Niger Delta leaders have passed a vote of confidence on the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio over recent initiative to probe the financial records of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), stating that carrying out inquiry into NDDC dealings is what people from the region have been calling for over the years.
The leaders under the aegis of Standard Initiative for Peace Building Development (SIPBD), who spoke in Abuja, then advised youths from the region not to allow themselves to be used as thugs to perpetuate violence.
Spokesman of the Niger Delta leaders, Bishop Alfred Etuk, who explained why a vote of confidence was passed on Senator Akpabio, said that, “It is in the interest of the development of the Niger Delta that we as leaders of the region have unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the Hon Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“We have no doubt that in these few months in office, his decisions have been perspicaciously done with the intent to provide honest and transparent leaders required for the effective functioning of the NDDC and the development of our region.”
The leaders, who also appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for giving authority to the Minister to oversee the affairs of NDDC, noted that the controversy surrounding the appointment of NDDC’s steering management committee should be put to rest so that members of the committee can function very well.
“As lovers of our region, we strongly advise that the sponsored and impertinent brouhaha over the appointment of the NDDC’s Steering Management Committee be put to rest to allow them focus on providing a conducive environment for the forensic auditors to do their jobs, and in order to pave way for the many deprived indigenes of the region to benefit from the good will of President Muhammad Buhari.
“This probe is what most people from the region have been calling for over the years, the reason being that various classes of people have expropriated and appropriated the common wealth of the Niger Delta region to themselves, thereby depriving the region of the needed infrastructure”, the Niger Delta leaders said.
They added that “it is in the interest of the people of the region not to allow themselves to be used to make infelicitous remarks by certain political figures who as ministers, also have their various departments and agencies they oversee without any interference from the Minister Of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the appointment of the NDDC Steering Committee is a policy directive to enhance the functionality of the probe and better situate the NDDC for the forthcoming board.”
“The reason for this commendable decision is undoubtedly due to the track records and the adept and consummate disposition of the Honorable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“This action was taken for the public interest, and it is this interest which is in line with President Muhammadu’s directive that the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio wishes to serve.”
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