The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum has canvassed solidarity among southern political leaders to demand for justice, equity and end the marginalization of politicians from the southern part of the country in governance through the establishment of a South-South Development Commission (SSDC).
Speaking at a media briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Chairman of the group, Ambassador Alban Paulinus, popularly known as General Skillar), said Niger Delta people must unite to frontally confront the issues threatening Nigeria’s unity and political stability.
The press conference, which attracted scores of ex-agitators from across the Niger Delta region, was a platform for the forum to express their dissatisfaction with the political injustices faced by southerners, particularly following recent protests against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Citing historical precedents, the ex-agitators noted that the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan was also characterized by injustice, which led to his being denied a second tenure, maintaining that “a similar pattern is emerging with President Tinubu, as some northern groups are already calling for his removal barely a year into his administration.”
Paulinus observed: “This starkly contrasts with the attitude of northern leaders during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who served two full terms despite significant security challenges.”
The forum decried the disparity as a destabilizing force that threatens the unity and integrity of Nigeria. They called for an immediate end to this trend of undermining Southern leadership, warning that continued provocations might leave them with no other choice but to take decisive actions to protect their region and identity.
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The Niger Delta ex-agitators expressed support for President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which they described as ‘a robust blueprint for national development,’ saying the President’s commitment to comprehensive reforms remains crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Nigeria today.
Citing former Senate Presidents from the South, including Senator Evan Enwerem, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Anyim Pius Anyim, Adolphus Wabara, and Ken Nnamani, the forum recounted the historical bias against Senate Presidents of southern extraction, who they claimed were systematically targeted for impeachments by northern interests, lamenting that none of whom were allowed to complete their tenures.
In contrast, Northern Senate Presidents such as David Mark, Bukola Saraki and Ahmed Lawan served their complete terms without significant challenges.
They also expressed concern over the recent calls for the impeachment of the current President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, a Southerner, stating that it was a further evidence of the injustice against the south.
The ex-agitators cautioned that they would not tolerate such actions and vowed to resist any attempts to undermine Akpabio’s leadership with all means at their disposal, insisting that the Senate Presidency must symbolize national unity rather than be used as a tool for regional domination.
The group further demanded the establishment of a South-South Development Commission, arguing that it was necessary to ensure equity and justice in regional development, distinct from the existing Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
They urged Akpabio and other federal legislators from the South-South to initiate and fast-track the passage of a bill for the creation of the commission.
Paulinus also enjoined southern politicians, including those from the South West, South East and the Middle Belt to unite under a Southern Nigerian Movement, adding: “The movement will be dedicated to defending and advancing the political, economic, and regional interests of the South and Middle Belt in the face of mounting challenges.”
The forum, which declared their readiness to defend Nigeria’s unity, integrity and prosperity, however, charged Nigerians and the international community to recognize that the time for change and justice was long overdue, stressing: “The unity and future of Nigeria depends on the equitable treatment of all its regions, and the Niger Delta stands ready to lead the charge for a just and prosperous nation.”
