Posted by By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Hacourt on
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), says it receives with apprehension the announcement by the government to establish a Ministry of the Niger Delta.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), says it receives with apprehension the announcement by the government to establish a Ministry of the Niger Delta.
It argues that Ministries have been existing before now yet the parastatals under them cannot deliver. According to the group, 'the people of the region should receive this latest dish with apprehension and not allow the over five decades of starvation to rule our emotions as this is not the first time such ‘palatable' offers have been served to the region from the late 50s to date.|'
Jomo Gbomo, the groups spokesman, in an e-mail sent to P.M.News in Port Harcourt, said: 'Creating a ‘Ministry' is not the coming of the much awaited messiah. Nigeria has in existence ministries, over 40 years old, which have not positively impacted on the people.
'It will be yet another avenue for corruption and political favouritism. Some examples of moribund ministries include Energy, with its epileptic power supply; Health, with hospitals that have turned to dispensing clinics such that even the president prefers to be treated in Saudi Arabia or Germany; Works and Transport, responsible for the untimely deaths and maiming of road users due to poorly maintained roads and bridges in spite of availability of funds; Education; with the elite losing confidence in it that their children study in foreign tertiary institutions; Special Duties, with a minister that has been made redundant that he spends his time in office watching television. The list is endless.
'MEND will know that the government is sincere when it offers true federalism in all its ramifications which includes resource control. The unconditional release of all detained activists in its custody is another.'
The statement did not say whether the boys will drop their guns as a result of such palliative measures. The group, however, insisted that the sincerity of government can only be measured if true federalism is granted with unconditional release of detained activists.