NDDC Has Failed Niger Delta, Obaseki Insists

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has restated that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is not living up to its responsibility of ensuring infrastructural development in the Niger Delta and raising the standard of living of the people.

Obaseki said this on Thursday when he received the Odiowere and elders of Ugha  Quarters of Urhonigbe Town in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, who were  on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.

The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, reassured that his government will sustain ongoing infrastructure projects across the state to boost economic activities and improve the lives of the people.

He said: “We are aware and know that the road has been awarded by NDDC. We make sure that we don’t duplicate efforts. NDDC has not been forthcoming with contracts that have been awarded at that level.

“In a normal system, if the NDDC has lived up to their responsibility and done the right thing, the government will not need to do the same project. We don’t duplicate work; it amounts to a waste of funds.”

“NDDC left the road in a worse shape than it was before the construction started. It is not an excuse to allow the people suffer, following the failure of an agency to perform their statutory responsibility,” Obaseki added.

Obaseki continued: “As soon as possible, we would send government agencies to check the immediate state of the road and report back. We will do something quick for our people at Urhonigbe because we know that our people are predominantly farmers.

“We would deploy officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure to examine the state of the road to enable us to provide palliative measures before providing a permanent solution to the road. As an administration, we will do our best to ensure that the people of the community feel the impact of the government.”

Besides noting the failures of the NDDC, Obaseki also appreciated the people of Ugha Quarters for the support before, during and after the governorship election in the state.

“I appreciate you for your support and prayers before, during and after the election, as well as your support throughout the time in the courts.

“The last election proved to us that you trust this administration and I want to assure you that the confidence reposed in us will not be betrayed. We will deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the State, including Ugha Quarters in Urhonigbe.

“As a candidate, I visited the 192 wards of Edo State and know what the people want; I am prepared to ensure that we improve the standard of living of our people.”

Earlier, the Odiowere of Ugha Quarters, Michael Evharevba, whose speech was read by the Secretary, Michael Omorotionmwan, congratulated the governor and his deputy on their victory in the September 2020 governorship election and the subsequent successes at the courts.

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