CSOs tackle Buhari over violation of NDDC Act

A coalition of 20 civil society organisations under the aegis of Niger Delta Movement for Peace and Justice on Monday berated the President, Major General Mohammed Buhari (retd), over the continued violation of the Niger Delta Development Commission’s Act.

The group, in a statement on Monday, said the inauguration of the NDDC Advisory Committee by the President was a breach of the fundamental law and disregard to the NDDC Act.

According to the statement which was signed by its National Coordinator and National Secretary, Comrade Etifit Nkereuwem and Comrade Opuene Bubaraye, respectively, the group urged the President to jettison the inauguration of the advisory committee since there is no governing board for the committee to advise it.

The statement read, “We strongly frown at the level of disrespect and disregard of the NDDC Act by the presidency. We make bold to say that acts are to be obeyed or implemented in totality, particularly during a democratic rule.

“Recall that Mr President recently inaugurated an Interim Management Committee which is unknown to the NDDC Act, thereby violating part 1, section 2 and part iii, section 11(2) which provided for the governing board and advisory committee respectively.

“Therefore, we urge Mr President to jettison the inauguration of the advisory committee since there is no governing board for the committee to advise as provided for in the Act.

“We view the breach of the fundamental law and disregard for the NDDC Act as worrisome and unacceptable in a democratic government.”

The group warned that disregard for laws of a nation by public officers could lead to anarchy and chaos.

They urged the president to rise to the occasion and restore sanity in the commission.

“We appreciate the commitment of Mr President to the progress and development of the region. This cannot be sacrificed by undemocratic, unnecessary rivalry and manipulations by the operators of the commission as seen recently.

“We pledge our unalloyed support and loyalty to your democratic administration on the strength that justice and fairness shall be given top priority,” the group added.