South-South Govs Condemn Nunieh's Attempted Kidnap, Endorse Forensic Audit Of NDDC -

The South-South Governors Forum has condemned police invasion of the home of former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joy Nunieh in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Thursday.

This was disclosed by Chairman of the forum and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa in a statement on Friday.

He described the action as “unwarranted, unnecessary, and uncalled for”.

The forum also expressed support for the forensic audit of the commission ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari as well as investigations by the National Assembly.

Okowa’s statement read, “Alongside my brothers, the governors of the other South-South states, I have been monitoring the crisis in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) that has taken front and center stage in the national news.

“After due consultations with the other governors, the South-South Governors Forum wishes to categorically state that we wholeheartedly support the forensic audit of the NDDC as ordered by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari.

“This is because, we believe that the audit will help to reposition the NDDC to better deliver on its mandate for the good people of the Niger Delta region. Additionally, the South-South Governors Forum also gives its full backing to the investigation of the NDDC by the Senate.”

The forum advised all the stakeholders in the current crisis in the NDDC to refrain from utterances and actions that could breach the peace and security of the region.

“We are, therefore, constrained to condemn in unequivocal terms the attempt to abduct Ms Joi Nunieh, the immediate past Acting MD of the Commission, yesterday. It was unwarranted, unnecessary, and uncalled for.

“While we call on all the relevant security authorities to investigate this unfortunate development, let it be on record that we are neither in support of nor against any of the actors in this controversy.

“However, as responsible public servants and leaders in the Niger Delta, we are mindful of the implications her attempted abduction could have on the peace and security of the region.

“Finally, we wish to reiterate that both the forensic audit and the Senate investigation should continue and be concluded promptly, as we all want to see an NDDC that helps to accelerate the infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region,” the statement further read.