MOSOP Condemns Scrapping of Niger Delta Ministry

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has expressed displeasure over the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs hinting the development may lead to youth’s unrest within the region.

MOSOP a social movement organisation representing the indigenous people of River State in the South South region of Nigeria accused government of failure to assess if the scraped ministry achieved the purpose for which it was established or not instead of of the lame excuse that due diligence was not carried out before its creation.

It will be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently announced the scrapping of the Niger Delta Ministry and replaced it with the newly created Ministry of Regional Development.

Reacting to the development, President of MOSOP, Prof Olu Anda-Wai Egosu, while speaking at the weekend in Lagos during the  Ogoni Welfare Association (OWA) reception for MOSOP leaders , lamented that the development might drag the region backward.

Egosu flayed the presidency for failure to engage the leadership and critical stakeholders of the region before scrapping the ministry. He explained that the action was ill advised especially since rested ministry was yet to achieve its mandate of developing the region before it was sent packing.

On his part, Former President MOSOP, Dr. Legborsi Piagbara,, said that there was supposed to be a time line for affirmative action. Explaining, he said affirmative action world over has time line adding that this may lead to the South-South not measuring up with the South West in terms of development.

He said the scrapped ministry was supposed to have a clear mandate to achieve, and hence government should done its finding to know if the desired results have been achieved before collapsing the ministry.

“I don’t know the time line for affirmative action on the establishment of the ministry. At what point did the government meet with the stakeholders to know how developed the region has been. Stopping it now if the purpose of the creation not been achieved then scrapping it is unnecessary”, the ex MOSOP President reiterated.

Meanwhile, OWA Chairman, Engr Migah Nwinmene expressed satisfaction over the planning process of hosting the MOSOP’s top brass. Nwinmene stated that Ogoni course was paramount to the association, adding that plans were ongoing to develop the environment.

He noted that Ogoni tribe was marginalized in Rivers State politics but added that with proper strategies by the indigenous people with like minds, there were indications that the table will turn around positively.

Deserving Ogoni professionals, sons and daughters were recohnised for their individual contributions to the development of Ogoni land. Among those recognized is seasoned journalist, Mr. Nkpemenyie Mcdominic.