Protesters in Delta State took to the streets on Wednesday, blocking the East-West Road in Ughelli, to demand the appointment of an indigene of the state, as the next managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The demonstration, organized by the Niger Delta People’s Assembly, caused major disruption to vehicular traffic, as the protesters carried placards demanding for justice, equity, and fair representation in the leadership of the NDDC.
The placards bore inscriptions such as, “Niger Delta People’s Assembly say no to Dr. Ogbuku 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.”
Comrade Charles Ejor, Coordinator of the Niger Delta People’s Assembly, addressed the media during the protest, expressing the group’s dissatisfaction with Delta State’s exclusion from holding the office of the NDDC managing director.
Ejor 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 protesters cited Section 12, Sub-section 1(d) of the NDDC Act, which mandates that the managing director and executive directors of the commission rotate among oil-producing states.
With the recent expiration of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku’s tenure as managing director, the group argued that it is now Delta State’s turn to assume the position.
Ejor stated that “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, also condemned the continued marginalization of Delta State in NDDC appointments.
“We are bitter about the marginalization of Delta State in NDDC appointments, which is why we came out today,” Obada remarked.
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“We are peaceful and loving people, but it is our right to protest and make our grievances known to the world.”
The Niger Delta People’s Assembly emphasized that the protest was a peaceful attempt to highlight the regional inequalities in the leadership within the NDDC.
They called on President Bola 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 protest concluded with a call for swift intervention from President Tinubu to resolve the issue and ensure that Delta State is given the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Niger Delta region through the leadership of the NDDC.
The demonstrators stressed the need for equitable distribution of leadership positions to maintain peace and foster development in the region.
