Akwa Ibom Youths Demand Probe of NDDC Director’s Death

Youths from the Eket federal constituency in Akwa Ibom State on Monday stormed the office of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the state to protest against the controversies surrounding the sudden death of their former President-General, Obongiwaad Ibanga Etang, who died as the executive director, Finance and Administration of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the commission.

The youths, under the aegis of Afigh Iwaad Eket, who carried various placards for the protest, rued the inconsistencies from the NDDC, which they said made Etang’s death a curious one.

No official of the commission from the Uyo office came out to address the youths, who requested an independent investigation into the death of Etang.

Speaking through their President General, Obongiwaad Godwin Williams, they wondered “why Etang died just few days to the probe of the NDDC by the National Assembly, especially after the commission had some weeks ago admitted that the sensitive documents which would aid the probe were in the custody of the executive director for Finance and Administration.”

 

They also expressed dismay that the NDDC was quick to link the death of the executive director to COVID-19, even when the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the body authorised to make such declaration, had not done so. 

“The answers to the above rhetorical questions confirm that Etang’s sudden death is connected to the move by the National Assembly to audit NDDC’s account and investigate the alleged misappropriation of the N40 billion palliative funds. It is obvious that our brother has been sacrificed on the altar and guise of forensic audit and investigation,” the group said.

They alleged that Etang may have been deliberately killed to cover up certain undercurrents related to the impending probe.

“Consequently, we, the Ekid people are extremely angered by the conspiracy that has led to the unfortunate death of our respected and illustrious brother. His death is no doubt a monumental loss to Afigh Iwaad Ekid in particular, and to Ekid nation in general. We value the life of every Ekid son and daughter; so, we will not accept or allow this to be swept under the carpet, especially now that we are aware that NDDC’s plan to eventually link Etang’s death to COVID-19 was thwarted by the public outcry against the intended foul play.

“On this strength, we pledge our commitment, as a pressure group, which is pained by the loss of its former president-general, to keenly follow up the process of unraveling the real cause of his death.  And this we will do as a mark of last respect and honour to our brother, Etang,” they said.