The Niger Delta Oil Communities Agenda, NIDOCA has advised the Bayelsa State Government led by His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri and host communities in Bayelsa state, to prevent what could necessitate the relocation of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB headquarters from Bayelsa state.
It will be recalled that a group of Concerned Indigenous Service Companies, had on Friday, demanded for the relocation of NCDMB headquarters from Bayelsa state over perceived insecurity, unfriendly operational environment and incesant protests against NCDMB.
But, in its reaction, the Niger Delta Oil Communities Agenda NIDOCA, in a statement on Saturday, at Ughelli, Delta state, said the Bayelsa state government and the host communities in Bayelsa state must realize that having the NCDMB’s headquarters in the state is a huge blessing to Bayelsa state and Niger Delta region that must be protected.
The statement signed by it’s Director of Publicity, Emma Akpovoka read, ”While we rejects the demand for relocation of NCDMB headquarters, it is also important to remind the Bayelsa state government, the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri and host communities in the state that a bird in hand is more important than a thousand birds in the bush. NCDMB’s headquarters in Bayelsa state brings financial inflow and chains of economic benefits to the state, and the region.
“We commend and appreciate the good works being done by Engr. Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB and his management team.
“The NCDMB has made tremendous progress and achievements under the leadership of Engr. Simbi Wabote. They need supports and encouragement. The State Government and host communities in Bayelsa state must ensure to provide the enabling environment for NCDMB. Whatever will necessitate the relocation of NCDMB headquarters from Bayelsa state must be jettisoned.
”Dialogue is key to resolving disputes and misunderstanding. It is the collective demand by every Niger Deltan that IOCs, including NNPC and Indigenous Exploration companies to relocate their headquarters to their area of production/operations. Let’s us protect the NCDMB’s headquarters we already have in Bayelsa state, Niger Delta.”
