No president has developed Niger Delta like Buhari, says minister

Usani Uguru, minister of Niger Delta affairs, says the region is benefitting more from the government of President Muhammadu Buhari than any other regime.

Uguru buttressed his point by saying while the previous administration failed to act on the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) report, the Buhari-led government gave attention to it within its first year in office.

However, he expressed regret that rather than support Buhari, some people in the region were busy compiling the woes of the Niger Delta.

He said the continued destruction of oil pipelines by militants was counterproductive and harmful to the environment.

“I can say that the Niger Delta region is benefiting more under the APC regime led by President Buhari than it benefited from any other regime,” he told journalists at his Abuja residence on Thursday.

“Rather than support President Muhammadu Buhari to do more, we are adding to the destruction of the environment, our ecosystem, fresh water and aquatic lives.

“I must say that the environment is ours and destroying it will not do us any good. Imagine the Ogoni reclamation is going to take 30 years, yet we have not learnt.”

Usani, who said he preferred to work quietly, added that the ministry had swung into action after the signing of the budget.

“I work for all Nigerians. So, honest and people with good intentions can be sure that my doors, both in the office and at home, are open to those with useful contributions to move the affairs of the Niger Delta forward.

“Well, I don’t work to be heard but to achieve results.

“Unfortunately, we assumed office to meet the budgeting process and the budget has just been passed, so you should expect more action now.”