By Ebi Perekeme
Ijaw youths from the nine states of the Niger Delta region have blamed selfish politicians including ministers from the region for the delay in constitution of the substantive board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The youths, under the aegis of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, said the delay is caused by power struggle and open display of greed by the ministers over who becomes managing director of the commission.
In a statement issued in Yenagoa, by its National Spokesman, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, IYC appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to shun greedy ministers, politicians and immediately put in place the substantive board of the NDDC.
The group also asked Buhari not to allow selfish ministers to undermine his efforts in the Niger Delta or frustrate the existing peace the region has been enjoying.
It said: “It has come to the notice of the entire youths of the region that these ministers and some high-profile members of the National Assembly from the region are engaged in selfish battles over the choice of who mounts the saddle of leadership in the NDDC. These politicians are trying to usurp the powers of the President to foist a board that will work for their personal interest and not that of the region.”
It said the entire Ijaw nation is angry and disappointed at the conduct of the politicians and is ready to unveil their true identity if they don’t desist from their evil ways.
The group added: “Is it not enough that President Buhari has refused to publish the audit report where their names and their cronies are evidently visible as part of those who ferried away the development fund voted for the region under the NDDC despite calls from stakeholders to publish the report?
“We are warning them that if they refuse to allow President Buhari set up the board with their unnecessary power tussle, the Ijaw youths will convene an enlarged meeting where their names will be read out and necessary sanctions served them.
“These anti-Niger Delta elements should stop pooling resources, and wasting time and energy to lobby the presidency for their preferred choice.”
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