BY CAROLINE AMEH
PORT HARCOURT – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced that the people of the Niger Delta have resolved to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027, citing the administration’s investment in regional development as a compelling reason.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Akpabio declared that the region “speaks with one voice” in support of Tinubu’s re-election, warning that no presidential aspirant should ignore the strategic importance of the oil-rich zone.
The event, which marked the culmination of a week-long programme commemorating the NDDC’s legacy, drew high-profile attendees including former President Goodluck Jonathan; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who represented President Tinubu; Rivers State Administrator, Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd); federal legislators, ministers, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders.
According to a statement from his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio praised Tinubu’s commitment to reversing decades of neglect in the region.
He cited the establishment of a university of environmental sciences in Ogoniland, the formalisation of the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, and other educational institutions in agriculture and technology as evidence of the president’s intent.
“This is the region that produces the wealth of the nation. We have the right to determine who manages our resources. Nobody can attain the presidency without listening to the Niger Delta,” he said.
He condemned past administrations for sidelining the region, adding that Tinubu’s initiatives have sparked a renewed sense of ownership and inclusion.
“We have assessed him and found him fit to continue beyond 2027,” he added. “This time, there will be no betrayal of the region’s interest.”
Akpabio, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, criticised the instability that has plagued the NDDC due to incessant leadership changes, which he blamed on infighting and self-interest.
“We have a culture of ‘periwinkle politics’ where everyone wants to be in charge. This has led to staff sabotage, political interference, and the removal of over ten management teams,” he noted.
He recalled that the agency’s headquarters remained incomplete for over two decades until he ordered its completion as minister.
He also revealed that over 14,700 projects were abandoned due to regime changes that consistently introduced new agendas without completing existing ones.
He applauded President Tinubu for allowing the current board, led by Dr Samuel Ogbuku, to complete its full tenure.
“This is the only way to restore continuity and credibility. The current team is delivering people-centred projects and fulfilling the original vision of the NDDC’s founders,” he said.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan also commended Tinubu’s decision to retain the Ogbuku-led board, describing it as essential to ensuring stable and effective development in the region.
Delivering President Tinubu’s goodwill message, Senator Akume reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the Niger Delta.
He described the NDDC as pivotal to the region’s socio-economic advancement, and highlighted the ongoing 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project as complementary to the East-West Road, intended to boost trade and integration.
