Niger Delta Youths Pledge Support for Buhari, Akpabio

By Ebireri Henry Ovie

Youths in the Niger Delta region have endorsed the current drive by the federal government to eradicate corruption in the country.

They also said the federal government has started well in the Niger Delta region by approving auditors for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“It requires time to complete the forensic audit,” they said in a statement last Tuesday.

At a meeting of the Niger Delta Youth Forum (NDYF) in Calabar, the youths praised President Muhammadu Buhari for opting to entrust the affairs of the Niger Delta Ministry to Mr Godswill Akpabio, a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“We are grateful to Mr President for the perspicacious judgement,” they stated.

Particularly, the youths praised the federal government for giving the NDDC a new and strategic direction aimed at achieving viable development in the oil-rich region.

“President Muhammadu Buhari and Godswill Akpabio deserve our commendation for the changes so far in the oil-rich Niger Delta region,” the youths said.

The youths in the statement signed by NDYF Chairperson, Dr Roseline Umoh, defended the administration’s role in appointing a sole administrator for the interventionist agency.

The youths explained that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs had a minister who is committed to doing things right.

They underscored Mr Akpabio’s long trail of legacies in Akwa Ibom State, his inspiring leadership in the Senate and the effort he was making to develop the oil-rich region and enjoined South-South governors to cooperate with the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and give him the needed support for success.

They advised the Governors to be patient with the federal government, calling for greater understanding amongst all stakeholders in the region.

“We must not set roadblocks before ourselves. We must unite. The harmony which has now been achieved between the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the National Assembly is here to stay,” they said.