Clark rejects scrapping of Niger Delta Affairs ministry

Chief Edwin Clark has expressed strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s decision to dissolve the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, describing the move as surprising and unfounded.

In a telephone interview on Wednesday, he emphasized that the ministry was established for a critical purpose: addressing developmental and security challenges in the Niger Delta region.

Clark recalled the intentions behind the ministry’s creation under former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, highlighting that it was meant to facilitate peace and development in the area.

“There’s no basis for scrapping it,” he stated, underscoring the ministry’s role in managing ongoing projects and addressing the region’s unique needs.

The prominent South-South leader criticized the federal government for lacking a comprehensive development plan following the ministry’s dissolution.

“Why would you take over a ministry without any development plans, funding, or concrete actions?” Clark asked, pointing out that vital infrastructure projects, like the East-West Road, which were under the ministry’s purview, have been reassigned to the Ministry of Works without sufficient attention to the region’s needs.

Clark, who also leads the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), noted the importance of maintaining special arrangements for the Niger Delta, especially as other regions establish their development commissions.

He raised concerns about the fragmentation of governance, questioning whether there would be multiple ministries within the same region and whether the complexities of these arrangements were properly understood by the government.

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Reflecting on past discussions during the 2014 National Conference, Clark mentioned agreements to increase revenue allocations to the regions and establish funds to support development efforts post-Boko Haram.

He lamented the lack of implementation of these agreements, stating that the Niger Delta and South-South regions must be consulted in decisions that impact their development.

The former federal commissioner warned that the government’s actions could be perceived as an attempt to divert resources from local needs to other development commissions, asserting that any move to scrap regional development initiatives must be accompanied by a clear replacement plan.

“We will not allow it to be scrapped,” Clark declared, emphasizing that governance should serve the people and should not operate unilaterally. He called for greater accountability and transparency in managing regional development to ensure that local voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.