The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), has applauded the appointment of a former Chief of Staff to Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ogboku, as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Friday, MOSIEND President, Ambassador Kennedy Tonjo West, described Ogboku as a grassroot person, who know the problems and challenges of the Niger Delta region.
West said: “The appointment of Chief Samuel Ogboku is quite comforting, uplighting and cheering news. Saving the best for the last and a parting gift to the people of the region from the outgoing government. We say this because the incoming Managing Director is a product of the struggle.
“He is neck deep in the struggle, he understands the reasons behind the agitations and the push against oppression, marginalization and political emasculation, constitutional bias and economic and fiscal injustices that have left the region justly underdeveloped and the people impoverished.
“Chief Dr. Samuel Ogboku is a grassroot person, who appreciates and empathize with the challenges of the people living in the communities and creeks of the Niger Delta.
“As former Students’ Union President, former Chief of Staff to Bayelsa State government, former Special Assistant (Niger Delta) to the Deputy Senate President, Dr. Samuel Ogboku is quite connected to the grassroot and he is wired for the job.”
The MOSIEND leader expressed regrets that the Niger Delta region has been on developmental standstill since the inception of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He added: “We will recall that the region have been on developmental standstill since the inception of this government, leading in upsurge in crime and economic setback probably because of wrong advises.
“We will like to see an accelerated approach to cover up for the loss. We believe with the Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, who himself have been doing quite well since the assumption of office, the calibre of personalities that made up the new NDDC board are sound and we’ll grounded in their various fields and understand the challenges and problems of the Niger Delta region.”
