Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Ex-militant leaders in the Niger Delta have applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for re-positioning the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to fast-track the development of the oil-rich region.
This was resolution of the meeting among the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, NDDC, the Presidential Amnesty Programme and a group of ex-agitators at the Palace of the Amanyanabo of Okochiri, King Ateke Tom, in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The resolution jointly signed by King Ateke Tom, Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben (Boyloaf) and High Chief Bibopre Ajube (Shoot at sight), thanked President Buhari for appointing Mr Efiong Akwa, as the NDDC interim administrator and for his commitment to region.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the NDDC Interim Administrator, Mr Efiong Akwa and the Interim Administrator of the Amnesty Programme, Col. Milland Dixion Dikio (rtd.).
The resolution read: “Let us put it on record that the appointment of Chief Akwa as the Interim Administrator of the NDDC is well received by our people. We want to emphasise that no one is more Niger Delta than anyone else.
“We are aware of the circumstances that led to his appointment as a child of circumstance. He should be supported by anyone that means well for the region. We are also aware of the court order that sacked the previous Interim Management Committee, IMC.
“But because Akwa was not part of the suit that sacked the IMC, and being the most Senior Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. President appointed him to hold forth and conclude the forensic audit before a new board takes over.
“We know Mr. President will also appoint him as the substantive EDFA when the time comes. Because of his pedigree and track record of success. He is carrying everybody along and we are happy with the appointment.
“We also thank Mr. President and Senator Akpabio for completing the NDDC corporate headquarters at the Eastern bye-pass, Port Harcourt. This project is a star project and we are waiting for Mr. President to come for the commissioning so that we can have an ample opportunity to show our love towards him.”
The ex-agitators called on all youth groups and organisations to cooperate with the new leadership of the NDDC to ensure the rapid development of the Niger Delta region.
They also thanked Chief Edwin Clark for his support to the NDDC Interim Administrator and his call for the youths to stop all forms of protests against the NDDC leadership, noting: “We want to assure him that we will work with Akwa and ensure absolute peace in the region.”
