The decision to dissolve the Niger Delta Ministry sparks varied responses
The recent decision to rebrand the Niger Delta Ministry has sparked a range of reactions, particularly from leaders and activists in the Niger Delta, who oppose it and demand an explanation from the Federal Government. The government clarified that the ministry was not dissolved but renamed the Ministry of Regional Development to oversee various regional development bodies, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Chief Edwin Clark, an elder statesman, voiced strong opposition, accusing the government of reallocating resources meant for the South-South region to fund other areas. He insists that former President Yar’Adua created the ministry to foster development, address security concerns, and maintain peace in the region. Clark feels that merging the ministry with others undermines its original purpose and may divert funds away from the Niger Delta.
Minister Abubakar Momoh, now overseeing the new Ministry of Regional Development, emphasized that the NDDC would remain operational and that this change only expands the ministry’s role without impacting Niger Delta programs. Despite this assurance, activists like Barr Eric Omare argue that this rebranding compromises the ministry’s unique focus on the Niger Delta’s specific needs.
Supporters of the move, like Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, feel the scrapping of the old ministry was overdue due to overlapping functions with the NDDC and claim the ministry had become ineffective and misused. In contrast, others see the renaming as a potential escalation of corruption, with expanded control over regional funds possibly leading to misuse.
Many local leaders advocate for a region-specific approach to development, fearing that the rebranding dilutes the ministry’s original focus. As of now, various stakeholders are assessing the situation, with some expressing cautious optimism that the new structure might bring positive change if managed effectively.
