By Saminu Ibrahim
The chairman of the House of Representatives committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Honourable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has expressed optimism that the NDDC will be a platform for the rebirth for the transformation of the Niger Delta region.
Specifically, he said the committee would do its best to ensure that its oversight functions are done in line with best global best practices.
Indeed, Honourable Tunji-Ojo emphasised that every Kobo appropriated will be accounted for the development of the people.
“I want to assure you that by the grace of Almighty God, we will ensure that every Kobo of the Niger Delta people works for the people”.
Tunji-Ojo, representing Akoko North East /North West federal constituency spoke on Wednesday when he bagged “Icon of Transparency and Anti Corruption” award of the National Assembly New Media Forum (forum of Online Journalists) in Abuja.
The lawmaker noted that the journey for the rebranding of the NDDC will not stop with the issue of probe, saying “that is just a very minor part of our journey. As a matter of fact, our major desire is to be able to handover a well structured organisation that will have an unparallel level of efficiency in terms of legislative frame work for people coming after us”.
“What Barack Obama said for any organisation to develop, we have to concentrate more on building strong institution rather than strong personalties. For this reason, we are going to work on laws of NDDC to make abuse of office impossible, to make it difficult for anybody to abuse office.”
Acccording to Tunji-Ojo, the money going into the Niger Delta was enough to transform the region, stressing “but what have we seen over the years? Nothing to show for it. It make me sad as a Niger Deltan and now that God has given us this opportunity to contribute our quota”.
Continuing he said “The Niger Delta region give oil. The region give more than 70 percent of the revenue of this country and the money going into the Niger Delta is enough to transform the region.
“We will be abusing the grace of God on our lives if we do not take the decisive action of making the commission to work” he said.
He appreciated the New Media Forum of the National Assembly for the award. “I want to thank you not because of the award, but I want to thank you because during the process of the probe you stood by the Nigerian people”.
“In this era when we know there are always two sides to every story, and anybody can decide to promote every side that pleases him or her, but you decide to promote the truth.
“I want to thank the media for the unprecedented level of coverage that we had during the whole process. I personally on behalf of my committee and the National Assembly will remain grateful for that.
“I have to say this very clearly that our efforts wouldn’t have been possible without the active support of the leadership of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly, most especially from the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who stood by us, and who gave us all the support for us to excel in that National Assignment.
“On behalf of the committee, because this is not just an award for me, is an award for the committee, I cannot work alone. It is a call to service, as they say the reward for hardwork is more work. I want to assure you we will work harder so that we will not abuse this particular award.
“It is a challenge and we cannot afford to let down the people of the Niger Delta and most especially you that you have invested your trust in us by giving us this award” Tunji-Ojo added.
Earlier, in his remarks, chairman of the forum, Yemi Itodo said the award is sequel to Honourable Tunji-Ojo’s transparency disposition, in addition to his many legislative exploits on the floor of the House, in terms of quality legislations and unequalled oversight functions.
“Your nomination for recognition was hinged on your uncommon attitude to public service, your pragmatic disposition to issues of transparency, accountability and anti corruption.
“You have proved to the Nigerian youth that one must not be corrupt or support corruption to get to the top in his or her career” Itodo added.
