Niger Delta ex-agitators have applauded the appointment of Barr Efoiong-Okon Akwa, as the Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The group under the aegis of Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative LPCDI, in a press conference yesterday in Port Harcourt, vouched for Akwa’s ability and experience to lead the commission to the Promised Land.
In a position paper presented to newsmen on its behalf, National Secretary, Pastor Nature Dumalekieghe, observed that Akwa, as a chartered accountant and seasoned administrator of note, will bring to bear, his wealth of experience, in taking the NDDC to greater heights.
Describing his appointment as a square peg in a square hole, the ex-agitators called on all the Niger Delta people, to rally round the new Sole Administrator, to carry out the task of changing the face of the region positively.
Condemning series of litigations against the commission, the ex-agitators urged the people to shun bitterness and embrace peace, to enable the leadership concentrate and work for the region and nation at large.
They appealed to other ex-agitators, Civil Society Organisations, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) to avoid pull-him-down syndrome and give peace a chance.
The group demanded from President Muhammadu Buhari the immediate payment of more than N1 trillion owed the commission, to aid the transformation, noting that the funds, when released, could change the entire region for better.
In the document signed by 21 members from all the NDDC states, LPCDI called on the Sole Administrator to pay attention to contract execution, abandoned projects and ensure contractors execute jobs, as and when due, and according to specifications.
Making a case for completion of the East/West road, it condemned what it described as ‘shoddy jobs’, contract inflation, while demanding regular synergy between the commission and member state governments, to achieve priority needs and quality projects’ delivery.
Recall that Barr Efiong Okon Akwa has served the commission as, Special Assistant to former Managing Director, Barr. Dan Abia, and was the immediate past Director, Finance and Administration of NDDC.
From Chukwudi Chidiebere
