Edwin Clark: No basis for scrapping Niger Delta ministry — FG should consult regional leaders

Edwin Clark, the convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), says there was no basis for the scrapping of the Niger Delta ministry.

On Wednesday, the federal executive council (FEC) scrapped the Niger Delta development ministry and ministry of sports development during its meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

Reacting, Clark said the development shocked him, adding that there was “no basis” for the scrapping.

The elder statesman said the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua created the ministry to bring development to the region and restore peace there.

“What I’ve noted so far is that there’s no basis for scrapping it. Yar’Adua had a clear purpose to address the security situation in the Niger Delta, which led to the creation of the ministry focused on developing that area. We have been working for some time now, managing our commissions,” Clark said.

“Why would you take over a ministry without any development plans, funding, or concrete actions? Even the East-West Road, which was meant to be under the ministry of Niger Delta affairs, is not being addressed; it has been handed back to the ministry of works.

“What I’m saying is that the federal government lacks special arrangements for this. When I saw that every region was establishing its own development centres or commissions, I anticipated these issues would arise.

“Are there going to be multiple ministries within one region? One would expect that 30 or 40 people would have walked out to share the details.

“I remember during the national conference in 2014, it was decided to increase the revenue allocation to the regions from 13 percent to 25 percent.

“Ultimately, it was settled at 18 percent, but we disagreed, which led to further discussions about a separate fund to support development post-Boko Haram.

“There was also an agreement that 5 percent of the federation account would be allocated annually to support regions affected by the conflict. Unfortunately, this has not been implemented.

“We also agreed that 5 percent of the revenue account should be dedicated to developing mineral resources and other industries to enhance local capacity.

“I was pleased with these discussions, but they haven’t translated into action, which is concerning.

“The government needs to consult with the leaders of the Niger Delta and the south-south regions. What we’re saying is that these unresolved issues cannot be overlooked by the government.

“This raises concerns about how the benefits of regional development are being managed. Many people feel disconnected from the process, and it seems resources are being diverted from local needs.”

Clark said the government should have a replacement plan before scrapping the ministry.

“We will not allow it to be scrapped; the government wants to use south-south money to develop other development commissions,” he said.

“In a democratic system, the government should be created for the people, by the people, and for their benefit. It shouldn’t operate as a one-man show.”