By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) on Tuesday expressed its displeasure over the frequent dissolution of the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The group said since NDDC was established in 2000 that only two boards had successfully completed their four year tenure.
TROMPCON First Deputy National Chairman, Dr Obafemi Ogbaro expressed the group’s dissatisfaction with the development at a news conference in Port Harcourt.
He said the trend has caused instability as well as inflated corruption in the NDDC.
“So, we are here to raise our concerns considering that the incessant dissolution has caused instability; fear of the unknown and accentuate corruption instead of curbing it.
“It not only discourages the completion of projects but has resulted in improper execution of jobs and other associated social vices,” he said.
Ogbaro assured that TROMPCON would continue to foster cordial relationship with NDDC, to ensure the commission delivers on its mandate.
“Although, NDDC is the brain-child of TROMPCON, the association is scarcely recognized by the commission.
“The association has been fundamental to the growth of NDDC particularly in enforcing peace accords in the region.
“The royal fathers are playing these roles as facilitators and custodians in spite of the fact that we scarcely recognized and appreciated,” he added.
The traditional ruler said the group has been watching events unfold in the commission with dismay while core issues concerning the region are politicized.
According to him, the association was also worried that the Federal Government had never engaged with TROMPCON, to make inputs in the activities of NDDC.
“However, TROMPCON will never cease giving its usual support to enhance partnership for sustainable development as we remain the door that sees all sides of the environment,” he said. (NAN)
