October 23, 2024
Adesakin Adefemi
Elder statesman and Convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, has expressed dismay over the Federal Executive Council’s decision to scrap the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
Clark described the move as unjustified and detrimental to the region’s development in a phone conversation on Wednesday. He noted that late President Musa Yar’Adua established the ministry to address security challenges and promote development in the Niger Delta.
The ministry’s dissolution came as a surprise, Clark said, considering its critical role. He emphasized that the ministry’s existence was not just about its administrative structure but about fulfilling the specific needs of the Niger Delta.
Clark lamented the lack of tangible development, citing the stalled progress of major projects like the East-West Road, handed over to the Ministry of Works without significant progress.
The East-West Road, initially under the Niger Delta Ministry, has seen no concrete actions or funding, Clark noted. He warned that scrapping the ministry without a replacement plan could create further discontent.
Clark also pointed to the federal government’s disengagement from the region’s development efforts, referencing the 2014 National Conference’s agreements to increase revenue allocation to oil-producing regions.
He recalled that the conference decided to increase revenue allocation from 13% to 18%, with 5% of the federation account allocated annually to conflict-affected regions.
Clark stressed that the government cannot use South-South resources to develop other regions while neglecting the Niger Delta. He vowed that the people will not allow the ministry to be scrapped without a fight.
The dissolution of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has sparked controversy, with Clark’s comments highlighting the concerns of the region’s stakeholders.
