Government allocates initial N58.4b to new ‘action plan’ for Niger Delta

• IYC urges Buhari to personally take over peace process
• Monarchs, group condemn violence, want audit of projects

The Federal Government has voted an initial $200 million to address infrastructure deficit in the Niger Delta region.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Mrs. Belema Wakama, said at the development forum organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt, that the $200 million is part of the Niger Delta Multi-Stakeholders Trust Fund contained in the Niger Delta action plan to accelerate the development of the region.

However, monarchs under the cover of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Producing Communities in Nigeria (TROMPCON) yesterday condemned the resurgence of militancy by the Niger Delta Avengers and other groups.

TROMPCON national chairman, Eze Akuwueze Ikegwuruka, said the renewed violence shortly in the wake of the President Buhari’s administration has undoubtedly damaged the economy.

TROMPCON said it welcome government initiative to dialogue with various groups in the region.

In a related development, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to personally take over the peace process to ensure a rapid return of peace.

IYC President, Comrade Udengs Eradiri also condemned the killing of soldiers and civilians working in houseboats, oil facilities in Ogbeinbiri, Bayelsa State and Forcados export line.

Another group Youth for Youth Dialogue Initiative (YFYDI) called for a total audit of all projects allocated to the region since inception.

Convener of the youth group, Charles Folayan stated in Abuja that the huge funds allocated to the Niger Delta in the last 17 years by previous administration does not reflect the infrastructural and human capital development in the region.

Wakama, represented by a director in the ministry, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack disclosed that the Federal Government remains committed to an intense development of Niger Delta people.

NDDC Acting Managing Director, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, explained that the forum’s primary object was to launch a platform for effective collaboration amongst the different stakeholders in the development of the region.

Former military governor of the old Rivers State and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, Alfred Diete Spiff, has said effort is on to stem the recent resurgent violence.

Diete Spiff said the reasons for the renewed militancy might not be unconnected to the prevailing poverty in the region.