The Paramount Ruler of Eket, Dr Timtiniko Enodien, yesterday commended President Umaru Yar' Adua for the creation of a ministry for the Niger Delta.

In an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket, Akwa Ibom, Enodien welcomed the development and described it as one of the steps to finding a lasting solution to the Niger Delta crisis.

"It will provide a platform to harmonise the problems of the region and Niger Delta people will find a place to take their problems to.

"It is a good start but the creation of the ministry alone will not solve the problem. Rather what actions follow the creation of the ministry will determine its effectiveness," he said.

Enodien appealed to the leadership of PDP to look beyond political considerations in the nomination of a minister to head the ministry.

"In choosing a candidate for the new ministry, the ruling party should bear in mind the Federal Government's purpose for creating the ministry.

The person should have a commitment and loyalty to the cause of the Niger Delta region."

In its reaction, Afigh Iwaad Ekid, a socio-cultural organisation in Akwa Ibom, called for a separation of roles and responsibility to avoid unnecessary duplication between the ministry and the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC).

Chief Ibanga Etang, president-general of the group, urged the government to base all appointments in the ministry on merit rather than quota.

"Government should appoint only credible professionals to run the ministry and make it different from other ministries.

They should be empowered to oversee the activities of oil service companies operating in the region".

Etang urged the leaders in the Niger Delta region to meet and nominate a suitable candidate to head the ministry.