A concerned Rivers politician of the Ogoni extraction, Hon. Gabriel Pidomson, Ph.D has expressed distaste over the scandal rocking NDDC which has seen the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and the Ogoni-born former acting IMC chairperson, Gbene Dr. Joi Nunieh fight dirty in the media.
Dr. Pidomson who is a former secretary to the government of Rivers State calls for a thorough investigation into the matter and advised that the truth be allowed to triumph. He made this call while talking to newsmen at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Monday.
The one time Rivers State House of Assembly member also cautioned that the Ogonis and Rivers People are watching keenly and would not condone any kind of intimidation, victimization, and oppression meted on the titled Ogoni woman. “The people of Ogoni will not take it lightly if a hair of the only surviving holder of the highest traditional title of honour and Esther of Ogoni , Gbene Dr. Joi Nunieh, falls to the ground. This is to put the country on notice that if such happens, our response will be massive, effective and overwhelming”, he said.
Dr. Pidomson said the people of Niger Delta had hoped that it was of good intentions that the President and Commander in Chief, Mohammadu Buhari initiated the forensic audit of the commission.
According to the 2015 Rivers governorship aspirant, the rots in the commission are such that the development of the Niger Delta region is at a backward pace. So, if according to the ex-MD, she was ousted because she refused to compromise, then this matter should be given genuine and transparent attention.
Hon. Gabriel Pidomson also expressed shock that despite the gravity of accusation leveled against the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the minister can not honorably step aside to allow for an investigation into the matter.
Pidomson further calls on the Federal Government to give Gbene Dr. Joi Nunieh the necessary protection as her life is no longer safe due to the fear of the unknown. He said it takes a lot of courage and bravery to come out with such damning information and this should be an encouragement to other whistleblowers if we sincerely hope to make headway on the fight against corruption. He called on the authorities to conduct their investigations with fairness and ensure that there is justice for all.
