CHIDUBEM FELIX DECRIES NDDC NEGLECT OF UKWA WEST, APPEALS FOR APPOINTMENT OF THEIR ILLUSTRIOUS SON, NWANKWO TO BOARD

A university lecturer at Abia State University and a worthy son of Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area, Mr. Chidubem Felix, has rallied support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, while calling for urgent intervention to address what he described as the prolonged neglect of Ukwa West by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Felix made the call during a solidarity gathering held at Community Primary School, Ugwati Asa, Ukwa West LGA, in support of Comrade Enyeribe Odinakachi Nwankwo.

He also appealed to President Tinubu to consider Nwankwo, whom he described as an illustrious son of Ukwa West, a committed grassroots politician and a man with a strong understanding of the needs of the people, for appointment to the NDDC Board.

According to Felix, the call became necessary because of what he described as the inadequate presence and impact of the NDDC in Ukwa West despite the area’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s oil economy.

He lamented that many communities in the local government continue to face infrastructural challenges, including poor roads, inadequate social amenities and other development deficits that, in his view, require greater attention from the interventionist agency.

Felix expressed concern that the people of Ukwa West, particularly those in oil-producing communities, have not received commensurate development despite the area’s contribution to the Niger Delta region and the Nigerian economy.

He alleged that the situation had been worsened by what he described as “invisible hands” from the old Bende bloc influencing the affairs of the NDDC, stressing that such perceived marginalisation should no longer be allowed to continue.

He called for a more equitable approach to the distribution of NDDC projects and opportunities, insisting that oil-producing communities in Ukwa West should have a stronger voice in decisions concerning development projects and representation on the commission.

The university lecturer further argued that the appointment of credible sons and daughters of the area to strategic positions would help bridge the communication gap between the people and government agencies responsible for development interventions.

Felix said Nwankwo’s grassroots experience, understanding of the socio-economic challenges facing Ukwa West and connection with the people made him suitable for consideration for a position on the NDDC Board.

He appealed to President Tinubu to give the request serious consideration, stressing that appointing Nwankwo would not only provide representation for Ukwa West but also strengthen the participation of the people in decisions affecting development in the Niger Delta.

He also urged the people of Ukwa West to remain united and continue to engage government constructively in demanding development, stressing that the region deserved purposeful representation and tangible dividends of democracy.

While expressing support for President Tinubu’s administration, Felix said the people of Ukwa West were looking forward to seeing greater federal presence and more meaningful development interventions in the area.

He appealed to relevant authorities, particularly the NDDC, to prioritise critical infrastructure and other projects capable of improving the living conditions of residents and stimulating economic activities across the local government.

Felix maintained that development in Ukwa West should go beyond political promises, urging government agencies to ensure that projects targeted at oil-producing communities translate into visible and sustainable benefits for the people.

He further called on stakeholders, community leaders and political actors from the area to work together in presenting a united voice on issues affecting the development and political representation of Ukwa West.

The gathering, which attracted supporters and stakeholders from the area, also provided an opportunity for participants to express their views on the need for improved infrastructure, effective representation and greater inclusion of Ukwa West in development programmes.

Felix reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at attracting greater attention to the development needs of Ukwa West, while urging President Tinubu and the NDDC leadership to respond positively to the concerns of the people.