The youth wing of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide has expressed dissatisfaction over the rejection by the Senate, a bill seeking to include Anambra State as member of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

 

Reacting to the development, the acting National Youth leader of the group, Mr. Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, described the Senate’s stance as part of the strategic steps to continue the marginalization of the southeast region.

 

Mr. Okpalaezeukwu argued that if environmental degradation following oil exploration is the reason for inclusion in the Commission, then Anambra should be included, since parts of the state where the natural deposit are explored will suffer the same environmental impact.

 

He noted that Anambra borders most of the states included in the Niger Delta Development Commission. and as such, there is no reason including them in the Commission as Anambra has met all the requirements to be included in the commission.

 

According to Mr. Okpalaezukwu, the benefits for Anambra if it is included in the Niger Delta Development Commission. are much and the people are expectant, and urged the Senate to do the right thing.

 

The Igbo Youth leader added that if the Senate will not grant Anambra’s bid to join the Niger Delta Development Commission., it should expedite action on the establishment of the South-East Development Commission, within the shortest possible time.

 

He noted that in line with the manifesto of the National Leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Igbo youths are committed to pursuing the welfare and wellbeing of the Igbo nation.

 

Recall that the Senate had recently thrown out the bill, claiming that Anambra is not part of the Niger Delta region, which is the reason for the establishment of the commission.

 

Senate president, Dr. Godswill Akpabio, rejected the bill after the debate on it for an Act to amend the Niger Delta Development Act Number eighty-six 2004 to include Anambra as one of the member States as presented by Dr. Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North Senatorial District at the National Assembly.