NDDC/ EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE STRUGGLE BY OPOUWEI

YENAGOA____Since news broke out last December of the appointment of Effiong Akwa as sole administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission, a section of the Ijaw Youth Council is kicking against the appointment in loud language.

Collection of members of council who share same opinion took to press briefing and blocking of the East-West road to express their displeasure and attract action. Their argument is anchored on the footing that the appointment of a Sole Administrator is unknown to the statute that created the Commission and regulating same.

According to them, for many years the Commission has been under the vice-grip of successive sole administrators or quasi. In closing, they called on those clothed with the power to appoint and post to any appointment to quickly set aside the appointment and In its place constitute a substantive board. Failing to accede to their demands, they will mobilise their rank and file for a grand protest.

The Government has been trumpeting that the books of the Commission appear to be in the red, until it completes a “Forensic Audit” and perhaps clear the Aegean Stable it may not appoint a substantive board.

Foreshadowing, the Government has gone ahead to strike first by plucking the shepherd from among the flock. Government has appointed Udengibofa Eradiri, former President of the IYC and a shining light of the “Struggle” as Special Adviser on Youth Matters to the Commission.

Expectedly, flurry of congratulations and cheers have continued to pour in from his grouping, tons of jeers have also come in from opposition fans club.

Those opposed to the appointment cannot understand why Eradiri who has won many hats and warmed many hearts will accept such poisoned chalice. Sole Administrator is illegal, period. Accepting such appointment is a validation of illegality and for a man of the status and stature of Udengs, it is beyond pardon.

The next group opines that the Commission echoes memories of scandalous big-big billions of public money in deep-deep private pockets, Udengs Eradiri should be in the vanguard of holding to fire the feet of those who have had their hands in the cookey jar.

Another band are calling for his head due to political party differences. They have allowed the allure of politics to choke the “struggle”. NDDC is a federal agency. The party at the federal should have recruited from its members.

Yet another, they want their paddy-paddy to be there. Udengs is not just a part of them, they don’t like his face. Someone up close and personal with them that will serve their common interest will be home and dry.

The aggregate opinion of the supporters of Udengs are pointing to the fact that they are of the view that his appointment will not directly or remotely stand in the way of the constitution of a substantive board whenever the President so decides to constitute.

Second, they reasoned that assuming he turn down the appointment someone else will accept it and that someone could be anyone of his opposers. Similarly, rejecting such appointment will amount to a great dis-service to country.

Another set of commentators are those straddled between sides. Either way, they do not have direct interest at the moment Joining voices to the right or left will plant them in the public radar.

On the surface, opposers have made the issue appear as though coming from the point of patriotism. They are conducting themselves as though they are genuinely speaking to the low moral orientation of Udengs.

Close in on their lips, you will read the true meaning of what they mime, weigh their tone for the “Ijaw Spirit”, weigh their demeanour for frankness. Look deep enough you will see a clash of former colleagues or associates now chasing personal glory under the banner of the “Struggle”

The operators have thrown a sprinkle at the very heart of the IYC, members of Council are not only falling for it, but they have also gone on to break ranks and jettison the core issue of under-development of the region.

Yes, accepting such appointment interprets the body language. It raises only a moral burden and morality should not be elevated beyond its true meaning. Morality is subjective. No law or duty is imposed.

Should we forget that the last huncho was a sole administrator, the one before the last was also a sole and they were all from Bayelsa. Should I not add that they functioned without a threat of protest hanging on their neck. What has changed?

Truth is, since Boro no one has truly demonstrated love for Ijaw nation. By the mouth we confess love for Ijaw nation by our conduct we act self-love.

Opuowei Daniel Zitimiyola