The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has alleged that there is a power tussle which it claims is tearing the new board of the Niger Delta Development Commission apart, saying the situation has hampered the activities of the agency.

The council, In a statement issued by its national spokesman, Ebilade Ekerefe, accused the chairman of the NDDC board, Lauretta Onochie, of instigating the struggle for power on the board.

Ekerefe said the IYC believed that the power tussle was an attempt to subvert the functions of the office of the Managing Director and other management officials, adding that Onochie was working to usurp powers.

He said, “The power tussle is causing a lull in the effectiveness and optimal performance of the NDDC, especially under the present board where a member of the board seems to confuse her office and seeks unlimited powers beyond the comprehension and intent of the drafters of the Act establishing the commission.”

He cautioned that the board chairman’s appetite to arrogate power to herself could put her on a collision course with all the organs of the IYC and other pro-Ijaw groups if she did not backpedal

The council claimed It was aware that Onochie in her attempt to hijack power had conveniently orchestrated a board meeting without involving three other members whom she reportedly primed for a no-confidence vote.

“For instance, we are aware that contrary to the NDDC Act, and against reason, Lauretta Onochie convened a board meeting without the notice and attendance of all three (3) executive members where her unholy intentions have been laid bare as she sought a vote of no confidence passed in the executive directors, thereby making herself the sole administrator of the Commission”, the IYC said.

Ekerefe restated Ijaw youths’ stance for equality and justice for all and would not watch one ethnic group or state subjugate another within the region.

He also vowed that the council would not treat the current struggle for power at the commission with levity, stressing that every move to undermine and oppress an Ijaw man would be vehemently resisted.

He argued that by the provisions of the NDDC Act, it was the rightful turn of Bayelsa State to produce the managing director and chief executive officer of the commission, which the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government recognised and acted accordingly.

While urging Onochie to desist from her ill-advised activities, the IYC enjoined the board members to adhere to the provisions of the law setting up the interventionist agency and shun acts capable of killing the dreams and aspirations of the Niger Delta people.

The Ijaw youths also called on the NDDC management to remain focused and not allow selfish and inordinate interests to distract it from delivering on its mandate. (Sunday Independent)

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