C'River NDDC Rep, Duke, Says State Can't Sit Back, Watch Anybody Hijack NDDC Intervention Projects

By Ndifereke BASSEY

The Commissioner, representing Cross River State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has stated that the state  would not fold its hands and watch anybody and watch anybody hijack federal government projects to score cheap political points. 

According to Duke, the ongoing medical  outreach, slated for June 16 – 22, June 2024 in Akamkpa, is strictly an NDDC project approved by the Presidency and spent to Cross Riverians. 

Recall that Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong in a flyer being distributed across social media platforms, had advertised the same NDDC Medical Outreach as his constituency projects.

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyongs Flyer

In the said-flyer, the Senator representing Cross River South, had told the constituents to contact some of his aides whose name appeared on the leaflet for more enquires with regard to the NDDC free medical outreach.

In the same flyer, Asuquo did not state the role of NDDC in the outreach, which has sparked off controversies as to whether it is NDDC that is organising the medical outreach or the Senator is solely responsible. 

Reacting on the NDDC Free Medical Outreach in an interview with newsman in Calabar recently, Duke stressed that the initiative, a purely NDDC intervention programme is accessible to all.

He said: “The medical  outreach is strictly an NDDC project approved by the presidency. It’s been ongoing for 15 years, long before we assumed office. 

"As the Commissioner and Rep of NDDC, I can’t fold my hands and watch anybody usurp our duties or hijack a federal government project for cheap political points”

"It's open to all residents of Cross River State, not just those from specific local government areas. “Every Cross Riverian is free to attend the programme on the 16th – 22nd June in Akamkpa. It is not restricted to three local government areas. 

"I represent the three senatorial districts, so the three senatorial districts are supposed to benefit from every program that we have,” Duke clarified."

Duke said priority would be accorded to the plight of refugees and  internally displaced persons spread across the northern part of the state.

"As the only  APC-controlled state in the South-South geo-political zone,  Cross River should be given a place of importance. 

"I appreciate  the state governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of the people. 

"I would assure that the NDDC will complement the governor's efforts and support his initiatives to further enhance the well-being of Cross Riverians, " he stated.