Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC): Composition and The Pathetic Situation Of Mkpat Enin LGA of A’Ibom State

Since the formation of the NDDC on the 5th of June, 2000 by the then Nigerian president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, several prominent sons of Akwa Ibom State have been appointed to leadership positions on NDDC’s management board. Notable amongst them and their Local Governments of origin, in no particular order, are:

1.Late Amb. (Engr.) Sam Edem – Nsit Ubium
2.Mr. Etim Inyang Jr – Mbo
3.Dr. Effiong Akwa – Okobo
4.Theophilus Ette – Ibeno
5.Arch. Esio Etteh – Ibeno
6.Engr. Bassey Dan Abia – Esit Eket
7.Engr. Imaobong Inyang – Esit Eket
8.Late Chief Ibanga Etang – Esit Eket
9.Dr. Emem Wills – Eket
10.Late Engr. Udo Mbosowo – Onna
11.Obong Nsima Ekere – Ikot Abasi
12.Late Chief Udo Marcus Akpan – Ikot Abasi
13.Obong Nsima Etukakpan – Ikot Abasi

Of the nine (9) core oil producing local governments in Akwa Ibom State, again, in no particular order, Nsit Ubium, Mbo, Ibeno, Esit Eket, Eket, Onna, Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo, only Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo are yet to have any of their indigenes in NDDC’s Board ( either as Managing Director, Executive Director or Commissioner/Representative). As a result of none representation, Mkpat Enin has not been opportune to feel the impact of this interventionist agency, which has as its core mandate, “to offer a lasting solution to the socio-economic difficulties of the Niger Delta Region and to facilitate the rapid and sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful.” The only major project, a Specialist Hospital that would have given a sense of belonging to these neglected communities, has not gone beyond foundation level and now lies desolate, overran by wild animals.

The only time Mkpat Enin had hope of inclusiveness was when Engr. Otobong Ndem, a son of Mkpat Enin, was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, and screened by the Senate for the position of Executive Director Projects (EDP). However he wasn’t sworn in.

Consequently, for fairness, equity and political correctness, it is pertinent to reconsider an Mkpat Enin indigene as an Executive Director in the next NDDC board. This will create a certain level of balance in the power sharing formula of this current dispensation in Akwa Ibom State, where we already have both the Distinguished Senate President (SP) and Honourable Minister designate from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and of the respectable Annang tribe.

Worthy of note is the indisputable fact that Mkpat Enin LGA is the only Ibibio – speaking Local Government Area in Eket Senatorial District that has NEVER been appointed into the NDDC board since its creation. We trust that our dear SP, a man of equity and fairness, an uncommon transformer and performer, will use his good office to support this noble cause.

Powered By: Mkpat Enin Youth Movement (MEYM), Worldwide