By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
In a melodrama and twist in the ongoing controversy trailing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) distribution of Christmas palliatives in Cross River State, the Commission has refuted the claims.
Cross River representative of NDDC, Honorable Orok Duke had accused the senator representing Cross River Southern senatorial district in the Nigerian Senate, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jrn. of hijacking the palliatives and a hundred million Naira to himself.
The allegation, however, has left tongues wrangling from the senator’s camp, the Niger Delta Activists Forum (NDAF), netizens and the NDDC.
Honorable Orok Duke Spils Fire
Honorable Orok Duke had in a social media post accused Sen. Ekpenyong of wrong doing by intruding into his office and diverted the palliatives meant for Cross Riverians.
In the press release, he said his attention has been drawn to a list making the rounds, purportedly showing beneficiaries he allegedly shortlisted for the NDDC Christmas bonus for groups in Cross River State. “I want to categorically state that the list is false and did not originate from me or my office,” he asserted.
He continued: “The Commission had earmarked ₦100 million for distribution to 50 groups in Cross River State, with each group expected to receive ₦2 million. Unfortunately, this project was hijacked by the Senator representing the Southern Senatorial District, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who took control of the funds without consulting me as the state representative. For the records, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong is currently keeping the ₦100 million released by the NDDC for youths and women across the three senatorial zones of Cross River State.
“I want to emphasize that the list being circulated is fake, and I strongly urge those responsible to desist from such political manipulation. For transparency, I challenge the publishers of the list to make public the details of the 50 groups that were supposed to benefit from the project. These details should include the group names, account numbers, phone numbers, and the names of beneficiaries.”
Hon. Orok further expressed: “It is disheartening that instead of focusing on the legislative duties he was elected to perform, the Senator has chosen to interfere in my role as the state representative of the NDDC. While he has the constitutional duty to provide oversight on the Commission, that responsibility extends across nine states, not just Cross River. He should use his position to secure benefits for Cross Riverians from across the Niger Delta region, rather than scrambling for what has already been allocated to the state.
“This fund was meant to benefit 50 groups across all three senatorial districts of Cross River State, and it was to come through my office for proper coordination. It is not a Southern Senatorial District project; it is for the entire state.
“I also want to clarify that while two of the groups on the list being circulated are affiliated with a cultural organization I coordinate, I did not submit their names, nor did I authorize the publication of that list. Whoever released it should also provide the full details of the 50 groups that were supposed to benefit.
“I urge all political actors to refrain from politicizing this issue and focus on working together for the good of our people, our party, and our state. Our collective goal should be to empower Cross Riverians and ensure the fair distribution of benefits that rightfully belong to them.This is my official position on the matter,” he said.
Activists Chide Orok Duke
The Niger Delta Activists Forum (NDAF) say they “strongly” condemn the “despicable and unethical conduct” of Hon. Orok Duke, the Commissioner representing Cross River State in the Niger Delta Development Commission, over the mismanagement of the N100 million Christmas largesse meant for equitable distribution to civil society groups, youth organizations, and other stakeholders across the three senatorial districts of Cross River State.
NDAF in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Paul Ajie and Secretary, Comrade Ogar Emmanuel Oko, accused Orok Duke of misappropriation; calling it “shameful”.
The activists said ” instead of ensuring the fair and transparent allocation of these funds, Hon. Duke chose to indulge in acts of greed and self-aggrandizement by funneling public resources to fictitious groups and cronies within his local government area. Groups such as “Tinkoriko Women” and “Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage,” whose contributions to the socio-political, cultural, and economic development of the state are nonexistent, were prioritized over legitimate and impactful organizations.”
They inferred that “The blatant marginalization of credible groups, such as our esteemed Niger Delta Activists Forum (NDAF), which has consistently advocated for the welfare of Cross River State through numerous agitations and landmark achievements – including the historic protests that led to the awarding of the total reconstruction of the Odukpani/Itu Highway – is a grave injustice. This selective and dishonest allocation of funds is an act of outright corruption, greed, and disservice to humanity.”
NDAF said Duke’s actions betray the trust of the people of Cross River State and undermine the very essence of the NDDC’s mandate, which is to foster equity and development across the Niger Delta region. Adding that the Niger Delta Activists Forum demand the following with immediate effect:
- Restitution : Hon. Orok Duke must ensure the immediate redistribution of the N100 million largesse in a fair and transparent manner across the three senatorial districts, prioritizing credible groups that have demonstrated impact and commitment to the development of Cross River State.
- Resignation: Hon. Duke must resign from his position as Commissioner in the NDDC for betraying public trust and demonstrating gross incompetence and partiality in the discharge of his duties.
- Investigation and Accountability: We call on the relevant anti-corruption agencies and the leadership of the NDDC to investigate this act of financial impropriety and ensure that Hon. Duke and all complicit individuals are held accountable.
The organization noted they will not stand idly by while such acts of injustice and corruption are perpetuated. “We remain committed to holding public officials accountable and ensuring that the resources meant for the collective good of the people are utilized equitably and responsibly.
“This is not just a call for justice—it is a call for the restoration of the dignity and integrity of Cross River State. The people of this state deserve better, and we will not relent until justice is served.”
NDDC Counters Orok Duke, Says Palliatives Were Distributed
The Niger Delta Development Commissioner has debunked the allegations of not distributing the palliatives as alleged by Hon. Orok Duke, describing it as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the NDDC explained that the palliatives were distributed fairly across the nine mandate states, including Cross River State.
The Commission noted that the list of beneficiaries was duly approved by the NDDC Board, adding that stakeholders, NDDC board and management should not be distracted.
The Commission clarified as thus: “The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is aware of reports circulating in the media claiming that the palliatives meant for some critical groups in Cross River State were not fairly distributed.
“Nothing can be farther from the truth as Niger Deltans in the nine mandate states of the NDDC, including Cross River State, received the palliatives with joy and gratitude.
“However, we are constrained to respond to the false story about an imaginary diversion of NDDC funds meant for the palliatives in Cross River State and the use of unauthorized lists.
“To set the records straight, NDDC distributed palliatives, not money, as alleged in the story circulating in the media and the list of beneficiaries was duly approved by the NDDC Board.
“The Board and Management of the NDDC is now more than ever determined to uphold its mantra, which is: “Making a Difference,” in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta region.
“We urge public members to disregard the false stories spread by mischief-makers to derail the various innovations introduced by the NDDC Board and Management, led by the Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie and the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.
“We are fully aware of the increasing need to be seen as more accountable to the public and to conduct our affairs more transparently.
“Responding to this reality, we engaged KPMG, a reputable global business consultancy, to review and strengthen our corporate governance system and improve our internal processes and institutional protocols. They have helped us establish a new institutional culture anchored on sound ethics and good corporate governance.
“We are committed to working with all our stakeholders to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. To achieve this goal, we are collaborating with development partners, including the state governments in the Niger Delta region, “to build a region that is socially stable, economically prosperous, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful.”
“We assure our stakeholders and members of the public that the NDDC Board and Management will not be distracted in its resolve to do things differently and make a difference in the Niger Delta region.”