Notable leaders in the South-South geo-political zone on Thursday urged youths and women in the Niger Delta region to treat President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio with respect.
The leaders also praised Akpabio for looking after the interests of the Niger Delta people with all diligence.
“The firmness and energy of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio, have been admirable.”
In a statement in Port Harcourt, the leaders described the views of the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) and Wailing Women of Niger Delta (WWND) as contradictory and a direct attack on the Federal Government.
“Chief Godswill Akpabio is doing all he can decently for the Niger Delta region.”
The statement underscored court cases, studying of the NDDC report and implementation of the recommendations.
“It is not wise to raise the question of the NDDC board appointment or inauguration at this time.”
Signed by the Chairman of South-South Front (SSF), Chief John Harry, the leaders described the NDDC forensic report as a great boon to the Niger Delta region.
They accused the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) and the Wailing Women of Niger Delta (WWND) of working against the speedy development of the Niger Delta region.
“Nothing vexes us more than the ill-informed opinion of INYA President, Comrade Amos Etaluku. We are much annoyed at what the President of the Wailing Women of Niger Delta (WWND)”, Onye Nwadighi, is reported to have said.
The leaders said there was no need for women to march round the streets of Port Harcourt as well as the corporate headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) naked.
“The opposition of WWND and INYA to the reforms of the Federal Government in the region is based on unsound reasons.”
The leaders urged INYA and WWND members to back out of nonsense opinions.
“Please refuse foolish idea, shameful and destructive activities.”
The statement also emphasized Akpabio’s honest and sagacious opinion on the way forward for the region.
“We are satisfied with Akpabio’s performance and have written to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for the steps so far taken.”
The leaders vowed to treat as an enemy anyone who should obstruct the development of the region by the current administration.
“We must all do our best to promote peace and goodwill in the region. The report of the NDDC forensic audit holds out a good prospect of peace and development.”
