JUST-IN; Niger Delta groups reject Akpabio as ‘anointed’ Senate President

A coalition of Niger Delta groups has rejected the choice of former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio as the ruling All Progressives Congress’ preferred candidate for the exalted position in the Senate.

The All Progressives Congress had chosen Akpabio as President of the Senate, and Abbas Tajudeen, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, sparking outcry among lawmakers and members of the party.

But the groups under the umbrella of Coalition of Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders claimed Akpabio did not perform well at the Niger Delta Development Commission, saying that trusting him with such a position could be a risky adventure.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chairman of the coalition, Odiedim Amechree accused Akpabio of disobeying extant rules with the introduction of a sole administrator to the Niger Delta Development Commission.

He said, “I do not think the ruling party would want to take a risk as this that might cost them the belief and the trust of Nigerians. It is not about his relationship with party stakeholders, it is not about his placement in the polity of the nation. We are speaking out of pain, I know this administration would not want to take such a risk because of the dire consequences that would befall them.

“Our reasons for kicking against Akpaiboares are based on his antecedents. He has not done well in the offices he had occupied. He mismanaged the NDDC. He directed the affairs of the NDDC with no regard for extant rules with the appointment of a sole administrator for the agency among other of his atrocities.”

When contacted, Akpabio’s Media Aide, Anietie Ekong declined to comment on the accusations against his boss.

He said, “What issues have the group spoken about before? Did you ask them? I can’t comment on this, I don’t want to legitimise what they have said.”