A Chieftain in the Niger Delta region has commended what he called “lofty strides recorded by the Sole Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Barr. Effiong Akwa, since his appointment barely nine months ago in December, 2020. This is the latest in the constant rain of commendations that has been poured on the NDDC Boss from all corners of the country.
Describing the NDDC Boss as a worthy and exemplary as ambassador of Akwa Ibom State and the Niger Delta, a pragmatist and patriotic Nigerian, Chief Mathew who is the President of Niger Delta Development Peace Movement, said the appointment of Barr. Akwa to captain a “boat in troubled waters” that the NDDC has become in the last two decades has clearly vindicated President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice of him and proven that things can work in the Commission with the right persons in the right place.
Chief Victor Mathew was speaking to news men in an exclusive chat in Uyo weekend. He therefore called on President Buhari to avoid sentiments or politics but ensure that Barr. Effiong Akwa was included in the list of substantive Board Members of the NDDC, which a statement from the President had recently hinted will be made public soon.
Talking categorically, Mathew said the President and Nigerians shall have little or nothing to worry about in appointing Akwa as Executive Director of Finance in the Commission in the awaiting list.
“I am pleasantly surprised that Barr. Effiong can this mush just within a few months. He has impacted massively on the landscape and people of the Niger Delta with life-touching projects and initiatives, with specific reference to my State, Akwa Ibom. I naturally don’t commend a government a[appointee where there was no proof of performance, but here is man who has handsomely delivered on his promises. Having thus proven faithful and capable, he deserves better engagements”, he advocated.
Chief Mathew listed areas he observed Barr. Akwa has performed to include provision of Waste management trucks to States, his contributions towards the historic completion of the NDDC Corporate Headquarters, and prudent management of resource. Others are - championing peace projects and regular interface with stakeholders form the region, open-door to the ongoing forensic audit, accelerated focus on East-West Road construction, and enhanced staff welfare and capacity-building.
The Chief, who also lauded Sen, Akpabio for his tremendous sacrifices for the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large, maintained that the seamless relationship Barr. AKwa has caused to exist between him, the Minister and the Presidency, has completely ameliorated frequent friction and distractions that was the case, hitherto.
He therefore lauded President Buhari and Sen. Akpabio for their foresight and commitment to the cause of the Niger Delta, calling on Niger Deltans and Nigerians to continue to support the government.
On the Petroleum Act recently passed, Chief Victor Mathew expressed gratitude to the President but however wished that the 3% allocated to Host Communities was slightly more than that for equity.
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