candidates sign peace accord in Gombe NDDC Chairman assures Niger Delta people of transparency, fairness

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, has assured that the new leadership at the Commission under her watch will work to impact positively on the lives of the people of the Niger Delta region by making transparency and fairness the order of the day

Speaking during the Anticorruption and Social Inclusive Reform Initiatives in Nigeria project mid-term review meeting organised by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), yesterday, she said it is imperative to chart a new course for the NDDC, different from what obtained in the past.

She added that the new NDDC leadership is there to do things differently, saying they will work with new ideas to be able to achieve the objective of fast-tracking the development of the Niger Delta region.

Mrs. Lauretta Onochie stressed that NDDC was established specifically for the people of the Niger Delta region as an interventionist agency, meant to bring prosperity to the Niger Delta region.

“We are here to serve the people of the region and by extension serve Nigeria. We are here to reposition the NDDC.

“Our interest is to improve the lives of Niger Delta people. The monies meant for the development of the Niger Delta must be used for the region. ” She said

The NDDC boss assured Person with disabilities, women and youths robust relationship during her tenure.

In his remarks, the Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor said Enhancing Anti-corruption and Social Inclusive Reform Initiatives in Nigeria project is being implemented by ANEEJ and eight partners as part of the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project, saying that it is design to enhance local civil society’s organizations’ ability to be positive and responsible change agents in the country.

From David Hassan, Gombe

Gombe state governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya alongside other candidates in the state have signed an agreement of peace accord ahead of 2023 general elections.

It was gathered that the signing of agreement was aimed at maintaining peace during and after the elections.

Performing the function, the Resident Electoral Commission (INEC) in Gombe state Alhaji Umar Ibrahim stated this on Wednesday during the signing of peace accord by governorship candidates and chairmen of political parties.

He said relative peace is an ingredient to conduct credible elections adding that such elections should not be compromised as voters will not turn out en-mass to exercise their franchise due to intimidation.