Over 200 protesters in Ughelli, Delta State took to the streets yesterday morning, blocking the East-West Road to demand the appointment of a Delta State indigene as the next managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The protest, organised by the Niger Delta People’s Assembly, (NDPA), caused traffic hold-ups as protesters moved round the town with placards calling for justice, equity and fair representation in the leadership of the NDDC.
The placards had inscriptions 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 of Crisis In The Niger Delta Region. President Tinubu Act Now To Save The Nation.”
Coordinator, NDPA, Comrade Charles Ejor, expressed the group’s dissatisfaction with Delta State’s exclusion from holding the office of NDDC Managing Director, citing Section 12, Subsection 1(d) of the NDDC Act, which mandates that the Managing Director and Executive Directors of the commission rotate among oil-producing states.
He pointed out that despite Delta State’s vital role in the oil sector and its significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, it has been continually overlooked for the position.
The group argued that Delta State now has the opportunity to assume the position, with Dr. Samuel Ogbaku’s tenure as Managing Director recently expiring.
“The exclusion of Delta State from this critical leadership position is unjust and goes against the NDDC Act. 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.”
Comrade Samuel Obada, another leader of the protest, said, “We are bitter about the marginalization of Delta State in NDDC appointments. It is our right to protest and make our grievances known to the world.” Obada remarked.
They called for the Nigerian government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to address what they see as a 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.
The demonstrators stressed the need for equitable distribution of leadership positions to maintain peace and foster development in the region.
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