By Editor 
South-South leaders on Saturday gave a pass mark to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio, praising him for going the extra mile and using his good offices to root out all impurity and indiscipline from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
They also advised Nigerians not to allow themselves to be held captive by men with unprecedented capacity for lies, mischief and treachery.
The leaders in a statement in Yenagoa described as malicious and devilish the campaign of calumny against Akpabio.
“Sensationalism is not an admirable feature of excellent journalism. We find the purport of the news story entitled;” Exclusive: How EFCC detained Godswill Akpabio for two hours after attempting to bribe agency chairman with $350,000” as misleading”
The leaders condemned critics of Akpabio for degenerating into abuses, lies and wild allegations.
They alleged that some individuals are spreading untrue tales against Akpabio and NDDC.
“Some individuals are stepping up their covert and overt moves to cause confusion in the country. Miscreants have been recruited to insult and blackmail the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs”
The comments by Comrade Damian Nwikinaka of the Niger Delta Renaissance Coalition on the forensic audit in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) also drew fierce criticism from the South-South leaders.
The leaders described the utterances of Nwikinaka as reckless, ridiculous, unbelievable, disgusting, inaccurate and insulting.
“Nwikinaka has consciously and definitely shown disdain for the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio”
The statement signed by the Chairman of South-South Front (SSF), Chief John Harry refuted some of the distractions spewing from unguarded quarters in the country, saying those behind them do not wish the Niger Delta region well.
“Chief Godswill Akpabio is against forms of behaviors that are alien to or subversive of the rule of law” the leaders said.
The leaders apart from drawing attention to the orchestrated campaign of hate, slander and witch-hunting being undertaken by some individuals and their sponsors commended Akpabio for enhancing the prestige of peoples of the Niger Delta region.
“Chief Godswill Akpabio should not be a subject of undue attack. He should be celebrated for changing the face of the region” they said.
The leaders condemned other misleading stories sponsored by the enemies of the region to push their selfish agenda and justify unrealistic conclusions about Akpabio.
They praised President Muhammadu Buhari for developing the region.
“Chief Godswill Akpabio is a politician with a conscience. He will continue to incur envy, malice and hatred from those who see perfidy as a virtue in politics” they said”
They also urged Nigerians to ignore the shenanigans of these individuals.
“Chief Godswill Akpabio shall not be distracted in his God assigned role of developing the Niger Delta region through sound policies” they said.
Niger Delta leaders laud Timipre Sylva
Niger Delta leaders on Saturday praised the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, for liberating the country’s petroleum sector from its quagmire.
They also praised the minister for playing a crucial role in the development of Nigeria.
“Chief Timipre Sylva is committed to the development of Nigeria. He will always support the Niger Delta region through thick and thin”
In a statement in Yenagoa, the leaders praised Sylva for the zero-fuel queues situation in the country and the ongoing Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS) at Emeyal, Ogbia LGA in Bayelsa State.
They commended the minister for defending the interests of the Niger Delta people, changing the image of Nigeria for the better and attracting International Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMS) and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to the petroleum sector.
The leaders also hailed Sylva for creating jobs for the people, placing greater emphasis on the distribution chain, indigenous capacities for the oil and gas industry as well as choosing courses which tend at least to a better and more desirable development of the country’s petroleum sector.
Signed by the chairperson of the Niger Delta People’s Movement (NDPM), Mrs. Ibifuro Tatua, the leaders applauded the former Bayelsa State governor for his honest leadership, dogged commitment to principles in the practice of politics, the rule of law and the best democratic tradition of fairness and justice.
“Chief Timipre Sylva should be applauded in his quest to bring about economic and social development in the country.
The leaders who met in Yenagoa for three hours commended the astute politician for opening up local manufacturing in the country, improving the environmental condition of the oil producing areas and making the South-South geo-political zone, particularly Bayelsa State proud by his achievements in politics.
“Chief Timipre Sylva and other ministers have done South-South proud. The zone has never had it so good in terms of provision of amenities and infrastructure” they said.
The statement emphasized sound business policy, creative power of the petroleum economy and operations of the petroleum industry.
“Chief Timipre Sylva is travelling on the road that leads to success”
The leaders called on critics to emulate the virtues of Sylva by pursuing peace, progress and development.
“In spite of the current financial crunch, the Federal Government is up to date in its obligations to the Niger Delta region”.
The leaders also advised critics of Buhari’s appointees from the South-South geo-political zone to join Nigerians, home and abroad, in celebrating the achievements of the petroleum resources minister.
“Chief Timipre Sylva will continue to seek what is best for the good people of the Niger Delta region” the statement said.
Chief Timipre Sylva is one of the most ardent promoters of the unity and development of the Niger Delta region.
