Ijaw youth council warns against NDDC tenure extension

• Says it will jeopardise Niger Delta peace

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has warned against move by some persons in the Presidency to extend the tenure of Victor Ndoma-Egba-led board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The umbrella body of the Ijaw youths, therefore, cautioned the Federal Government that any attempt to elongate the tenure of the current board would jeopardise the peace in the region.

The IYC’s warning is coming two days after the Pan Niger Delta Youths Leadership Forum (PANDLEAF) vowed to take to the streets in protest over NDDC board tenure extension.

The Secretary-General of IYC, Mr. Alfred Kemepado, who spoke in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, yesterday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on persons pushing for the extension to drop the idea in the interest of peace and stability of the Niger Delta.

Kemepado, who stated that the peace in the region deserved to be nurtured and appealed to the government not to allow selfish and political ambitions of a few individuals to cause needless crisis in the region, said by virtue of the Act establishing the commission, Ndoma-Egba’s board was appointed to complete the existing tenure of its predecessor as stipulated in its engagement letter.

He said the government should investigate the reason behind the latest development in which the Secretary to the Government of the Federation tried to justify extension of tenure for the current board.

Kemepado said: “The Presidency is instigating crisis in the Niger Delta region. We are warning the SGF to tread carefully and desist from acts capable of causing rest crisis in the Niger Delta region.

“We saw the appointment letter and it was clearly stated that the current board was appointed to serve out the tenure of the administration it took over from. It was clear and lacked ambiguity. Their tenure has expired and they should bow out.

“By our calculation, the tenure of the current board has expired and they should vacate their offices for a fresh board to take over. Staying a day beyond their tenure is an act of corruption which this administration is fighting against.

“We are asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to begin investigation of this board because we heard that they are spending a lot of money to ensure they sit tight in office.

“The Presidency should graciously appoint a new board as stipulated in the laws and practice of NDDC. It is now the turn of Bayelsa State to produce the Managing Directr of the commission.”