Cross River seeks synergy between NDDC, Niger Delta govs for development

To ensure sustainable development in the Niger Delta, the Cross River State government has called for cooperation between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and governors in the region.

Speaking with The Guardian in Calabar, the state capital on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on NDDC, Mr. Victor Ekpo said: “The NDDC will succeed in developing the Niger Delta only if it collaborates with governors and the local councils.

“The NDDC should partner all the governors in the Niger Delta for sustainable development of the region. The commission was set up to solve the problems of the area and not to create more.

“Unlike the former board, they patronised militants and if you are not a top militant they will not recognise you. If you come up with reasonable proposals, they throw it away because you don’t have groups in the creeks who will kidnap and kill people.

“The moment you introduce yourself as a militant general they will start working with you. I am advising this board to pursue sustainable development because the idea of patronising militants is not ideal.”

He cautioned: “If there is no collaboration, the commission will not succeed because duplicating projects or clash of interest will lead to confusion. If they want to work for the interest of the people, there is need for proper collaboration.”