A group, Oro Progressives Movement (OPM) in Akwa Ibom, has thrown its weight behind Mr Effiong Akwa as interim administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Speaking in a press conference held in Uyo over the weekend, the National President of the group, Mr Ken Bassey, said Akwa’s appointment was based on recent Court judgement and with antecedents.
He warned against what he described as a “divisive tactic” from some quarters to scuttle the smooth operation of the Commission.
Bassey, who commended President Muhammadu Buhari for setting standard in governance and rejigging the Commission, warned particularly youths of Niger Delta region against unwarranted attack on the President.
The national president of the group called on the youths of the region to bear in mind the historical bond of brotherhood that binds the region together, urging them to maintain peace in the region to enhance development.
He said the group was in support of President Buhari’s policies towards the development of the Niger Delta region and efforts made to tackle challenges confronting the region and NDDC.
Bassey called on the people of the region to give their unalloyed support to the President and his policies to develop the area.
“We urge our fellow brothers in the region to forthwith desist from unwarranted attacks on the persy/office of Mr President and Commander in Chief.
“We therefore draw the attention of our protesting brothers to conscientiously bear in mind the historical bond and brotherhood that binds us together in the Niger Delta region and the country.
“In unity, let’s support President Muhammadu Buhari’s commendable effort at finding a lasting solution to the problems affecting the NDDC and Niger Delta communities,” he said.
The group boss said that Oro resource endowment and contribution to the development of the nation should not be ignored.
According to him, the Oro nation accounts for not less than 80 per cent of derivable oil revenue of Akwa Ibom, as major oil producer in the Niger Delta region.
