Lagos — Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has donated relief materials to Cross River indigenes displaced from the Bakassi Peninsular.

Acting Chairman of the Commission, Mr Bassey Abia, who made the donation yesterday in Calabar, said the gesture was part of NDDC's programme of assistance to the returnees.

He said it was unfortunate that theywere evicted from the land they had lived for a "very long time now", but noted that the International Courts of Justice's (ICJ) ruling should be implemented. "What we can do is to continue to support you to start new lives in Nigeria where you have chosen as yours," he told the people.

Abia, who was represented by the Commissioner representing Cross River on NDDC Board, Mr Ekpo Okon,said the commission was committed tothe development of the Niger Delta.

He said the returnees had borne theirpredicament with 'equanimity since the ICJ's ruling on October 10, 2002. "Now, therefore, is the auspicioustime for all Nigerians and well-meaning organisations to come out and ensure the survival of the people", he said.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman ofnew Bakassi Local Government Area,Mr Savior Nyong, said with thedonation of the items, NDDChad shown that there was still hopefor the displaced people. He said: "We were displaced,resettled and settled.

NDDC hasshown us love, has given our peoplehope for survival. We now have asense of belonging ."