‘You Can’t Leave NDDC’s Almost N500b Budget In The Hands Of A Sole Administrator’ – Monarch Tells Buhari

• Calls For Inauguration Of Odudu, Okumagba’s Screened NDDC Board

Paramount traditional ruler of Idjerhe Kingdom in Delta State, HRM Monday Obukohwo Whiskey, Udurhie 1, on Monday, says it is unacceptable for President Muhammadu Buhari to leave the budget of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of almost N500 billion in the hands of a sole administrator.

The monarch who spoke in his palace in Jesse, while playing host to the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), said that a sole administrator is alien to the Act establishing NDDC.

BIGPEN reports that President Buhari had recently appointed Mr. Effiong Akwa as the Sole Administrator of the Commission following the sack of the Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei-led Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the NDDC.

Addressing journalists during the visit, the monarch, himself a seasoned journalist by profession, said that the act establishing the interventionist agency has no place for the position of a “sole administrator” for the Commission.

According to him, the appointment of a ‘sole administrator’ is against the wishes of the people of the Niger Delta, a development which he said was capable of igniting fresh crisis in the oil-rich region.

He expressed concerns of other royal fathers whom he said are worried that the region is gradually sliding into another rounds of hostilities which could threaten the existing peace in the region.

The veteran journalist turned monarch, while describing the appointment of a sole administrator as illegal, appealed to President Buhari to quickly swear-in the Odubu-led board which has Chief Bernard Okumagba as Managing Director of the commission.

He urged President Buhari to inaugurate the Dr Pius Odubu-led 16-man NDDC board already screened and confirmed by the senate.

According to him, “Whatever happens in that ministry (Niger Delta Affairs) is our serious concern. I say it very loud that attempt (s) by group of persons force a sole administrator on NDDC is totally unacceptable.

“NDDC is a Niger Delta concern and getting a budget of almost N500 billion in the hands of a sole administrator is unacceptable and not known to the Act establishing NDDC. The NDDC Act of 2000 does not have a place for a ‘Sole Administrator’.

“So, I am using this medium to plead with the Federal Government of President Buhari to as a matter of urgency inaugurate the board that has been screened and confirmed by the National Assembly under the chairmanship of a former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Odubu with Chief Bernard Okumagba as the Managing Director.

“As a traditional ruler, I’m no longer comfortable with what we are seeing (Niger Delta). Today, there’s this threat, tomorrow, there’s threat.

“I am one person that doesn’t believe that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari should be receiving several threats but I also believe the President also has to sit up and do the right thing as it concerns the Niger Delta by inaugurating the board of NDDC to save the region from avoidable crisis.”

The royal father also advocated for a constitutional roles for traditional rulers in the country, adding that it would help save the country from the myriad of challenges currently confronting Nigeria by locally addressing issues of concern.

Udurhie I called on investors and companies to bring their businesses to Idjerhe Kingdom, assuring that there are available free lands for such development.

The traditional ruler, while thanking his visitors, assured the Delta NUJ Council chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and the Warri NUJ Chapel Chairman, Comrade Victor Okpomor  and their team of his continued support and partnership with journalists in Nigeria especially Delta State.

Earlier, the Delta NUJ Council chairman, Comrade Ikeogwu, who led other journalists to the palace, told the monarch that the Council was on a solidarity visit.

The Delta NUJ chairman said the National President of NUJ, Mr. Chris Isiguzo, and journalists in the country particularly in the state, are happy that one of their own has been elevated to the position of royal father.

He urged the traditional ruler to ensure that his reign not only usher in peace and development to Idjerhe Kingdom but unite and uphold the tradition and customs of his subjects.