The brouhaha by Ijaw youths and other disgruntled elements over the appointment of Mr Effiong Akwa has called for setting the record straight, Otuekong Iniobong John writes
NDDC: NOBODY IS MORE NIGER DELTAN THAN AKWA IBOMITES
I watched the show of shame by a gang of disgruntled elements at the Ministry of Niger delta affairs secretariat with dismay.
Evidently,they were sponsored and directed by some desperate politicians who feel they would not be able to actualize their inordinate political ambitions in 2023 if the Hon Minister of Niger Delta affairs,Senator Godswill Akpabio,is not hunted down.
Before I proceed, I need to make it abundantly clear that nobody is more Niger Deltan than Akwa Ibomites. As a state,we make make huge contributions to the funding of the NDDC.
Ijaw youths,under whatever auspices,must desist from harassing or intimidating the sole administrator of the NDDC, Barr Effiong Akwa and the Hon Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
Under this government, an Ijaw person has been a Sole Administrator of the Commission and Ijaw youths didn’t threaten fire and brimstone.
Mr President, in exercise of the powers vested in his office,found Mr Effiong Akwa worthy of the appointment. He should be allowed to carry out the onerous task given to him by Mr President.
The determination by Mr President to sanitize the Commission with a view to ensuring that its core mandate is achieved should be supported by every patriotic Niger Deltan.
NDDC APPOINTMENT:
Following the brouhaha by Ijaw youths and other disgruntled elements over the appointment of Mr Effiong Akwa as the Acting M.D. of the NDDC,it is important I make the following statement with a view to setting the record straight.
Between 2015 and now,Mr President has appointed the following Acting MDs for the commission:
(1) Mrs. Ibim Semenitari
Acting MD – 2016
From Rivers state
(2) Professor Brambaifa
Acting MD 2019
From Bayelsa state.
(3) Joy Nunieh
Acting MD 2019/ early 2020
From Rivers state.
(4) Professor Pondei
Acting MD February – December, 2020
From Bayelsa State.
(5) Effiong Akwa
Acting Administrator
Akwa Ibom
From the foregoing, it can be seen that this is not be first time an Ag. MD would be appointed for the commission under this government. When Ijaw persons were appointed to the position,nobody threatened fire and brimstone.
I repeat,nobody is more Niger deltan than Akwa Ibomites.
Let nobody harass or intimidate Effiong Akwa and Senator Godswill Akpabio again.
Disgruntled Ijaw youths must stop being used by desperate politicians to create unnecessary crisis at the Commission.
Otuekong Iniobong John
Akwa Ibom State Chairman
APC NATIONAL YOUTH CAUCUS
