A militant group in Akwa Ibom, Niger Delta Volunteers (NDV), has given the federal government a 14-day ultimatum within which to sack and prosecute the Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The group threatened to shut down oil operations in Akwa Ibom state if their demands are not met.
This was contained in a statement signed by General Ekpo Ekpo and Captain Nsidibe Etim and made available to journalists on Thursday.
The group accused Akpabio of engaging in many fraudulent activities since he assumed supervisory control over the Niger Delta Developmemt Commission (NDDC).
The statement reads, “after due consultation with elders, youth leaders and other stakeholders across Akwa Ibom State, Niger Delta hereby demand for the immediate removal/prosecution of the minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for alleged misconduct and abuse of office, the dissolution of the interim management committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and reconstitution of a substantive board of the commission.
“It will be recalled that on his assumption of office, he immediately influenced the redeployment of the erstwhile minister of state in the ministry, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, who he perceived would constitute be a big barrier to his nefarious activities, and the eventual transfer of supervisory powers over the Niger Delta Developmemt Commission (NDDC).
“On a number of occasions, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio has been accused of having two major missions to accomplish as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
“First as an individual noted for possessing an ‘unforgiving spirit’ he is alleged to be moving on a well-designed path to take revenge on some of those who had crossed his path at one point in time or another and who happened to have been associated with the NDDC as current or past contractors or staff.
“Second, known for his uncanny crave for amassing unquantifiable amount of wealth, the Akwa Ibom State-born politician is alleged to have planted surrogates and puppets who are serving as conduit pipes for the illegal movement of funds through phantom contract awards and unauthorized payments”.
They accused Akpabio of been responsible for why militants in Akwa Ibom are not benefiting maximally from the amnesty programme of the Federal government.
