Allegations of diversion and favouritism have trailed the distribution of NDDC empowerment items in Cross River State, sparking anger and altercations among youths across the three senatorial districts.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), distributed N125 million in cash grants to 500 beneficiaries, along with 200 tricycles and 150 mini buses at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar over the weekend.
Critics claim that only youths from the Southern Senatorial District the home base of Senate Committee Chairman on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong benefited from the programme, leaving Central and Northern districts sidelined.
Comrade Francis Finian Offionor, Chairman of the Nigerian Youths Council (NYC) in Cross River State, accused Senator Ekpenyong of diverting the items in a strongly worded letter. He attached an official NDDC letter directing equitable distribution across all three districts.
Describing the action as “seriously disappointing, disgusting and disheartening,” Offionor said the senator “downplayed the collective sensibilities of other districts.”
“It’s disappointing to see the youths of Central and Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State being let down,” he wrote. “You are a youth in your prime, but you decided to be tribalistic in your leadership and approach.”
“I speak not for myself, but for the youths you neglected, downplayed on their integrity and dignity… We expected leadership that uplifts the next generation, but this fell short, you chose nepotism over fairness and accountability.”
The group also accused Mr. Orok Duke, NDDC commissioner representing Cross River, of favouring his Southern district at the expense of others.
Reacting during the distribution, Senator Ekpenyong defended the exercise, stating it was specifically meant to empower youths of the Southern Senatorial District, with similar gestures planned for other parts of the state soon.
“We are here to train our young men and women on skills acquisition, give grants to support businesses and also empower our people with capital items ranging from minibuses to Keke Napep,” he said.
He warned beneficiaries against selling the vehicles: “Do not kill the goose that lays the golden egg.” The lawmaker added that proper use would generate steady income for beneficiaries and their families.
While some beneficiaries, like Ita Bassey from the southern district, expressed joy over the support, the controversy has heightened tensions and raised questions about fairness in the distribution of federal intervention programmes in the state.
