A group under the auspices of Urhobo Youth Forum For Change (UYFC) on Saturday urged the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, to inaugurate the Pius Odubu and Bernard Okumagba-led executive as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board without any delay.

The youths made the call in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Hon. Eshanekpe Israel, a.k.a Akpodoro, after the minister met with ex-freedom fighter, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, as well as leaders of the Niger Delta region at a stakeholders meeting in Oporoza, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The youths warned that it will be a slap on the face of the Urhobo people if the Federal Government and National Assembly announce a new board when the Pius Odubu and Bernard Okumagba-led executive was unveiled by President Muhammadu Buhari and screened by federal lawmakers.

The youths insisted that the appropriate thing to do is for the President to complete the process he started two years ago by inaugurating the board he personally announced and submitted their names to the National Assembly for screening in the interest of justice, equity and fairness.

“We the Urhobo youths wishes to commend the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Goodswill Akpabio, for the respect he has accorded High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, our most respected leader and Grand Officer Commanding (GOC) of the region by coming to consult with him over the 7-Day ultimatum he had issued to FG to constitute the NDDC board,” the statement read.

“We also appreciate the stakeholders who were present at the peace parley for speaking the mind of our people to the visiting Minister and other federal government delegation present at the Oporoza meeting held yesterday, June 3, 2021, to assuage our people to drop the ultimatum earlier issued by our GOC to the federal government for the composition of a substantive NDDC board.