Ex agitators demand scrutiny of prospective heads of SSDC

The Forum of Ex-Agitators in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria has called for rigorous scrutiny of individuals to be appointed to oversee the newly established South-South Development Commission, SSDC.

President Bola Tinubu recently signed into law the bills establishing both the South-South and South-West Development Commissions, thereby completing the creation of five new Regional Development Commissions, RDCs, across the country.

The SSDC is expected to cater to the developmental needs of the six core oil-producing states in the Niger Delta region, namely: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, Delta, and Rivers States.

Addressing a press conference in Uyo on Friday, the chairman of the forum in Akwa Ibom, Ambassador Paulinus Alban, described the creation of the commission as a significant milestone in tackling the region's long-standing challenges and fostering regional unity.

He emphasised that the commission, if properly managed, would yield substantial benefits for the region. For this reason, he explained, the forum had been at the forefront of agitations for its establishment.

While commending President Tinubu and the National Assembly for their foresight and commitment, Alban asserted that the forum would not tolerate any form of corruption in the operation of the commission. He vowed that the group was prepared to resist any attempt to hijack the SSDC for selfish ends.

“It is worth noting,” he stated, “that the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum has consistently advocated for southern solidarity, justice, equity, and an end to the marginalisation of southern politicians. The establishment of the South-South Development Commission is a meaningful step in realising these aspirations.”

In a separate interview, the forum’s spokesperson, Ambassador Alfred Etuk, urged that only persons of unquestionable character, accountability, and transparency should be appointed to key positions within the commission. He stressed that those entrusted with managing the SSDC must be individuals with proven integrity and unblemished records.

Etuk warned that the forum would not hesitate to expose and challenge any official found engaging in corrupt practices, citing the leadership of Samuel Ogbuku at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as an example worthy of emulation.

“The establishment of the Commission,” Etuk noted, “will spur employment and development across the South-South region. We expect a ripple effect of progress and prosperity. Therefore, those who will manage the SSDC must be thoroughly scrutinised. We shall commend good leadership, just as we have with Samuel Ogbuku at the NDDC, but we shall not hesitate to confront failure or corruption.”

He concluded emphatically: “We shall ensure that accountability and credibility are the guiding principles of the SSDC. We will not allow our common patrimony to be looted. This is not a threat, but a solemn declaration of intent. Anyone who comes with the intention to exploit or bleed the region dry will be met with resistance. We shall stand against that with unwavering resolve.”