A coalition of twelve rights groups in the Niger Delta has called on the youths of the region to desist from the planned “mother of all” protest against the appointment of a sole administrator, Effiong Akwa to oversee the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The coalition, in its meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, said it would be unfair for any ethnic group in the region to kick against the appointment of Akwa by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that this is the first time somebody from Oron nationality in Akwa Ibom State, which is also a major oil producing area, to head the Commission.

“We condemn any form of agitations, protest, rallies and publication against the appointment of Effiong Akwa as the sole Administrator of the (NDDC) as it is not the first time of such appointment of a sole administrator in the Commission. Ibim Semenitari, who is an Ijaw daughter married to an Ijaw man was appointed sole administrator in December, 2015 and stayed in office for over one year.

“The Niger Delta is made up of various ethnic groups such as Urhobo, the Orashi, Ogoni, Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ibibio, Benin, Etche, Efik, Annang and many others to mention but a few and NDDC as an off-shoot of the Oil Mineral Producing and Development Commission (OMPADEC), includes all the oil producing communities and states”. 

In a communique jointly signed by Tony Anucha (Niger Delta People’s Assembly), Alex Pepple (Niger Delta People’s Movement), Tonye Membere (South-South Youth Assembly), Jimmy Edemekong (Movement for Development of Niger Delta), Markson Inimgba (Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Nation), and Gen. Amaechi Adibuo, an ex-agitator, the coalition called on a top Niger Delta politician alleged to be the sponsor of the planned protest to desist forthwith for the interest of peace in the region.

“We condemn in totality the attack on the office of the Hon. Minister of Niger Delta by some disgruntled and criminally minded elements who were hired by some persons to perpetrate such acts in order to bring the name and the office of the minister to disrepute. We advise those politicians who are perpetuating this act to desist from it to avoid a reciprocal action to their various offices”.

The group also cautioned those who intend to make trouble or protest against the resumption of office by the sole administrator to desist from such plans as it will be an effort in futility “as we are solidly behind him”, the communique said.

The Niger Delta groups reaffirmed their support to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, for their individual effort to reposition the NDDC for the overall benefits of the people of the region.

Others who signed the communique include Chief Iyinkori Dibi, Gen. Philip Ukwuhaiye, aka, Gbesi, Prince Dazi, aka, Prince of the Water of Niger Delta, Dr. Omuzo Omokiri (Isoko Progressive Movement), Uchechukwu Okorie, and Chimele Ovunda.