Niger Delta ex-agitators have expressed their approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's reported decision to transfer the oversight of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) back to the Presidency. In a statement released in Port Harcourt, Mr. Nature Dumale, the National Secretary of the First Phase Ex-agitators, conveyed their appreciation for this move, likening it to the setup of the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

Dumale highlighted that this decision was akin to a long-awaited prayer being answered. He recounted that he had previously led an effort to have the NDDC directly supervised by the President. In his capacity as the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Strategic Communication Committee (SCC), Dumale emphasized that Tinubu's action demonstrated a sincere intent to improve the NDDC's prospects.

He emphasized that over the years, the Niger Delta region had endured a lack of development due to corrupt individuals misappropriating government interventions for personal gain. This decision to return NDDC to the Presidency was seen as a pivotal step to change this scenario.

Dumale expressed their gratitude towards President Tinubu for this strategic move. They believed that this shift would accelerate regional development and curtail the tendency to exploit the Commission for financial gains. The ex-agitators perceived this action as an indicator of President Tinubu's genuine intentions for the Niger Delta's progress and his commitment to ensuring proper supervision of the NDDC.

The previous time when significant progress was noted in the region was when the NDDC was directly overseen by the Presidency. However, its relocation to the Ministry of Niger Delta led to mismanagement and exploitation by the Niger Delta Cartel, according to Dumale.

The ex-agitators also acknowledged the existence of the Niger Delta Recovery Plan (NDRP), which aimed to coordinate the efforts of various ministries in fostering the region's development. They cited the deteriorating condition of the Ogoni-Onne-Eleme Road, a part of the East-West road, as a testament to the lack of progress in infrastructure development.

Dumale voiced their unwavering support for President Tinubu and his efforts for the region. They expressed their readiness to engage in constructive dialogue and diplomacy rather than resorting to violence. Empowered with education and strategies, they were determined to hold leaders accountable and prevent the mismanagement of resources.

The ex-agitators urged President Tinubu to ensure the release of the forensic audit report on the NDDC. They believed that those responsible for diverting the Commission's resources should be held accountable for their actions. In conclusion, Dumale stressed that the youths of the Niger Delta were evolving, uncovering financial improprieties, and striving for a new era of accountability and development.

Naijamatta is a social networking site,

download Naijamatta from Google play store or visit www.naijamatta.com to register. You can post, comment, do voice and video call, join and open group, go live etc. Join Naijamatta family, the Green app.