The National Coordinator of Niger Delta Empowerment and Economic Network (NEED), Comrade Classics Oke Oteri has vehemently opposed the Federal Government decision to transfer the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to the Ministry of Regional Development, says the move jeopardizes regional autonomy, undermines localized governance and the network’s advocacy for self-determination.
Comrade Oteri stressed that Regional autonomy is vital to addressing the Niger Delta’s unique challenges:such as it’s environmental degradation, poverty and inequality.
He noted that the Ministry of Niger Delta Development was established to tackle issues of economic empowerment, infrastructural development and environmental management.
According to the NEED National Coordinator “Our major concern is that it would reduced Decision-Making Power: Threatens localized governance and regional autonomy.environmental Degradation*: Continued pollution and environmental damage from oil exploration.
– *Economic Disempowerment*: Local communities losing economic benefits and opportunities.
Comrade Oteri urged Senate and the House of Representatives members to treat the matter with urgency, stressing that eversing the transfer decision would ensure the Ministry of Niger Delta Development continues its regional development mandate.
The group re-echoed the importance of localized governance, advocating for the federal government to reconsider its decision in order to prevent further deprivation of the Niger Delta people.