The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Momoh, has pledged to utilise the resources of the ministry transparently.
Momoh stated this on Tuesday when he hosted members of the Edo Journalists’ Forum in Abuja.
He said that the present challenges of government were quite enormous in view of scarce financial resources.
Momoh said that whatever the ministry gets would be managed as best as it could so that people could see for themselves.
He explained that expectations by the people of the Niger Delta were high, but lamented that because of the present economic situation in the country, resources are low.
“But at least we will manage transparently the resources that are available to us. That is what we stand for.
“Because if you want to go to equity, you go with clean hands. We want to restrain ourselves from doing so many things that others have been used to doing in the past.
“I don’t want my integrity and authority to be eroded in any way,” he said.
The minister said that the ministry was open to everyone in the region.
He said that the ministry would collaborate and work with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure that some of the responsibilities and expectations for the region were met.
“I know the expectations are quite high, so we will ensure that we get our colleagues and stakeholders to help those we cannot do directly.
“Other than the responsibilities that are being handled by other agencies in the region, we will also work with them to ensure that the region is adequately taken care of,” he added.
Momoh charged journalists to help in whatever way they could by projecting the ministry positively.
Earlier, the spokesperson for the Forum, Dr Leon Usigbe, said the group was on a visit to congratulate the minister on his new appointment.
“We are also here to show solidarity and to let you know that we share the dream of creating a vibrant and new Niger Delta.
“We believe that as the goose that lays the golden egg, the Niger Delta deserves more than it currently receives.
“And we are confident that with someone like you, who is a change agent and passionate about development, this is the best time that this region can look up to,” he stated.
He said that restiveness in the region was due to youth employment.
“But we know that with your ability and with you at the helm of Niger Delta Affairs, things are going to be different,” he explained.
(NAN)
