The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has come out to say that the appointment of a sole administrator for Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, was based on court injunction.

He recently revealed this after he met with representatives of the Forensic Auditing team who were in his office in Abuja.

According to him, the leadership of the Commission held by Mr Effiong Akwa was not permanent, and it would only last the duration of the Forensic Auditing after which a board would be inaugurated.

He added that the MNDA is starting the year with new zeal and it would make sure the Ministry prioritizes achieving the mandate given by President Muhammadu Buhari to revitalize the Niger Delta region.

His words, “The key programme for the Niger Delta is the completion of the East-West road particularly Section I-IV and I’m happy to report that contractors are on site and work is on-going at a very busy pace. I also commend the National Assembly for the speedy passage of the NDDC 2020 budget; I think that was a patriotic action taken in the interest of the good people of the Niger Delta region.”

“The Ministry was able to complete a lot of development projects in different States of the Niger Delta which includes the 50km road in Edo State, Skill Acquisition Centers in Cross River, Ondo, Akwa-Ibom and others with provision for under water welding”.

What do you think?

Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON (born 9 December 1962), is a Nigerian lawyer and politician. He is the current Minister of Niger Delta, a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate’s Minority Leader. He also served as Governor of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria from May 29, 2007 to May 29, 2015.

Godswill Akpabio is the son of Chief Obot Akpabio and Madam Lucy Obot Akpabio (née Inyangetor) of Ukana, Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government Area. He was born on 9 December 1962. He lost his father early in life and was raised by his mother.

In July 2019, he was nominated by President Muhammadu buhari and screened by the Nigerian Senate for a Ministerial appointment. On August 21st, 2019 he was sworn in as Minister of the Federal republic of Nigeria, Minister for Niger Delta Affairs.

Godswill Akpabio was under investigations by the EFCC on accusations that he diverted over 100 billion Naira from Akwa Ibom state during his time as governor (2007-2015). Charges were not filed. A lawyer, Leo Ekpenyong who also accused Akpabio of corruption, was later arraigned by the police in court for defamation.