By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
NO fewer than seven recommendations have been proffered to ensure the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) fulfils its mandate of bringing development and succour to the economically-ravaged region.
The recommendations were handed down by the South South Reawakening Group (SSRG) to mark the birthday of its National coordinator, Joseph Ambakederimo, on Tuesday in Warri, Delta State.
National coordinator, SSRG, Joseph Ambakederimo, addressing the media on Tuesday
Addressing the media in a convivial atmosphere amid other members of the group, Ambakederimo said the seven recommendations should be granted by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to urgently reposition the agency and the region.
According to him, political interference on NDDC must be curtailed to stem the high turnover of appointment of the members of the board of management, with the retention of the present management team led by Dr. Samuel Ogbuku “so that we can begin to hold them to account.
Two he said: “The 15 per cent contribution from the Federal government has become inadequate therefore we are calling on the President to immediately send an executive bill for the amendment of relevant sections of the NDDC establishment Act to increase it’s share of contribution to 25 per cent.”
Three he said: “The 3 per cent contribution from the oil and gas companies should be increased to 10 per cent.”
Four, he added that the “Ecological fund should be increased to 70 per cent, and an appreciable percentage of gas flare charges should be paid to the NDDC.”
Five, Ambakederimo, averred that “NDDC should be considered to benefit from the recent and future windfall of revenue shared to various entities by the Federal government.”
While acknowledging the besetting sin of corruption plaguing the interventionist agency like any other agency in the country, the white-bearded ideologue urged the Federal Government to show magnanimity and release funds accruing to the commission as contained in Section 14 sub section 2 (a) – (c) of the Act establishing it.
What's your reaction?
