In a recent session, the Nigerian House of Representatives deferred a motion challenging President Tinubu’s restructuring of the Niger Delta Ministry.
On Thursday, the House of Representatives withdrew a motion that contested President Bola Tinubu’s decision to replace the Ministry of Niger Delta with the Ministry of Regional Development.
Rep. Oboku Oforji of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa, who sponsored the motion, explained that recent developments have made it irrelevant to continue urging President Tinubu to reconsider his decision regarding the Ministry.
He stated that establishing the Regional Development Ministry was appropriate and aligned with the current administration’s developmental aspirations.
Oforji further elaborated that the establishment of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs by the late President Musa Yar’adua on September 10, 2008, was born out of necessity at that time; however, it has since surpassed its original purpose.
The Ministry was established to advance and harmonize policies aimed at the development, peace, unity, and security of the Niger Delta Region. It is responsible for formulating and implementing plans, programs, and other initiatives while coordinating efforts among agencies, communities, donors, and relevant stakeholders involved in the region’s development.
Furthermore, “Yar’adua aimed to foster peace among the activists in the region.”
He stated that establishing the Ministry of Regional Development would advance progress from this point, urging lawmakers to withdraw their motion.
House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, representing the APC in Edo, shared his belief that the newly established Ministry of Regional Development will enhance development efforts in the Niger Delta region beyond previous levels.
He mentioned that these actions served as a prelude to the establishment of the ministry, which was focused on promoting infrastructural development, environmental protection, and youth empowerment in the oil-rich Niger Delta Region.
“Are we there yet? Not quite, but the people of the Niger Delta hold onto the belief that someday, the ambitious dreams and goals set by their region’s founding fathers will be realized. This optimism is reflected in their support for establishing the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.”
As other legislators voiced their support for withdrawing the motion, Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas revealed that he had met with President Tinubu last week to discuss the issue. During this meeting, President Tinubu assured him that he would gladly receive the South-South Development Commission Bill, which aims to address specific concerns in the Niger Delta region.
He thus informed the lawmaker that, given the new information and since other events have already addressed the issues within the Motion, the motion’s presenter should permit it to be withdrawn from consideration by the House.
The motion was therefore postponed.
Peoplesmind
