My Plans for N/Delta, By Ekaette
From Ahamefula Ogbu in Port Harcourt and Chuks Okocha in Abuja, 01.18.2009
Newly appointed Mi-nister of Niger Delta, Chief Uffot Ekaette has promised radical transformation of the Niger Delta which in over 50 years of oil exploration has been deprived of commensurate development in relation to their contribution to the growth of the national economy.
Speaking during a courtesy visit on Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State at the weekend, Ekaette said he would not waste any time on rhetoric and bickering and that the ministry would initiate immediate moves to attain immediate changes.
Waxing philosophical, he said he believed in the possibility of changing the story of the region and that rather than wait for when all the funds needed for the development of the region would be provided, he would start with what was available and press for more as his achievements would be matched with available funds.
“There is time for everything. After 50 years of oil production in the Niger Delta characterised by environmental degradation, poverty and diseases, it is time to change the story and open up the area with good roads, water, electricity, houses and hospitals.
“It is time to get our local experts to do things that were once considered exclusive for foreigners and encourage them to be the very best. We must however advise that those who will be handling the projects for the ministry should be ready to render quality service and on time since no one would be allowed to go away with any public fund in the name of project execution”, he said.
In an apparent reference to the calls especially by the Watchdog of Niger Delta that he should not hold the position of Minister of the Niger Delta Ministry, he replied that his insistence on doing the right things at all times led to the agitation against his candidacy for the headship of the new ministry. He added that he has no regrets.
He, however, noted that the time now should be for action instead of infighting, adding, “We have been talking for too long: It is time to get into action to redeem our ugly past and take the people to the next level. They did not commit any offence for having oil in their backyard”.
On his expectations from the new Ministry, Ekaette said, “We would be very happy ministers to see roads, bridges and other means of transportation spring up as soon as possible in areas which are currently inaccessible. To give meaning to the creation of the new ministry, we will shortly begin to take radical steps to put physical infrastructure where they are most needed in the Niger Delta”.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Federal Government to ensure that 70 percent of the staff strength of the newly created Niger Delta ministry is drawn from the seven oil producing states.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the National Vice Chairman of the party in the South-south zone, Chief Edet Nkpubre and signed by his Special Assistant, Marshall Okon, the party called on the Federal Government, “to use the new ministry to address the festering issue of youth unemployment in the Niger Delta by ensuring that over 70 percent of its staff is sourced from the Niger Delta.”
The party said further that if 70 per cent of the staff members are indigines of the oil producing areas, it will go a long way in addressing the unemployment crisis in the Niger Delta.
The party also said government should source the remaining 30 percent from the civil service pool.
According to the statement titled “Obong Ufot Ekaette’s Ministerial Appointment and Matters Arising”, the PDP stated that it is in full support of the appointment of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation to become the pioneer Minister in charge of the Ministry of Niger Delta.
