BEVERLY HILLS, January 24, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to find reliable solution to the ongoing vandalism and oil bunkering in the region.
Ibim Semenitari, Managing Director, NDDC, who disclosed this at a crucial meeting between the NDDC and executive of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities (TROMCON) in Port Harcourt, added that Buhari also charged traditional rulers and stakeholders of the Niger Delta to join in the task.
“President Buhari has directed the NDDC to quickly intervene and explore every avenue that will help bring back peace and stability in the Niger Delta,” She said.
“It had become extremely expedient for the people of the region to ensure that the nation’s collective wealth and heritage were not further dissipated, with the people’s wellbeing compromised
“This marching order entails that we must immediately swing into action; consulting and negotiating where necessary to ensure there are no further acts of vandalism and criminality in the region.”
She appealed to the traditional rulers led by the Eze and paramount ruler of Ngbirichi in Imo State, Akuwueze Ikegwuruka, to engage in serious sensitisation of their subjects against oil theft, vandalism and other acts that could cause a breach of security.
Responding, the TROMPCON leader said the group would do whatever was necessary to ensure the maintenance of peace and provide the conducive environment for the NDDC and other agencies of development, including contractors.
“TROMPCON has longed to join hands with the NDDC and other development agencies,” he said as he reaffirmed their stake in the affairs of the Niger Delta
He further said that the royal fathers would visit the National Assembly to discuss the NDDC budget and rub minds with them to see how to provide more employment opportunities and avoid a situation where contracts were hijacked to the detriment of the people of the Niger Delta.
Story by David Oputah
