By Francis Sadhere

The much talked about physical underdevelopment of the oil-rich Niger Delta region, in recent times, has been attributed to the failure of the immediate past Nigerian president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to articulate a categorical plan for the region.

Goodluck Jonathan

The Convener of the South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG), Comrade Joseph Ambakederemo, who gave this view yesterday at a media chat in Warri, Delta state, also described ongoing insurgency in the creeks of the region as unjustified and sheer criminality.

Ambakederemo, who spoke at a breakfast chat, organized to celebrate his 55th birthday, also regretted what he described as the South-South region’s mismanagement of its age-long positive political relationship with the north, a situation which has led to its being pushed to the side in political relevance.

The social activist, who said he was unable to seeing the reason for the ongoing action of so-called militants, who have been destroying oil and gas assets, called on the people of the region to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he said had shown will to turn Nigeria around.

The activist, who described the situation in the country as being pathetic, maintained that some of the policies being currently implemented by the Buhari administration were designed by the Jonathan administration, but lacked the political will to implement.

“These militants don’t have the sympathy of anyone from the region. What rights have we to carry arms after the 6-8 years? You have a President of this country from this region and there is nothing to show for it. For God sake, I came from Bayelsa State and there is nothing to write home about it when it comes to federal government.

“What you find in Bayelsa today was done by Governor Dickson with the little resources accruing to the state. The only federal presence there is the Federal university at Otuoke. We have received so much but with little to show for it. With NDDC and the Niger Delta Ministry, what have we to show for it?” Ambakederimo, who claimed he doesn’t belong to any political party queried.

On the failing South-South/Northern relationship, he advised “therefore we (South-South) need to urgently reawaken the process of the age long bond of friendship of political marriage and go back to the alter and renew our marriage vows. We must develop this region politically and economically for the benefit of all Niger Deltans.”