Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank,.N
has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to dissolve the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and called for the ministry’s urgent restoration.
Frank described the move as abrupt and prejudiced, criticizing it for disregarding the unique significance of the ministry to the people of the Niger Delta.
The announcement, made by President Tinubu on Tuesday, detailed a structural shift that replaces the Niger Delta Ministry with a new Ministry of Regional Development.
This new ministry will oversee various zonal development agencies, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
In a statement released in Abuja, Frank argued that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, established by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, was designed to address the unique socio-economic and environmental needs of the Niger Delta.
The ministry has played a pivotal role in reducing youth unrest and safeguarding critical oil infrastructure, which is essential for Nigeria’s economic stability.
“This decision seems rushed and lacks respect for the historic and symbolic importance of the Niger Delta Ministry, which stands as a pillar of hope and development for the people of this region,” Frank said.
“The President’s move was made without consulting the leaders and citizens of the Niger Delta, showing a lack of consideration for the region’s unique challenges and contributions.”
Frank questioned the logic behind creating a Ministry of Livestock Development for the North while dismantling a dedicated ministry for the Niger Delta, a region responsible for much of Nigeria’s oil revenue.
He noted that such a decision may exacerbate the economic and social challenges faced by Niger Deltans rather than alleviate them.
“The Niger Delta has long borne the environmental impact of the nation’s oil production, yet this decision ignores the region’s critical role and resources,” Frank asserted.
“Any change to the ministry should be rooted in consultation and dialogue, not unilateral action. This decision risks further alienating the people of the Niger Delta and could lead to instability.”
Frank urged President Tinubu to consider the voices of key Niger Delta leaders, including Chief E.K. Clark and Alhaji Asari Dokubo, who have called for a reversal of this decision.
He emphasized that restoring the ministry would demonstrate respect for the region and avert potential unrest.