The Minister of State of the Niger Delta, Sen. Tayo Alasoadura, has called on the people of the region to adopt a new way of thinking and reasoning towards a redirection for economic development that will create sustainable peace and infrastructural development in the region.

The Minister made the call while featuring on NTA breakfast programme “Good Morning Nigeria” on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, in Abuja.

He berated the people of the region as being their own enemy of progress, as NDDC Management has been ran by Niger Deltans, right from the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) till date.

Alasoadura further stated that the extent of underdevelopment in the region is quite embarrassing and called for a new direction and focus, by organising orientation campaigns for the people and all stakeholders roundtable that will come up with documents for agreed positive Action Plan to be implemented in the region.

He posited that both the political elites and the civil service need a new redirection adding that the civil service needs a total clean-up due to its role in the corruption saga bedevilling the region. Alasoadura also called for a clear distinction between the democratic and the administrative elites to take responsibility for their involvement in the corruption saga.

According to the Minister, the essence of the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari to audit the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is as a result of poor management, lack of feasible developmental projects and decadence, despite the huge billions of Naira allocated to the interventionist commission, such as the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), the 13% Derivation that goes to the State Governments in the oil Producing States in the region.

The Audit report according to the Minister, will be executed by professionals in the field, adding that adequate security will be provided for those involved.