By Ovasa Ogaga,
The Niger Delta Development Agenda (NDDA) has praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing him as a defender of the Niger Delta. The group commended his leadership in the National Assembly, particularly in addressing concerns about representation from the region.
At a media briefing in Abuja, NDDA emphasized the importance of a strong and independent legislature, stating that true democracy thrives when lawmakers genuinely represent the interests of their people.
The group recalled that in August 2023, it raised concerns over the initial allocation of 74 Senate committees, noting that Delta State was the only South-South state without a committee chairmanship. While states like Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Bayelsa each had committee leadership positions, Delta State was left out. Despite their disappointment, NDDA acknowledged that such appointments fall within the Senate President’s discretion.
Over the months, as committee reshuffles took place, NDDA observed a shift towards inclusivity. The recent leadership change in the Senate Committee on Local Content, where Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas from Delta State replaced Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan from Kogi State, was highlighted as a significant moment. The group dismissed criticisms of Akpoti Uduaghan’s removal, arguing that her appointment was merely due to marital ties to the Niger Delta rather than genuine regional representation.
NDDA strongly defended Akpabio’s decision, stating that a critical committee like Local Content, which oversees the oil sector, should rightfully be led by a senator from the Niger Delta. They criticized Akpoti Uduaghan’s reaction, urging her to accept the realities of political appointments, which can favor one today and shift tomorrow.
The group further commended the Senate for addressing their concerns and ensuring Delta State now has representation in committee leadership. They called on Niger Deltans and Nigerians to support the 10th Senate in its efforts to advance national development.
The group said that; “that singular move has been the underlining theme behind the shambles coming out of the Senate throughout the week.
“First, the Niger Delta Development Agenda, hereby describe the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio as the Defender of the Niger Delta. We wish to commend him for his leadership acumen in bringing the chicken home to roost.
According to them, Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has enjoyed the privilege of heading the Local Content committee because of her marital affiliations to the Niger Delta region. Nothing more and nothing less. If the senate leadership which made her a chairman decides to remove her as Chairman, it is rather distasteful of her to throw tantrums as she is doing.
“The contribution of the Niger Delta region to the economic development of our beloved country cannot be overemphasized. The Chairmanship of the Local Content Committee provides ample opportunity for interaction with all stakeholders in the oil exploration sector, hence it would be tantamount to great disservice if this all-important portfolio is given to anybody outside the Niger Delta Region.
“Again, while we see the Senate Committee leadership reshuffling as timely and necessary, we hail Senate President Godswill Akpabio for protecting the Niger Delta Region.
“In the same vein, we reiterate that the appointment of members and chairmen of committees are prerogative of the senate leadership, thus, the vilification of the senate leadership whose graces, Senator Natasha has enjoyed is rather distasteful and undignifying of his distinguished personality.
“We urge her to embrace the reality of privilege to serve her in-laws, and should respect the region further by sheathing her sword.
“Internal politics have been played. It favors you sometimes and goes against you some other time. When it favours you rejoice and utilize it; but when it goes against you, embrace it as one of those times and forge ahead.
“In all the NDDA commends the leadership of the Senate for listening to our call by giving Delta State a committee to oversee. We urge Niger Deltans and Nigerians by extension to give necessary support to the 10th Nigerian Senate.
NDDA also paid tribute to the late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a revered leader from the South-South region, observing a moment of silence in his honor.
“This activity, today, would be incomplete if we fail to recognize and give a minute silence to one of the greatest leaders to have emerged from the South-South Region of Nigeria, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. While we pray for the repose of his soul, we send our heartfelt condolences to the family.,” Iteveh Nur’ Ekpokpobe added.
