Scrapping Of Niger Delta Ministry: It Can Lead To Youths Unrest In The Region, MOSOP Warn
By Raheem Ibrahim
The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has warned that the unexpected scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs by the Federal government may lead to youths unrest within the region.
According to the social movement organisation representing the indigenous people of River State in the South South region of Nigeria, the government failed to assess if the scraped ministry achieved the purpose of its establishment or not, pointing out that due diligence was not carried out before the announcement.
It will be recall that the federal government recently scrapped the Niger Delta Ministry by replacing it with the newly created Ministry of Regional Development.
Reacting on the development, President of MOSOP, Prof. Olu Anda-Wai Egosu, while speaking at the weekend in Lagos during the Ogoni Welfare Association (OWA) reception for MOSOP leaders, lamented that the development might drag the region backwards.
He emphasised that government should have engage critical stakeholders in the region before scrapping the ministry, adding that the disbandment of the ministry whilst it was yet to achieve its mandate was unnecessary.
In his contribution, the former President MOSOP, Dr. Legborsi Piagbara said that there was supposed to be a time line for affirmative action.
While noting that the government decision without adequate consultation with the stakeholders may lead to the South South not measuring up with the South West, saying “the Ministry was supposed to have a clear mandate thus has it achieved the aim why it was created”.
He said, “I don’t know the time line for affirmative action on the establishment of the ministry. At what point did the government meet with the stakeholders to know how developed the region has been. Stopping it now if the purpose of the creation not been achieved then scrapping it is unnecessary.”..
Also, the OWA Chairman, Engr Migah Nwinmene who expressed satisfaction over the planning process of hosting the MOSOP top brass stated that Ogoni course was paramount to the association, adding that plans were ongoing to develop the environment.
He noted that Ogoni tribe was marginalized in Rivers State politics but added that with proper strategies by the indigenous people with like minds, there were indications that the table will turn around positively.
