Edwin Clark Blasts Tinubu In Abolition of Niger Delta Affairs Ministry
Chief Edwin Clark, a respected South-South leader and former Federal Commissioner for Information, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu's decision to abolish the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. His remarks came during a press conference in Abuja, where he voiced concerns over the potential negative impact of this decision on the region's development and stability.
Origins and Importance of the Ministry
The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs was created by late President Umaru Yar’Adua with the primary objective of addressing security challenges and promoting regional development. According to Clark, the ministry played a crucial role in implementing initiatives aimed at fostering peace and growth in the Niger Delta, a region historically plagued by conflict and underdevelopment.
Clark emphasized that the abolition of the ministry undermines these objectives, particularly as many of the foundational agreements designed to address revenue allocations and regional support remain unimplemented. He expressed fears that this move might derail efforts to address the needs of conflict-affected areas.
Concerns Over Resource Allocation
Clark expressed deep concerns about the federal government's plans to redirect funds intended for the Niger Delta to other development commissions. He noted that this reallocation of resources could deprive the South-South region of the necessary funds to sustain critical development projects. The former commissioner highlighted the fact that the region's unique challenges, including environmental degradation and social unrest, require sustained financial and governmental support.
Call for Dialogue and Engagement
In his remarks, Clark called on the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with Niger Delta leaders to resolve outstanding issues related to regional development. He emphasized the need for the government to clarify how it intends to address the region's needs moving forward, given the dismantling of the dedicated ministry.
"We will not allow it to be scrapped," Clark stated firmly, underscoring the importance of maintaining institutions that serve the interests of local communities. He warned that ignoring the concerns of the Niger Delta could lead to further instability in the region.
The Democratic Responsibility of Government
Clark concluded his remarks by invoking the democratic principle that government should serve the people, stressing that any decision that undermines the well-being of the Niger Delta must be reconsidered. He urged President Tinubu and his administration to prioritize the development needs of the region and ensure that the progress achieved through the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is not lost.
In his view, the abolition of the ministry without a clear alternative could exacerbate existing regional disparities and hinder long-term peace and development in the South-South region
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