MOSOP Expresses Displeasure Over Scrapping of Niger Delta Ministry
The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has strongly condemned the recent decision to scrap the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, expressing concerns that this move could lead to unrest among the youth in the region.
The organization, which represents the indigenous people of Rivers State in Nigeria’s South-South region, criticized the government for making this decision without assessing whether the ministry had met its intended goals.
MOSOP argued that there was insufficient due diligence before the government announced the scrapping of the ministry.
The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, which was established to address the socio-economic issues in the Niger Delta, was replaced by the newly created Ministry of Regional Development.
MOSOP asserts that this shift is premature and fails to consider the region’s ongoing developmental challenges.
Speaking at a recent reception hosted by the Ogoni Welfare Association (OWA) in Lagos, MOSOP President, Prof. Olu Anda-Wai Egosu, lamented that the dissolution of the ministry could hinder the region’s progress.
He emphasized that the government should have consulted with key stakeholders in the Niger Delta before making such a significant decision.
According to Egosu, the ministry had not fully achieved its mandate, and its abrupt disbandment could set the region back.
Dr. Legborsi Piagbara, former MOSOP President, also weighed in, pointing out that affirmative action policies generally come with specific timelines for implementation.
He questioned whether the government had properly evaluated the development of the region before deciding to dismantle the ministry, stating that such a decision could be premature if the intended goals had not been reached.
In support of MOSOP’s stance, OWA Chairman, Engineer Migah Nwinmene, acknowledged the challenges the Ogoni people face in Rivers State politics.
He stressed that the Ogoni cause remains central to the association’s mission and expressed optimism that with the right strategies, the Ogoni people could achieve greater political and developmental success.
The scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has sparked debates about the future of the region, with many calling for greater involvement of the local communities in decisions that affect their future.
Follow NIGPOST for more updates.
Leave a Reply