A civil society group, Niger Delta Network (NDN) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari on his reforms of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), currently being carried out through the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
The group stated this on Sunday 23rd October, 2022 at the end of their enlarged meeting held at Minna Guest House, Old GRA, Port Harcourt.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and jointly signed by Eric Igbinokpogie Esq and Dr. John Douglas; Acting Secretary General and Director, Public Communications, respectively, the group urged President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute without further delay, a substantive board of the NDDC in accordance with the enabling Act of the Commission.
The communiqué also commended the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, for his swift implementation of the directive of Mr. President in the reform of the NDDC. This, the group said shows the commitment and readiness of the Minister towards the development of the region.
The communiqué further reads in part “we congratulate the Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Engr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua, on his meritorious appointment. While we pray God to give him wisdom and enablement to have a smooth sail in this new responsibility, we urge him to know that the time has come to positively change the story of the Niger Delta Region by working harmoniously with critical stakeholders in the region”.
“That as part of our responsibility to the development of the region, we are currently on tour of projects undertaken by both MNDA and NDDC. From our findings so far, there are projects which could be completed within the time frame of the Mohammadu Buhari’s administration”.
“We urge critical stakeholders in the region to give the MNDA and NDDC maximum support and cooperation towards speedy actualization of Mr. President’s vision for the region”.
The group further call on MNDA and NDDC to make available relief materials for flood victims in the region and set up proper camps for internally displaced persons.