Highlight

Reps step down motion to reverse change of Niger Delta Ministry to Regional Development Ministry

355

The House of Representatives has failed to consider a motion asking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rescind the decision to change the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to the Ministry for Regional Development.

The House stepped down the motion sponsored by Rep. Oboku Oforji (PDP, Bayelsa) because “it has been overtaken by events.”

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen told the lawmakers that he met with President Tinubu last week and hit assurance that he was favourably disposed to receiving the South-South Development Commission Bill to cater for specific issues of the Niger Delta region.

Given the information and the fact that other events have already overshadowed the motion’s issues, he advised the legislator to allow the House to withdraw the motion.

House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), said even though the issues contained in the motion were germane, the conversion of the Niger Delta Development Ministry to that of the Ministry of Regional Development will not in any way deny the Niger Delta region of its due development nor reduce its impact in the region, but only to broaden its scope to the development of other regions.

While moving the motion, Oforji recalled that the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua established the Ministry of Niger Delta Development on September 10, 2008, appointing Mrs. Ufot Ekaette as the first Minister.

According to him, the ministry was created to promote and coordinate policies for the development, peace, unity, and security of the Niger Delta Region and is expected to formulate and execute plans, programs and other initiatives, as well as coordinate the activities of agencies, communities, donors, and other relevant stakeholders involved in the development of the Niger Delta Region.

He said Yar’Adua had noble intention and foresight for creating the ministry as a way to ameliorate the suffering, agitations, and neglect of the region for decades by successive governments.

According to him, the region produces the wealth of the country and “yet is poor and poorly governed.”

He said years of oil spillage, lack of arable land, and social amenities had necessitated the emergence of militancy in the oil-rich region.

He said: “It was in the short term of late President Yar’Adua’s leadership from Katsina State that dialogue was initiated with major stakeholders in the region and militants culminating in the Amnesty Program that has brought relative peace to the oil-rich Niger Delta Region.

“These were preludes to the creation of the ministry, which was aimed at infrastructural development, environmental protection, and empowerment of the youths in the oil rich Niger Delta Region.

“Are we there yet? The answer is no, but the people of the Niger Delta believe that the lofty dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of the region will be actualized someday, hence their embrace of the creation of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.”

He said the region was shocked following the announcement of the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“This is not a good omen for a region that has contributed immensely to the economic development of our country and has enjoyed some relative peace.”

Leave a comment

Related Articles

NNPC Ltd. hosts NSC boss, pledges support for revitalization of Nigerian football

In a significant move to boost Nigerian football, the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Nigerian youths essential to repositioning Africa, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth...

Just in: Simon Ekpa ‘ll be extradited to Nigeria to face charges – Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa,...

NPA’s CEO Dantsoho Makes History as First Nigerian Chairman of PMAWCA

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Save for rainy day, Federal Accountant General urges state govts, emphasizes transparency, accountability

In a bid to ensure financial stability during adverse situations and economic...

Sacked UNIZIK VC Odoh to Tinubu: You can’t fire me through press release

Sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in Awka, Anambra State, Prof....

UBA to empower MSME’s with wealth management strategies at its ‘Built to Last’ series

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of...

Olopade assumes office as NSC DG, promises new lease of life for Nigerian sports

Bukola Olopade had assumed office as the Director General of the resuscitated...

Amid High Inflation Rate, IMF Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

International Monetary Fund (IMF) President Kristalina Georgieva and her team met with...

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Ajibade, Nnadozie, Nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the...

Just in: FG announces reshuffle of governing councils at FUOYE, Kogi varsity

The Federal Government has made changes to the governing councils of Federal...

Exclusive: Eguavoen Opens Up on Declining NFF Contract Extension, Reveals Reasons

Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, has revealed why he declined the Nigeria...

Boost for Nigeria’s Oil Production As NNPC’s Utapate Crude Grade Hits Global Oil Market

In a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation, and...

Just in: FG sacks varsity Pro-Chancellor for misconduct

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced the removal of...

Just in: INEC presents Certificates of Return to Ondo Gov. Aiyedatiwa, deputy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to...

Breaking: Senate sacks Danladi Umar, Code of Conduct Tribunal chairman  

Following proven allegations of gross misconduct and unacceptable behaviour, the Senate on...

Just in: South Africa takes over G20 Presidency from Brazil, first African nation to lead the bloc

South Africa has taken over the presidency of the G20 from Brazil,...

Tinubu submits 3 INEC REC, federal commissioner-nominees for Senate’s approval

President Bola Tinubu has sent the name of Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner,...

Just in: After a night in custody, DSS in Ogun releases Ladi Adebutu

Mr. Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in...