The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has assured the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, of support to ensure that it succeeds in the task of developing the Niger Delta region.
Wike spoke at the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, during a courtesy visit by the NDDC Interim Administrator, Mr Efiong Akwa, who was accompanied by directors of the Commission.
In a press statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs of the Commission, Ibitoye Abosede, Governor Wike called for an NDDC that would effectively support the states of the Niger Delta region in their development efforts. He declared: “As an interim administrator, you have an opportunity to make a change and I am happy that you have started well.”
The Rivers Governor said he was ready to support the NDDC Interim Administrator, especially if the Commission would partner with the state governments, stating: “If you partner with us, we will support you. If you continue with the way you have started, the governors of the Niger Delta will support you.”
He advised the interim administrator to visit all the governors of states in the region, urging him to work in the interest of Niger Delta people by embarking on regional projects in partnership with state governments.
Effiong Akwa, was the acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration in the NDDC will head the commission in acting capacity till completion of the forensic audit, a presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, said in a statement posted on Twitter, in December.
A Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order restraining Kemebradikumo Pondei-led interim management from running the affairs of the commission.
Mr Adesina said the development became necessary as “a result of plethora of litigation and a restraining order issued recently against the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC by a Federal High Court in Abuja.”