By Abiola Olawale
The Ijaw Political Frontiers (IPF), a socio-political group has criticized Senator Godswill Akpabio, Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, over his recent comment against the inauguration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board.
Recall the South-South Governors’ Forum had on Monday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate the already screened and approved board by the Nigerian Senate.
However, the Niger Delta minister had said the federal government would not inaugurate the NDDC board until the forensic auditors of the commission complete their assignment.
Reacting, the IPF condemned the minister, warning that any further delay in inaugurating the NDDC board could cause havoc in the Niger Delta.
This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by Mr. Bedford Benjamin, spokesman, IPF.
The IPF accused the minister of playing on the intelligence of the people of the region for no good reason.
The group further demanded for an immediate inauguration of the board.
The statement reads, “The NDDC, which is founded upon the blood, struggles and agitations of patriotic Niger Delta people is not, and cannot be a one man’s show. We shall resist you (Akpabio) with every legal means and see to it that your illegal reign of injustice and unconventional practices come to an end. Using the caretaker techniques of running local government structures does not apply in this case. It is rather shameful to hear the minister citing that as an example to justify the endless interim administrations in the NDDC.
“We shall continue to fight for justice for the region until the inauguration of a substantive board before the aberration becomes a norm in the commission. It is however sad to hear Akpabio using subtle insulting words on our elected governors in the bid to make a point. Akpabio is getting power-drunk and his lackadaisical disposition on sensitive issues in the NDDC is worrisome. Any further delay may make the waters from the creeks begin to boil again. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. We want the constitution of a substantive board of the NDDC now!”
