NDDC probe is futile… Urhobo Union

By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Editor

 

 

Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) has said the on-going probe of the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) will not achieve any result.

The socio-cultural group called for the swearing in of Bernard Okumagba as the managing director of the agency because he has been screened by the Senate.

Its President-General, Olorogun Moses Taiga, said the starting point is to halt the injustice in the commission by allowing Okumagba to assume the reins.

He told reporters in Lagos at the weekend that the probe will lead to no where, adding that it is a mere drama.

Taiga lamented that the NDDC lacked good leadership, stressing that those without the training and skills for running Democratic institutions are at the helm of affairs.

He said: “Every problem must have cause and effect. It is a shame that what we fought for to alleviate the suffering of our people is being mismanaged.

“Okumagba should be the managing director. He has been sworn in by the Senate. The probe will lead to no where. It is a drama. What is the level of involvement of indigenes in the NDDC contracts? We wait for the forensic probes, although nothing will come out of it.

“We need to know those who have done contracts with the NDDC to know the proportion that has come to the Niger Delta.”

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Taiga defended the 13 per cent derivation approved by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, recalling that he acceded to the demand of Niger Delta governors for resource control.

He urged the federal and Delta State governments to provide adequate infrastructure for Urhobo nation.

Taiga said: “We need Federal roads, particularly the East-West road, which has remained uncompleted for over 20 years, the Ughelli/Asaba road and Benin/Sapele road.”

The Urhobo leader also urged the government to develop the Okwagbe/Ganagana Port inUghelli South Council, Delta State.

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for naming railway stations along the Itakpe/Ajaokuta/Aladja/Warri corridor after Urhobo sons, including Major Gen. David Ejoor and Olorogun Michael Ibru.

Taiga said government should provide security in Urhoboland to attract investment.

He added: “Without security, there will be no investment or investors, with consequential zero job opportunities for our teeming youths.”