Presidential Directive On NDDC: Advocacy Group Cautions FG, Stakeholders

Dr. Adaoha Ndukwe

"It is also noteworthy that the governors stated poor choice of projects, shoddy handling of projects, uncompleted jobs and lack of inclusion of the states by the Commission in carrying out projects as   reasons for their disappointment"...... Citizens Quests


The Presidential Directive for forensic audit  into the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has continued to generate reactions across stakeholders from the region.


The directive came strong on the heels of the visit of the nine (9) Niger Delta states governors to President Mohammadu Buhari in Aso Rock on the 17th October, to express their disappointment with the operations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) amongst other requests.

Joining its voice to the outcry, is a Non-Governmental Organization, the Citizens Quest For Truth Initiative, which is an advocacy group that is desirous of a better society for all.

The group made this known in a statement signed by Adaoha Oby Ndukwe and Francis Udoka Ndimkoha, President and Protem National Publicity Secretary respectively of the Citizens Quest For Truth Initiative issued recently across the Niger Delta state.

In the statement, it noted that following the requests from the 9 Governors of the region, the President therefore, ordered for a forensic audit of the operations of the Commission from 2001-2019.

The group however, in its statement, revealed that President Buhari raised a major concern as his reason for ordering this forensic audit as he emphasized that the projects on ground in the region, do not justify the huge resources injected into the Commission since it's inception nineteen years ago.

"It is also noteworthy that the governors stated poor choice of projects, shoddy handling of projects, uncompleted jobs and lack of inclusion of the states by the Commission in carrying out projects as   reasons for their disappointment", it observed.

They further called for the repositioning of the NDDC in order to achieve the objectives for which it was set up.

"Citizens Quest as a responsible NGO which has done the most in advocating for the development and security of the Niger Delta region commends Mr President for his concern towards the development of Niger Delta region. We believe that the decision taken by the President is to see the overall development of the Niger Delta without fear or favour", the statement read.

The group however, pointed out that, "Citizens Quest would like to state categorically that, both parties apply the highest form of sincerity in arriving at a way forward for the Commission and in general, the people of the Niger Delta".

"We therefore ask that the forensic audit should in no way be hijacked by unscrupulous elements within the region and the Federal Government nor, should it be done in the guise of starving the region of developmental funds and competent representation of the member states", it warned.

"We urge the President and all major stakeholders in the region to uphold the need for the establishment of the Commission and its core mandate for the benefit of all Niger Delta people", the statement concluded.