PRESS STATEMENT BY OPINION LEADERS IN CROSS RIVER STATE
Date: Friday, 7th February 2025
Venue: Calabar
Distinguished Chairman, Senate House Committee on NDDC, Honorable Representatives of Cross River State in NDDC, Esteemed Stakeholders of Cross River State, Fellow Cross Riverians, Members of the Press, and Other Relevant Leaders of Our State,
We, the opinion leaders of Cross River State, address you today with a matter of great concern regarding the disbursement of N100,000,000 reportedly released by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the Christmas celebration, intended specifically for the women and youths of our state.
In the past week, both social media and political circles have been awash with discussions about this fund. However, despite widespread speculation and inquiries, the status of the disbursement remains unclear.
It has come to our attention that a list containing only ten (10) out of the fifty (50) intended beneficiaries has been made public, while the remaining forty (40) recipients remain undisclosed. This lack of transparency has raised serious concerns among Cross Riverians, particularly those who were meant to benefit from the funds.
We, therefore, call upon the Cross River State Representatives in NDDC, as well as our distinguished Senator, the Chairman of the Senate House Committee on NDDC, to provide a comprehensive and verifiable report on the whereabouts of the N100 million. In the spirit of good governance, we demand the immediate publication of the full list of beneficiaries, particularly those who are registered and duly recognized, within the next fourteen (14) days.
As elected representatives, it is your duty to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. Cross Riverians deserve clarity and fairness in the handling of public resources. We urge you to take immediate steps to address this matter and restore public confidence in the process.
Signed,
Otuekong Comrade Kingsley Ikpeme
For and on behalf of Opinion Leaders of Cross River State
