The demands for the reconstitution of a substantive board for the NDDC, in line with the provisions of the NDDC Act 2000, have now become a big issue on the tables of every group and stakeholder in the Niger Delta.
In a recent development, some stakeholders in the central part of Delta State have joined in the call for the reconstitution of the board saying the implications of the government’s inability to constitute the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission will cause grave insecurity issue that may cripple oil explorations in the area
The past one month had witnessed rounds of avoidable turbulence, from the Tompolo’s ultimatum to other numerous agitations for the reconstitution of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum and factions of the apex Urhobo socio-cultural Organizations, Urhobo Progress Union, all spoke in one voice.
Nixon Ufuoma Duru is an indigene of the Orogun Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Council Area of Delta State, his community produces more than 44,880 barrels of crude oil per day.
Also Read: NDDC gathers key players, intensifies call for ecosystem protection
He says the Federal Government should immediately inaugurate the already screened Benard Okumagba- led board to avert the looming huge blow on crude oil production in the Niger Delta Region.
Also speaking, an elder- statesman, who also doubles as the factional President of the Urhobo Progressive Union, Joe Omene says the prolonged forensic audit was a deliberate attempt to further impoverish the people of the Niger Delta.
Earlier in his visit to Gbaramatu, the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs Godswill Akpabio had promised to reconstitute the board before the end of June
Consequently, one of the most dreaded groups in the region, Niger Delta Avengers has returned to the creeks with the sole purpose of destroying oil installation, should government fail to meet the June deadline.
With few days beyond the given deadline, stakeholders are wondering if the government truly wants a peaceful Nigeria.
(Editor : Paul Akhagbemhe)
