“The current Board of Niger Delta Development Commission is transparent, visionary and committed to transform the most devastated region of the Niger Delta”. Prof. Jasper Jumbo stated this in an interview with journalists recently in Port Harcourt.
He posited that the Managing Director, Chief Dan Abia and his team are very meticulous and will adequately perform beyond expectation.
The environmentalist and a social crusader stated that what the board needs now is the release of adequate fund so that contractors will begin to execute projects on time and schedule.
Prof. Jumbo told journalists that if the Federal Government releases fund to the commission, the region will be transformed.
He further explained that the current board of NDDC is best thing that has ever happened to the commission since it was created many years ago.
On the decision taken at the National Conference, Chief Prof. Jumbo said he agreed with the proposal of 5% from the derivation to settle the ravaged areas in the north as a win-win situation, believing the south should also be their brothers keeper.
Speaking further, he maintained that if the National Assembly had insisted on fiscal federalism, resource control, derivation will be easy to operate.
Asked what will be his new contribution if he was appointed into the national conference.
He said he has always agitated for the compensation of oil terminal of the oil producing communities a situation which will put the oil producing communities in a participating position in the oil and gas industry and will reduce the burden of oil spills in the region.
On the Petroleum Industry Bill, he commended 10% equity share to the community is a handsome reward for those that have suffered since oil was discovered in their communities.
Prof. Jumbo urged the National Assembly to fast track the passage of the Bill to put smile on the faces of the people of the communities. ###
