By WILD-LOOKING protesters, on Wednesday morning, barricaded the popular East West road, Ughelli axis, demanding appointment of a Delta State indigene as the next Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Our correspondent reports that the protest, which lasted for a while, was organised by the Niger Delta People’s Assembly, a group purportedly championing the rights and privileges of the region.
The barricade led to the disruption of the vehicular movement to and from the Warri and Port Harcourt axis.
Armed with placards echoing justice, equity, and fair representation in the leadership of the NDDC, the protesters ensured road users had a hectic time.
The protesters armed with banners and placards expressing their grievances
Some of the placards borne by the protesters had messages such as, “Niger Delta People’s Assembly say no to Dr Agbuku as Managing Director of NDDC. It is the turn of Delta State,” and “Abuse of the NDDC Act is a catalyst for crisis in the Niger Delta region. President Tinubu act now to save the nation,” among others.
Addressing the protesters and journalists, Coordinator of the Niger Delta People’s Assembly, Comrade Charles Ejor, expressed the group’s displeasure with Delta State’s purported exclusion from the plump office of NDDC Managing Director.
Ejor averred that despite Delta State’s vital role in the oil sector and its significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, it has been consistently denied of the juicy position.
He cited Section 12, Subsection 1(d) of the NDDC Act, which mandates that the rotation of the position of the Managing Director and Executive Directors of the commission among oil-producing states.
The group said with the recent expiration of the tenure of Dr. Samuel Ogbaku’s tenure as Managing Director, it is now Delta State’s turn to assume the position.
“The exclusion of Delta State from this critical leadership position is unjust and goes against the NDDC Act.
The protesters armed with banners and placards expressing their grievances
“Delta State has contributed immensely to the nation’s growth, especially in the oil sector, and it is only fair that we are given our rightful place in the leadership of the NDDC,” Ejor reiterated.
Another leader of the protest, Comrade Samuel Obada, also condemned what he termed the continued marginalisation of Delta State in NDDC appointments.
“We are bitter about the marginalisation of Delta State in NDDC appointments, which is why we came out today,” Obada remarked, adding “We are peaceful and loving people, but it is our right to protest and make our grievances known to the world.”
The protesters called on the Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, to address the systemic injustice and ensure Delta State is given its fair chance to lead the commission, in line with the principles of fairness and regional representation.
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