Prominent South-South leader, Edwin Clark, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to abolish the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. Clark argued that there is no justification for scrapping the ministry, which was established to promote development and curb insecurity in the Niger Delta region. He further alleged that the federal government plans to divert the region’s funds to develop other areas.
Speaking in response to Tinubu’s announcement of a Ministry of Regional Development to oversee various regional development commissions, Clark insisted that the move undermines the purpose for which former President Umaru Yar’Adua created the ministry.
“The Ministry was established to focus on the unique developmental needs of the Niger Delta. Scrapping it without a clear alternative plan is unacceptable,” Clark stated.
He also raised concerns over the government’s neglect of ongoing projects, such as the East-West Road, which has now been transferred to the Ministry of Works. Clark warned that the decision could harm the region’s development and called for consultation with Niger Delta leaders before making such decisions.
Clark emphasized that the Niger Delta’s resources should not be used to fund projects in other regions and urged the government to clarify its plan for the region’s future.
