Yenagoa — A group, Public Spirited Citizens of the Niger Delta, at the weekend, called on the Federal government to investigate the allegation of "fraud" against the suspended Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),Sam Edem,claiming that his travails was politically motivated.

The group expressed worries over the continued secret trial of the detained leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Mr. Henry Okah, accusing the apex government of selective justice against people of the Niger Delta.

They called for the immediate release of the MEND leader to usher in peace in the region, adding that his continued incarceration was largely responsible for the failed Niger Delta summit.

Disclosing this in a press statement, spokesman of the group, Mr. Kemebiradikumo Ebiowei, stressed the need for a proper investigation into the allegations of the suspended NDDC boss, saying it would be hasty to adjudge him guilty of the allegations.

The statement reads in part, "We feel that Ambassador Edem is being witch-hunted by some forces within the NDDC. The Federal government needed concrete evidence on the allegations leveled against Ambassador Edem before he could be indicted."

The statement further stated that the indictment of Edem could have political undertones, pointing out that the matter in question, which is forgery and impersonation, are heavy and must be buttressed with oral and visual evidence.

Ebiowei reminded the Federal government of the treaty signed in 1960, and the state of infrastructural development in the Niger Delta region, submitting thus, "If the Niger Delta region is not well developed, we should be given our Republic."

According to the statement, the group is giving President Umaru Yar'Adua the benefit of the doubt because of his perceived sincerity on the Niger Delta issue, especially the inclusion of the Niger Delta question in his seven-point agenda.

The spokesman, however noted that to further cement the relationship between the apex government and the people of the region, it becomes imperative for the former to treat the matter concerning the people of the region with a genuine sense of commitment, devoid of bias.