By Kolawole Ojebisi
A Traditional Ruler in Bayelsa State, David Amakiri, has told the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission that the Niger Delta people deserve more development projects in the region, stressing that NDDC hasn’t done enough in the region.
The monarch warned that citing the environmental situations of the region as reason for doing minor little projects is a convenient excuse is unacceptable to the people of the Niger Delta region.
Amakiri, however, commended the NDDC for what it has done so far in the Niger Delta region while stressing that the management of the Commission need to do more for more the troubled Niger Delta region.
The monarch spwhen the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, led a delegation from the Commission on a courtesy visit at his palace in Oruma, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by the Director of Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Seledi Thompson-Wakama on Sunday and sent to newsmen.
Ogbuku was accompanied on the visit by the Bayelsa State representative on the NDDC Board, Senator Denyanbofa Dimaro, and other Directors of the Commission.
Amakiri acknowledged the contributions of the NDDC to the growth of the community, in particular, and the local government area at large. He thanked the NDDC for the various interventions that had improved his people’s lives and livelihoods.
The monarch praised the NDDC for constructing the Oruma rigid pavement Road and other internal roads in his community, stating that his people had faced many challenges in infrastructure before the Commission’s intervention.
He declared: “Our people are anxious to see more development projects. We have played our own role by ensuring that there is peace in the Niger Delta region. Having provided a peaceful environment, there should be no excuse for not developing our region.”
Speaking earlier, the NDDC Managing Director said the Commission considered it necessary to visit the royal father to congratulate him on his recognition as the Obanobhan of Emeyal Clan in Ogbia Local Government Area.
Ogbuku acknowledged the importance of the traditional institution, noting: “We recognise the importance of the traditional rulers in ensuring peace and stability in the various communities in the Niger Delta region.”
He urged the monarch to ensure peace in his domain, stating, “We need peace for the speedy execution of development projects.”
