Thursday 14th Oct. 2021: Notable South-South leaders on Wednesday lauded the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio, for making an effort to provide greater autonomy to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
They made the declaration at a meeting in Calabar to discuss 2023 politics, governance and its broader impact on democratic institutions and norms, the leaders accused some cynics in the country of trying to throw a monkey-wrench into the works of the current administration.
Describing the Minister as a key to the solution of the Niger Delta problem, they also praised President Muhammadu Buhari for taking decisions he considers best for the overall benefit of the Niger Delta people.
"Chief Godswill Akpabio has done his best to complete the NDDC Audit. The Audit Report is an important step forward."
The leaders described Akpabio as an iconic figure, a dogged advocate for the interests of Nigerians, a hope for Nigerian politics and a magnet attracting a number of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to the
ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country.
Spokesman of the South-South Front (SSF), Chief John Harry, told journalists after the meeting that the leaders commended Akpabio for
expanding existing social development programmes, spending on much needed infrastructure, offering the clearest policy and enhancing peace and development in the Niger Delta region.
The leaders highlighted Akpabio's pivotal role in the development of the Niger Delta region, projects in health, education, job creation,
housing, agriculture, security, road construction and other areas of development.
They insisted on Akpabio for the coveted slot of president in 2023, ''We welcome the current moves to consider the former Akwa-Ibom Stategovernor. Chief Godswill Akpabio is a compassionate human being who cares about the well-being of Nigerians. He knows the issues. He is extremely qualified, the best qualified among the presidential aspirants. He has the character to do the job''
They also urged ex-militants not to allow opposition politicians in the country to use them to persecute political opponents.
