By Adesina Soyooye
Niger Delta Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, says that former President Olusegun Obasanjo made a mistake when he included the three states of Abia, Imo, and Ondo as part of the owners of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
Clark is of the opinion that the NDDC should be for Niger Deltans, only – meaning the six Coastal States.
Clark spoke while receiving, in audience, Mr Effiong Akwa, the Sole Administrator of the NDDC.
He said Obasanjo realised his mistake in admitting the three States of Abia, Imo and Ondo as part of the NDDC, and tried to rectify it.
Clark: “There was a time Obasanjo realised that he made a mistake by bringing in Ondo, Abia and Imo. So, at a certain stage, he made some amendments by saying that the Coastal States of the Niger Delta reverted to the original six states. That very law establishing the NDDC, provides that the amount of oil produced in a State should also determine the development of in that state.
“But what we have found today – you produce two-and-half per cent, you want development in your area more than those who produce more than 40 per cent. No individual, including Mr President can change the law of Nigeria. So, whatever appointment that’s made that is contrary to the provision of the NDDC law is null and void.”
