Rt. Hon. Otuekong Orok Otu Duke, the Cross River State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has dismissed as false a circulating list purportedly showing beneficiaries he allegedly selected for the NDDC Christmas Bonus. He clarified that the ₦100 million allocated for 50 groups across the state was hijacked by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who allegedly took control of the funds without consultation. Duke challenged those behind the list to publicly disclose full details of the intended beneficiaries for transparency, emphasizing that the funds were meant for all three senatorial districts, not just the Southern Senatorial District. He called on political actors to refrain from manipulation and focus on ensuring fair distribution of resources for the benefit of Cross Riverians.
Excerpts below:
MY POSITION ON THE FAKE LIST OF NDDC CHRISTMAS BONUS BENEFICIARIES
My attention has been drawn to a list making the rounds, purportedly showing beneficiaries I allegedly shortlisted for the Niger Delta Development Commission (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.
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.
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.
Signed,
*Rt. Hon. Otuekong Orok Otu Duke*
_Cross River State Representative, NDDC_
