The Forensic Audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, which was ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari has been concluded but the appeal for the Federal Government to urgently set up a substantive board to manage the Commission is yet to be addressed.
In a separate interview with some stakeholders of the Niger Delta Region in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, a passionate message to constitute the Board urgently was sent to President Buhari.
In the last week of May this year, the Niger Delta region which consists of nine states witnessed agitations and protests by various interest groups in some states against the Sole Administrator which is presently managing the NDDC.
After consultation with stakeholders and appeal by Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, President Buhari intervened on the matter with a promise to constitute the NDDC Board after the forensic audit exercise was concluded.
Two weeks after the exercise which will reposition the Commission was concluded, the President’s assurance to constitute the substantive board for the NDDC is yet to be implemented.
Some Senior citizens in Bayelsa reflected on the poor management of the interventionist agency since its establishment in 2000.
They sought new leadership that will champion a revolution to tackle the rising poverty index of the region, abandoned projects in the region, infrastructure deficit, and environmental hazards of the region.
While Nigerians are waiting for the presidential order after the conclusion of the forensic audit, people in Bayelsa want the Economic Financial Crimes Commission to investigate those who will be indicted by the reports.
