NDDC: Group Demands Board Inauguration
3 min read
Edith CHUKU
Stakeholders in the oil rich Niger Delta region have called for the immediate compliance with the judgement of a Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, as regards the inauguration of a new board for the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
They warned that any attempt to disregard the court will attract consequences. Their demand among several others, is for the era of a sole administration for the NDDC to be brought to an end, as well as the immediate constitution of a new board for the commission.
Addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt shortly after an extraordinary meeting held March 29, the National President, Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta, MOSIEND, Kennedy Tonjo-West, said “in line with our previous communique and the present State of the Nation, MOSIEND resolves as follows;
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“We want to applaud the judgement of the Federal High Court, Bayelsa State, instructing the Attorney General of the federation to ensure that NDDC supervision be reverted to the Presidency, the era of Sole Administration be brought to an end and ensure that the NDDC board is immediately constituted to perform optimally and in the best interest of the region.
“We are using this medium to urge immediate compliance to the judgment for there will be stiff response in consonance with the judgement should it be treated with disdain.”
The national president while commending the South-South governors for cueing to their concept of pushing for a South-South presidency, come 2023, applauded the Rivers State governor, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for what he described as courageously throwing his hat in the ring.
According to him, “MOSIEND want to commend the governor of Rivers State for having the courage as a Niger Deltan to have led the vanguard for those who can come out and throw their hat in the ring to lead this country. We are urging other great personalities who also have Sterling credentials to immediately come out and contest.
“We state that hence candidates from the north, who naturally shouldn’t even think about 2023 presidential contest for sake of equity, balance, understanding and protection of the estate called Nigeria, are still going ahead to contest, why not the south with justifiable claims.”
On the call for a riverine governor, Tonjo-West said “we are strongly desirous of a riverine Ijaw governor for Delta State and Rivers State. MOSIEND is for all our people, we are for good governance and also interested in the politics of the day. Who governs us is of immense importance and concern to us.”
He further commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, for, “taking decisive, pragmatic and concrete steps to salvage our economy by giving a marching order to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the GMD of NNPC, to bring to a halt every form of illegal bunkering and unwholesome activities within the creeks of the Niger Delta.
“While we appreciate him immensely for that bold step, we also want to draw the attention of the team that has been given task that robust community engagement, deepening discussions with relevant stakeholders, are key panacea to restoring a peaceful, safe, business-friendly Niger Delta that can guarantee optimal production of petroleum products like never before.
“We also want to bring to the notice of the team that MOSIEND is already in the forefront, sensitizing and creating awareness through the nook and cranny of the creeks and communities of the Niger Delta against illegal oil activities and your restiveness and letting them know that such acts have scared investors away business environment.
“We also commend the team and look forward to deepening discussions with utmost cordiality within the terms of reference of their assignment.”
