The Ibom Patriots, a group of eminent indigenes of Akwa Ibom state, has appealed to the people of Niger Delta to always ensure equity and brotherliness in relating with one another.
The call was made against the backdrop of criticisms trailing the recent appointment of Barr. Effiong Akwa as the sole administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a press statement signed by the chancellor of the group, Obong Bassey Inuaeyen, and secretary general, Barr. Usenobong Akpabio, the group lamented that they have watched with consternation, the open display of ignobility by some groups and individuals, who patently exhibit a sense of entitlement over others in the affairs of NDDC and the region as a whole.
“The aphorism that ‘What is good for the goose is also good for the gander’ resonates under this circumstance. As a region, we have to federate communally to maximise the opportunities granted us by God in our environment rather than engage in mindless ethnic-infused struggles and pull-him-down syndrome.
“This charade manifested recently when President Muhammadu Buhari firmed up his resolve to clean the Augean stable in NDDC by appointing Effiong Okon Akwa as the Interim Administrator to oversee the affairs of the Commission until the forensic audit exercise is completed and a substantive board appointed,” the group said.
Ibom Patriots who said the decision to appoint Effiong Akwa remains logical, further explained that he is eminently qualified as a lawyer and chartered accountant with in-depth administrative know-how.
“He is also a noble Niger Delta son from the leading oil producing state of Akwa Ibom.”
The group further berated the protest against the Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio describing it as “condemnable, irrational and lackadaisical.”
“Ibom Patriots aligns with progressive minds in the region to resist these devious tendencies as well as condemns the tirade of disapproval reportedly championed by a group postulating as Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) either for themselves or for others, against these Akwa Ibom sons.
“While applauding Mr. President on the appointment of Effiong Okon Akwa, we equally support his holistic drive for a forensic auditing of NDDC, for the sole intention of ensuring that the aims and objectives of the Commission as conceptualized at inception is effectively realised. Accordingly, we urge all dissenting voices to let peace reign in the region.
“There are prevalent challenges that we should collectively champion for the region. As oil producing states, it is principally our God given natural resources that enable our nation, Nigeria to drive the economy and service the country.
“We should therefore constantly champion the development of the region by demanding the federal government and oil majors operating in the region to deepen their impacts.”
