Scrapping of Niger Delta Affairs Ministry: Comrade Diseye Appeals for Calm
Comrade Sele Diseye, the National Coordinator for Good Governance Project in Nigeria, has appealed to youths in the oil-rich Niger Delta region to remain calm and avoid participating in any planned protest against scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs by the president and economic hardship in the country.
Diseye, made the appeal shortly on his arrival from Abuja at the Benin airport this morning while speaking to newsmen, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to revitalizing region’s economy through prudent use of
resources for the common good of the people.
“I understand the frustrations and challenges faced by many Niger Deltans in terms of holistic development for the region, but it is essential to approach these issues constructively. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is dedicated to revitalizing the region economy and bringing renewed hope through well-thought-out policies and programs”.
He asserted that the problem of underdevelopment in the Niger Delta region was caused by these same politicians who had privilege positions to turn around the economy and massive development but rather resort to amassing wealth for their immediate families.
“Underdevelopment in Niger Delta region is not cause by past and present presidents, but our selfish and self-made leaders who were entrusted with positions to oversee the development but turned around to steal the resources for the general good of the region in oversea banks”.
He emphasized the importance of unity and patience as the present administration is working assiduously to address the region’s diverse issues.
According to him, the purpose which the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs was created by Yar’Adua’s regime has been defeated by successive administration whose positions were occupied by our people, hence the president deemed necessary to have scrapped the ministry and create new brand innovative Idea for the region to be developed.
“Now more than ever, we need to stand together and support the initiatives being put in place by the president. Our collective efforts will pave the way for a more prosperous Niger Delta”, he added.
Acknowledging the role of protests in a democracy, the National Coordinator for Good Governance Project warned against those who might exploit these events for malicious purposes.
He warned certain individuals in the South South that find pleasure by using the innocent youths whom they ought to have provided jobs with, rather than using them for their selfish gains which has become a norm in the region”, he cautioned.
“There is total peace in the Niger Delta region and therefore youths should not allow themselves to be used by politicians who have no clear intentions to develop the region rather than using inciting statement to make their daily living”.
He called for constructive engagement and dialogue over any action that could unsettle the region currently.
Comrade Diseye said, some anti-democratic politicians in the region planning to create unrest by exploiting the recent scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs by the president.
“While protesting is your democratic right, consider the broader implications on our national stability and progress especially in the region. Dialogue and collaboration are far more effective solutions than creating problem that may not bring development.”
