Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to focus on the development of the region, instead of being involved in partisan politics.
Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt, when he granted audience to the Governing Board of the NDDC, Governor Wike said it will be counterproductive if NDDC continues to operate like a political party.
He noted that development in the Niger Delta has been stunted because of the politicisation of the activities of NDDC, which makes it difficult for the commission to focus on its core mandate.
“It is worrisome that NDDC is trying to politicise the execution of projects and this will not help the development of the region.”
He assured the NDDC of the support of the Rivers State Government in the delivery of the development goals.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of the NDDC, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, informed that the new board will change the narrative of the NDDC by making the commission functional and responsive to the needs of the Niger Delta.
The NDDC Chairman who was accompanied by the Managing Director, Mr Nsima Ekere, and other board members, said that all organs of the commission will be activated, while Niger Delta State Governors will be more involved in the commission’s activities.