Activities at the headquarters of Niger Delta Development Commission in Port Harcourt were on Thursday grounded by protesters drawn from Niger Delta region who blocked the gate and prevented the staff from gaining access into the premises of the commission.
The protesters who were mainly aggrieved Niger Delta indigenous NDDC contractors who were joined by Pan Niger Delta Youth Leaders used tents and cooking pots to block the gate of the commission.
Speaking to newsmen, one of the leaders of the protest, SYLVESTER TONYE who is the Chairman of Niger Delta Indigenous Contractors lamented that they were deceived last year December to suspend their protest, but vowed never to leave until they are either paid or the Sole Administrator of the NDDC is removed.
TONYE complained that the contractors as indigenes of the region have been eating from hand to mouth after executing projects for a commission within the region which is supposed to pay them for their efforts,
He also accused the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, GODSWILL AKPABIO of using the region money to seek favour from the north because of his political ambition
He said the minister cannot succeed in his quest to aspire to hire office with resources belonging to the region.
Another leader of the protest, RICHARD DEEKAE-KIADUM who spoke to newsmen said their children have been sent out of school and other members of their families suffering greatly as a result of the debt being owed by NDDC just as he reiterated their resolve to remain at the gate until their money is paid.
No official of NDDC was present to address the protesters but heavy security presence to ensure that law and orders are maintained as at the time of the report.
