The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has delivered over thirty (30) pieces of Boats across the Riverine Communities in Cross River State. This, according to the Commissioner representing Cross River State in the NDDC Board, is to cushion the debilitating impact of severe floods that affected livelihoods, especially in the rural communities.
Addressing pressmen in Calabar, the State Capital, Otuekong Orok Duke, disclosed that the boats are part of relief materials earlier distributed to give respite to those displaced by the recent floods in the State.
" _These boots are part of the Palliatives for flood victims that were supposed to be sent three months ago. They were not delivered, so I had to order for them And insisted on having the Cross River state quota sent, which they did. We were still awaiting the cassava processing machines which have not yet come. We got these boats for about four months now, so we just felt that it was necessary to let the beneficiaries have them, though they are not enough, just thirty boats."_
According to the NDDC Rep, although several communities were affected by the flood, the few available have been shared among beneficiaries particularly in the South.
"_We just thought it wise to let those in the riverine areas down South here to have them. These include Esuk Atu, Obufa Esuk Orok, Idang, Anantigha/Jebbs, Esiere Ebom, Duke Town then Volvo Market, Lemna beach in Calabar municipality. But We’ve also sent 10 to Adiabo and Odukpani to cover Adiabo and Ikot Offiong Beaches._
_This is just a token from NDDC, which are part of the Palliatives earlier distributed. So, I think it is extremely timeous now to share, now that people are up and about, excited over elections and all, going around campaigning, electioneering and all. So I said well, let us throw in a little bit of it, we don't know when they may bring the casava processing machines, so, that's just it,"_ he added.
Responding to questions on whether or not l Cross River State has had her fair share of projects and programs of the NDDC, Orok Duke responded;
"_For you to have your own fair share, you must know what and what has been going on. For me, it is work in progress. The damage that was done was so deep that we need to unravel a lot of other things._
_Of course, you know, our budget for this year is about 1.9 trillion. The board hasn’t approved the loan of 1 trillion which the president had approved. So, we don’t have our budget handy. After signing the budget and passing it into law, they will now remit it to the board to start implementation. Of course, you know when the Budget is not passed on time you are at liberty to spend a maximum of 50% of the previous years budget. That is what we have been using to tide along, pay staff salary and all. So we cannot fathom out how much damage has been done to Cross River State over the years, it is still work in progress._
_Normally, when you want to get the data and figure people will resist. But I pray that we get through with this because, by 26th of November, we will be One year in office. God willing, we will be able to make it and then ask for our fair share of what is going on. We pray that by the time we finish with the new remedial measures we have benefitted from all that cross river production zero, data zero._
_By the time they finish with the remedial measures that we' wil benefit as a result of our oil wells, we'll be able to improve our stands in the NDDC and get more from it",_ he concludes.
Recall that recently, the NDDC had distributed streetlights and other incentives. The Commission is also transparently implementing programs that hitherto, surreptitious implementation without due process, diligence and equitable distribution.
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