Niger Delta ex-agitators have expressed their approval for the purported decision made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore the oversight of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to the Presidency.

Mr. Nature Dumale, the National Secretary of the First Phase Ex-agitators, conveyed this sentiment in a statement released from Port Harcourt. He found it heartening to learn that the NDDC will now directly report to the President, similar to the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

Dumale recalled the joy he felt as this development materialized, as he had previously spearheaded a campaign advocating for the commission to be under direct presidential supervision. Holding the position of Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Strategic Communication Committee (SCC), he noted that Tinubu’s decision exemplified a sincere intention to positively transform the NDDC’s prospects.

He maintained that the Niger Delta region had suffered from a lack of progress over the years, largely due to unscrupulous individuals who converted numerous federal government interventions into their personal estates.

“We want to use this opportunity to appreciate Mr. President, for the wisdom in returning the NDDC to the Presidency.

“We believe that this will speed up the development of the region, and stem the culture of turning the Commission into a cash cow. 

“For us, it is a sign that the President has good intentions for the Niger Delta region for summoning the political will to move the interventionist agency back to the Presidency. This means that he wants proper supervision of the NDDC.

“As ex-agitators, we can boldly say that the Niger Delta has been suffering because of mismanagement. This move will engender accountability, transparency and the much-touted development of the Niger Delta, would become a reality.

“This is one step Mr. President has taken to give us hope as leaders in the region. We believe that the NDDC, under the supervision of the Presidency, would facilitate meaningful development. 

“The only time we experienced some development was when NDDC was under the direct supervision of the Presidency. As soon as it was moved to the Ministry of Niger Delta, it became a cash cow, for the Niger Delta Cartel, whose only agenda, is to keep the Niger Delta underdeveloped,” he said.

Dumale remarked that they ascertained the presence of a Niger Delta Recovery Plan (NDRP) in addition to the NDDC and the PAP. This plan necessitated collaboration among the ministries of petroleum, environment, and Niger Delta affairs to collectively formulate the region’s development strategies.

He continued: “We live in an environment where a lot is taken away on a daily basis by the federal government, yet there is little to show for it. The condition of Ogoni-Onne-Eleme Road, which is part of the East-West road, comes to mind. The road has remained a death trap making it impossible for free movement of goods.

“We are standing behind President Tinubu and we await, with great enthusiasm and renewed vigour, the speedy development of our homeland”. 

He cautioned that the former agitators possessed the education and tactics required to hold their leaders responsible, and they would now refuse to endure the mismanagement of their shared resources. 

He added: “We have been empowered, and we won’t engage anybody with arms. We have been trained to communicate positively and to make our case known even to the United Nations.

“So, we will diplomatically and strategically confront our leaders and ask questions. There is no accountability because people divert funds meant for our region without being held to account for these resources. As youths of Niger Delta are getting exposed and uncovering financial crimes against them, on a daily basis, it is not going to be business as usual”. 

Dumale urged President Tinubu to mandate the NDDC to publicly release the forensic audit report concerning the commission. He stressed that those accountable for redirecting the commission’s funds must be held responsible.