As reactions continue to trail the removal of the Executive Director, Finance and Accounts (EDFA) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Derek Mene, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has accused the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi was for plotting the unwholesome act.
Governor Wike who was speaking during a defection rally for the Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of Ward 18 at Kpean, Khana Local Government Area, Elder Austin Nwanko at the weekend, said the action by Amaechi a further demonstration of the hatred he had for Ogoni people.
The Governor said that the sacking of the Ogoni born Executive Director, Finance and Administration of NDDC is the height of political isolation and marginalization of the Ogoni Ethnic Nationality.
He said: “At times, it is good to taste the other side to know who loves you. The Ogoni people have tasted APC and they have seen very high level of neglect and marginalization.
“The Minister of Transportation promised you Governorship and denied you that position. Then Ogoni got the position of Executive Director of Finance and Accounts at NDDC. Even that one, he has collected and given to his boy, Chris Amadi”.
In the same vein, the Senator representing Rivers South East District in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe has described the removal of the Executive Director, Finance and Accounts of the NDDC, Mr. Derek Mene as the handiwork of former Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
Abe, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Parry Benson said he received the news of the dissolution of the NDDC Board with mixed feelings, alleging that Amaechi had long threatened to remove Mr. Mene from the Commission due to his stand on issues in Rivers politics.
Abe wondered why Mr. Derek Mene was the only executive removed in the dissolution of the board, especially as he was replaced by someone from Rivers East Senatorial District, home district of the Transportation Minister.
The statement reads among others, “First, let me thank the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, president Mohammadu Buhari for the privilege given to the two prominent Rivers sons, Mr. Derek Lenyie Mene who served as Executive Director, Finance and Accounts of the NDDC and Iboroma Harry who served as the Rivers State Commissioner on the board”.
