrain the ability of the National Assembly to unilaterally insert its own allocations in the budget without following the due process of law.”

“Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources.”

“Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the National Assembly including the Senate to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds.”

“Article 33 of the Convention requires government institutions including the Senate to ensure the protection of whistleblowers against any unjustified treatment. Granting this application would ensure that these commitments are fully upheld and respected.”

“Senator Ningi is a whistleblower, who is protected under article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party. Senator Ningi is a whistleblower because of his public interest disclosures on alleged budget padding and corruption in the Senate in the context of carrying out his work as Senator.”

“According to our information, Senator Abdul Ningi, the former Chairperson of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), recently told BBC Hausa that the lawmakers sought the service of a private auditor and discovered irregularities in the budget.”

“Senator Ningi reportedly said, ‘For example, we had a budget of N28 trillion but after our thorough checks, we found out that it was a budget of N25 trillion. How and where did we get the additional N3 trillion from, what are we spending it for?.’”

“According to BudgIT, a total of 7,447 projects culminating in N2.24tn were indiscriminately inserted in the 2024 budget by the National Assembly. 281 projects worth N491bn, and 3,706 projects within the range of N100–500m, worth 759bn were inserted in the budget.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

7/04/2024

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

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