Ayade decries NDDC’s neglect, threatens to stop federal projects in Cross River

Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has threatened to stop all federal projects in the state, alleging total neglect by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

According to a statement from the Governor’s Office, Ayade issued the threat at weekend in Calabar when the management of the commission, led by its Acting Managing Director, Prof. Nelson Brambaifa, paid him a courtesy call.

He said that very little had been achieved by way of development under the current masterplan.

He said: “As governor, I have the superintending and overriding power over the land in Cross River which I hold in trust for the people. Therefore, by the provisions of the law, I have the powers to stop any project in this state.

“As I speak, I’m not aware of nor have I received any official letter inviting me and my colleagues for a meeting.”

Besides, he decried the treatment of Cross River State by the commission, saying the story of the state “has been that of melancholy. We have been reduced to want in body, soul and spirit.

“In NDDC, it is the states that have more money that are allocated bigger projects. It is not African. It is inhuman and inconsistent with the core principles of Kantianism that I know. In all honesty, we have structured a society for aggressive rebellion.

“It is so sad that at the height of kidnapping and all the criminalities in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe was mobilised to all the states except Cross River. So, all the militants now found Cross River a safe haven. This once peaceful, beautiful state suddenly became safe haven for militants and kidnappers to inhabit and distort our complete sight. So, as a government, we now place premium on oil over blood. Africa has never shown this kind of disdain to a weaker brother.”

Ayade said that the current masterplan had not been implemented in truth, kind, actions and in words, adding, therefore, that there is need for a major review of the master-plan to reflect the realities and the needs of the states.