By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Niger Delta Development Agenda (NDDA) has commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for championing the interests of the Niger Delta, particularly following the recent reshuffle of Senate committee leadership.

The NDDA highlighted the appointment of Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas from Delta State as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, replacing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi State, as a significant advancement for regional representation.

During a press briefing in Abuja, Iteveh Nur’ Ekpokpobe, Convener of the NDDA, remarked that the reshuffle reflects Akpabio’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the Niger Delta. He referred to Akpabio as a ‘Defender of the Niger Delta’ and praised his leadership for ensuring the region’s presence in crucial committees.

It is worth noting that the NDDA had previously expressed concerns in August 2023 when the 10th Senate, under Akpabio, formed 74 standing committees without appointing any senator from Delta State as chair. While other South-South states received committee chairmanships, Delta State was initially overlooked.

The NDDA viewed the recent reshuffle, which appointed Senator Onowakpo Thomas to lead the Local Content Committee, as a corrective measure. They argued that this committee, which engages with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, should be chaired by someone from the Niger Delta to advocate effectively for regional interests.

“The Chairmanship of the Local Content Committee provides ample opportunity for interaction with all stakeholders in the oil exploration sector; it would be a great disservice if this important portfolio were given to anyone outside the Niger Delta region,” Ekpokpobe emphasised.

The NDDA also addressed the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal, asserting that her initial appointment was based on marital ties rather than regional representation.

“We urge her to embrace reality and respect the region further by sheathing her sword,” Ekpokpobe advised.

The NDDA called on Nigerians, particularly stakeholders in the Niger Delta, to support the 10th Senate and its leadership. They stressed that the appointment of committee members and chairpersons is the prerogative of the Senate leadership.

“In all, the NDDA commends the Senate leadership for responding to our call by appointing a committee chair from Delta State. We urge Niger Deltans, and Nigerians more broadly, to lend their support to the 10th Nigerian Senate,” he added.

The group also paid tribute to the late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a prominent leader from the South-South region, and called for continued progress in Nigeria’s legislative processes.