The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has expressed strong disapproval over the federal government’s decision to scrap the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, citing concerns that the move may lead to youth unrest in the region.
MOSOP, a social movement organization representing the indigenous people of Rivers State in the South-South region of Nigeria, argued that the government failed to assess whether the scrapped ministry achieved its purpose or not.
According to MOSOP President, Prof. Olu Anda-Wai Egosu, the government should have engaged critical stakeholders in the region before scrapping the ministry.
Egosu emphasized that dissolving the ministry before achieving its mandate was unnecessary and may drag the region backward.
Former MOSOP President, Dr. Legborsi Pyagbara, questioned the government’s decision, highlighting that affirmative action typically has a timeline.
Pyagbara noted that the ministry was supposed to have a clear mandate and queried whether it had achieved its goals before being disbanded.
“The government should have met with stakeholders to assess the region’s development before scrapping the ministry.
“Stopping it now, if the purpose of its creation has not been achieved, is unnecessary.” Pyagbara said.
OWA Chairman, Engr. Migah Nwinmene, expressed satisfaction with the planning process of hosting MOSOP leaders and emphasized the association’s commitment to the Ogoni cause.
Nwinmene acknowledged that the Ogoni tribe was marginalized in Rivers State politics but expressed optimism that with proper strategies, the situation could change positively.
Recall that the federal government recently replaced the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs with the newly created Ministry of Regional Development.
MOSOP’s concerns highlight the need for careful consideration and stakeholder engagement in such significant decisions to avoid potential unrest and ensure the region’s development.
This development comes after MOSOP previously demanded the reversal of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) from the Ministry of Environment to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
The movement argued that the Ministry of Environment was better equipped to handle the project due to its experience and technical expertise.
The scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has sparked concerns about the implications for the region’s development and the potential for youth unrest.
MOSOP’s stance emphasizes the importance of careful consideration and stakeholder engagement in decision-making processes.
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