Niger Delta Youths Back Buhari’s Decision on Corrupt Officials

By Henry Ovie

Youth leaders in the Niger Delta on Sunday applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for vowing to rid the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of the moral and political rot that has plagued it for so long.

“We are continually inspired by Buhari’s dedication and vision to addressing development issues in the Niger Delta region,” the youths said at a meeting in Warri, Delta State.

The President promised to go after those indicted in the forensic audit of the NDDC and the youths from the region expressed gratitude to Mr Buhari for “every sincere effort made to achieve development in the Niger Delta region.”

They commended him for ordering the release of outstanding NDDC funds and trial of corrupt officials, noting that this creates the momentum which can accelerate progress in the region.

“The President’s directive on the completion of all viable projects, which have been abandoned by the NDDC, is a welcome development,” the chairman of the Niger Delta Progressives Movement (NDPM), Mr Julius Ita, told a news conference after the gathering in Warri.

Specifically, the youths commended Mr Godswill Akpabio for breathing life into the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, revitalizing the region, instilling a renewed sense of faith and hope and creating a wonderful legacy for Niger Delta’s future.

“Chief Godswill Akpabio represents an extraordinary example of the spirit we honour in the region,” the group said.

The youth leaders described the remarks of the National Chairman of Niger Delta People’s Forum (NDPF), Mr Boma Ebiakpo as “negative and divisive”.

“It won’t distract or deter the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio from his focus on developing the Niger Delta region”, said the youth leaders.

The youth leaders said they expected Mr Ebiakpo and his sponsors to cherish Mr Akpabio’s contribution, wisdom and energy to the realization of the Niger Delta dream.

“An NDDC board in the first half-year period will be a distraction”, the youth leaders pointed out.