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Akpabio plotting to coerce leaders to endorse NDDC interim mgt —IYC

Chairman of the Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, central zone, Mr Kennedy  Olorogun has raised the alarm over a move by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to allegedly  coerce Ijaw leaders of to endorse the interim management committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, set up a few days ago.

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Olorogun, in a statement on Tuesday, alleged that Akpabio has already summoned the IYC leaders to a meeting on Wednesday.

He said it was unfortunate that the minister was showing desperation in his efforts to take control of the affairs of the commission.

The IYC leader, however, disclosed that some of the leaders with conscience were already dissociating themselves from the meeting, just as he advised the IYC president to be mindful of his romance with Akpabio. 

He said: “As very serious stakeholders in the Niger Delta project, we cannot sit and watch a single individual cause problems for the entire region. We condemn unequivocally and in very clear terms, the attempt by the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio to control the NDDC from his ministry for his personal gains.

“In a desperate move to pocket the NDDC, Akpabio is causing division and is trying to break the ranks of Ijaw leaders. A case in point is a meeting he has arranged to induce some leaders of the IYC. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5th.

“Akpabio wants the IYC leaders to endorse his illegal interim management committee.

“Some of us with conscience have disassociated ourselves from the said meeting and warn every Ijaw youth leader who loves our region to stay off that meeting. 

“Akpabio wants to buy our conscience to gain our support so that his illegality in the NDDC can get some credibility. We refuse to sell our conscience for Akpabio’s porridge.

“We call on all Ijaw elders to stand up for this fight. It is the fight of our life. We must jointly resist the plot by one man to hijack our common heritage. If Akpabio has no hidden agenda, he would not write to the presidency to be allowed to control the NDDC. 

“From his activities, Akpabio is an enemy of the Niger Delta people. It is difficult to understand his agenda because it is against the law establishing the NDDC. 

“We urge the Senate to come out strong on this matter.  Nominees of the president for the board of the NDDC have been screened and ready to be confirmed.  We expect the Senate to save the Niger Delta by calling Akpabio to order.”




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