Reformed Militant leaders from the Nine States of the Niger Delta region have commended President Muhammad Buhari over the appointment of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) led by the Managing Director, Chief Bernard Okumagba.
The Former Militant leaders under the aegis of the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA), a coalition of nine militant groups, describing the board as one with the capability to revolutionize the operations of the interventionist agency to meet with its core mandate of its establishment.
The RNDA, after a crucial meeting presided over by its leader, Major General Johnmark Ezon-Ebi aka OBAMA, throw its weight behind the duo describing them as men of integrity with a proven track record of service to their fatherland where served previously noting that their competencies was not in doubt.
The RNDA however warned and stated categorically that it will resist any person or groups of persons within its powers behind any moves to stop the incoming new Management Board of the Commission led Dr. Pius Odubu and Chief Bernard Okumagba from being sworn-In, ‘as it was obvious that the Board has been put on reverse gear with the Interim Management Committee which the Senate has turned down from defending the Commission’s 2020 proposed budget estimates thereby raising fears that the Commission may not have a budget for its operations next year.’
‘It is most worrisome that the new Board has not been sworn in hence cannot defend the 2020 NDDC budget before the National Assembly noting that the Senate had taken the right decision that only those screened and confirmed will be allowed as they are authorized by law according to the Act establishing the Commission”.
The RNDA said the power play and political intrigues over the NDDC particularly as regards the new Board being sworn in was having negative toll on the Commission’s operation and the stalemate would soon cripple the interventionist agency.
The Group noted that it has identified some persons who are bent on ensuring that the new NDDC Board does not see the light of day and will deal decisively with them not minding the negative impact their action will have in the creek of the region because those who are behind this move are definite enemies to the development of Niger Delta and are enemies to President Muhammadu Buhari good intention towards the region.
The RNDA in with coalition of nine other militant groups that accepted the ceasefire agreement for peace that is agitating for the practical development of the Niger Delta region which resulted to the existing peace being enjoyed in the creeks said it was disgusting and disturbing that the same power drunk politicians from the region who have held the development of the Niger Delta down are those still trying to rear their ugly heads’
‘ As it is obvious that the Chief Bernard Okumagba and Dr Pius Odubu led Management in the Commission will expose all the atrocities and Illegal dealings perpetuated by previous administrators of the Commission with their cronies and that is why they have stuck to their guns reason why this known power drunk in fighting against the incoming board to a standstill in other to shortchange the interventionist agency for their selfish gains.’
The group stated that their actions was to the detriment of the entire Niger Delta people and as such the RNDA will not fold it hands to allow any further delay for the inauguration of the the Chief Bernard Okumagba led board to take over the affairs of the Commission as they are the only persons been recognized by law.
The RNDA maintained that it will not fold it’s arms and watch people that are anti-Niger Delta with divisive tendencies and corruption togas to hold the NDDC to ransom just to satisfy their greed to the detriment of the people of Niger Delta region more so when Mr. President has done well for appointing the two illustrious sons from the region who are tested, trusted and competent men of whose wealth of experience is not in doubt to bring speedy development to the region and turn around the fortunes of the lives of the people in the region.
