Ex-agitators threatening to shutdown NDDC are uninformed, Ignorant says MOSIEND

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Movement for Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has described ex-militants threatening to shut down the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as ignorant and uninformed.

MOSIEND in a statement issued on Saturday condemned the five-day ultimatum given by the Coalition of Ex-agitators of Niger Delta (CEND) to NDDC management to vacate as baseless.

The statement was signed by Mr Frank G Ezekiel, Zonal Secretary, MOSIEND Eastern Zone and Mr Damini Ambrose, Director Mobilization, MOSIEND Eastern Zone.

MOSIEND noted that CEND exhibited gross ignorance by falsely claiming that the Dr Samuel Ogbuku-led NDDC management was occupying the office illegally following the June 19 dissolution of boards of parastatals by President Bola Tinubu.

MOSIEND wondered how the group that claims to be protesting perceived disobedience of Presidential directives on the dissolution of boards was unaware of the waiver to the Ogbuku team at NDDC pending the constitution of a new board.

“As critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta region, we find it very distasteful a purported threat issued by a faceless bunch, Coalition of Ex-agitators of Niger Delta (CEND), who think it is convenient to fan the embers of discord and crisis in the region by issuing threats to the smooth running of the NDDC.

“Overtime, as a group, we have pointed out that the sacrifices and efforts expended by sons and daughters of the region before the last board was constituted should be respected and that at this time of our lives as a people, the peace and progress of the Niger Delta region is extremely important to us.

“Hence we will vehemently resist the selfish actions of people desperate for positions or appointment seekers to manipulate the uninformed and promote purposeless groups to pursue their selfish agenda, even to the detriment of the overall peace and stability of the region.

“So, we are saying, enough of the mudslinging intended to derail the worthy intentions that led to the setting up the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the statement read in part.

MOSIEND explained that the continued stay in office of the Managing Director, the Executive Director Projects and the Executive Director Finance and Administration are in conformity with the NDDC Act.

The group said they were gladdened by the bold gesture of Mr President in exempting the NDDC team to continue the administer the commission pending constitution of a new board.

MOSIEND advised CEND who are ignorant of the good intentions of  President Tinubu in retaining the Management Committee to seek enlightenment and jettison their plot and bury their faces in shame, having embarrassed themselves.

“Their agitation and threat to a government agency like the NDDC is borne out of ludicrous and great ignorance. The NDDC Act, clearly points out that the Managing Director CEO and the two Executive Directors are staff of the commission.

“During the pendency of their tenure and that in the event of dissolution of the board like the case we find at play, the Managing Director and the two Executive Directors can continue to run the commission until replacements are made of the Board,” MOSIEND stated.

The group appealed to youths who are being recruited to block access and roads to NDDC, not to join as security agencies will not relent in arresting and prosecuting anyone who attempts to breach the peace.