N’Delta group, MOSIEND drums support for Umana to salvage NDDC

Arodiegwu Eziukwu

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), on Sunday, applauded the appointment of Chief Okon Umanah as the new Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

Mr Kenedy Tonjo-West, National President of MOSIEND, said in Yenagoa that the people of Niger Delta region were optimistic that Umanah has the capacity to make a difference.

Tonjo-West noted that given the support, Umanah would salvage the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from the neglect and manipulation it suffered under the tenure of Godswill Akpabio.

He regretted that the non-composition of a substantive board for over three years at NDDC has deprived the region of the much-needed development that necessitated the creation of the interventionist agency.

“MOSIEND urges Niger Deltans to support and cooperate with the minister of Niger Delta democratic dividends.

“As an accomplished economist, accountant, and public administrator, we are expecting credible, transparent and people-oriented policies.

“More especially in human capital development, entrepreneurship and vocational training, the incentive to grow SME’s, cottage industries, improved volunteering, attracting investors, health care etc,” Tonjo-West said.

He urged Umana not to toe the line or behave like Akpabio but to ensure the immediate constitution of a substantive board for NDDC to ensure broad-based participation in the affairs of the commission.

According to Tonjo-West, the region has suffered a lot of setbacks as a result of ill-conceived policies and tendencies under Akpabio’s watch as supervising Minister.

“Akpabio’s tenure is fraught with corruption and embezzlement. It is for the reason that we are urging the Economic and Financial Crime Commission to probe the financial transactions of the NDDC under Akpabio’s supervision,” he said.