By Anozie Egole
THE Niger Delta Patriotic Initiative, NPDI, has condemned the liability profile of the  Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, saying that it was capable of preventing the newly constituted board from  meeting up with its statutory responsibilities.

It also called on the Federal Government to address the issue of inadequate funding of  the commission. NPDI further urged the  board to commence a process of reform, so as to  eliminate the shortcomings  identified at the commission’s recent retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Briefing newsmen yesterday in Warri, NPDI Convener, Mr.  Michael Tidi, stressed  the  need for a  funding summit for the commission. ‘’We must say we are overjoyed that President Jonathan has admirably constituted an NDDC Board with serious-minded stakeholders as members.

We were initially excited when the new board was inaugurated and are even more elated now that its Chairman and Managing Director have broken with tradition by admitting the shocking challenges of the commission while upbraiding the shameful practices that have combined to limit its ability to deliver thus far.

It is now time for the commission and all other stakeholders to key into the new vision of a truly functional, professional and performing NDDC,” he said.

Also speaking, Co-Convener of NPDI, Mr.  Jesutega Onokpasa, regretted that NDDC had  acquired a liability profile in excess of 1trillion Naira. ‘’This is conclusive proof, both of the underfunding of the NDDC and the disastrously poor management of the commission in the past. Barr. Dan-Abia has courageously admitted that the good people of the Niger Delta have not received the value they expected from the NDDC, ”he added.