By Wilson Macaulay
The Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Organizations and the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum have jointly announced plans to organize a peaceful mass demonstration across the Niger Delta region, scheduled for November 25, 2024.
This declaration notice was conveyed in an official letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing dismay over alleged administrative lapses and legal breaches within the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In the detailed notice signed by prominent leaders of both the CNDCSO and the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum,
made available to Daily independent Newspaper Correspondent the coalition asserted its concerns about the composition and conduct of the NDDC’s leadership.
Key points raised in the protest notice centers around the appointment of Mr. Chiedu Ebie as the Chairman of the NDDC Board and Mr. Samuel Ogbuku’s actions as the Managing Director.
The coalition’s grievances include the following allegations:
1. Irregular Appointment of Chairman Mr. Chiedu Ebie
The protest notice argued that Mr. Chiedu Ebie’s appointment as NDDC Chairman violates the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment Etc.) Act 2000. According to the coalition, Section 2(2) of the Act mandates that only individuals hailing from oil-producing areas may hold the position. They claimed that Ebie, who is from Agbor-Alidinma in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, does not meet this criterion and, therefore, is legally unqualified to hold the office.
“The cacophony of voices from the Niger Delta region persistently calling for his immediate replacement underscores the discontent with Mr. Ebie’s appointment,” the letter states.
2. Alleged Misconduct and Political Lobbying by Managing Director Mr. Samuel Ogbuku
The coalition also raised serious concerns about Managing Director Mr. Samuel Ogbuku, accusing him of favoritism and politicizing the NDDC’s developmental agenda. The coalition alleges that Ogbuku’s ambitions for the 2025 Bayelsa State governorship have led him to distribute contracts and scholarship slots selectively to gain political leverage.
“Ogbuku’s desperation to become the next governor of Bayelsa State has prompted him to aggressively lobby politicians in Abuja and Yenagoa,” the letter reads, describing this alleged activity as a diversion from the NDDC’s mission of equitable development.
3. Call for Equitable Distribution of Contracts and Scholarships
The coalition demands fair distribution of contracts and projects across the nine NDDC member states — Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Rivers, and Ondo. Furthermore, they seek an equitable allotment of scholarship opportunities, accusing Ogbuku of using these slots as political favors, which they say undermines educational empowerment in the Niger Delta.
The coalition stated that education “is the best legacy any government or leader can provide to its people,” and called for immediate reform in the allocation of scholarship slots.
Planned Peaceful Protest Scheduled for November 25, 2024
In their letter, the coalition confirmed plans for a mass peaceful protest across the Niger Delta, scheduled to begin on November 25, 2024. Exercising their rights as per Sections 39, 40, and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), the coalition expressed a commitment to “shutdown the East-West Roads” if their demands are not addressed.
Demands and Conditions
The coalition’s key demands include:
The removal of Mr. Chiedu Ebie as Chairman of the NDDC Board and his replacement with a qualified individual from an oil-producing area in Delta State.
The immediate replacement of Mr. Samuel Ogbuku as Managing Director, citing the need for a leader with a focus on inclusive development rather than political ambition.
Equitable distribution of contracts and projects across all member states in the NDDC.
Fair distribution of scholarship slots to ensure that all nine states benefit equitably.
Potential Escalation to FCT Abuja
Should their demands remain unmet following the planned November protest, the coalition has vowed to escalate their demonstration to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to further draw attention to what they describe as “monumental injustice” within the NDDC.
The protest notice was signed by several prominent leaders, including Comrade Jesse Birinumughan (Gen. 90), Leader of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum, and Comrade Jackson Agbor, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Leaders of Thoughts (IYLT). National coordinators from various Niger Delta advocacy groups, including Concern Nigerians for Good Governance (CNFGG) and the Niger Delta Civil Liberty Organization (NDCLO), also endorsed the document.
Copies Forwarded to Key Officials
Copies of the protest notice were sent to Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the NDDC, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori, Chairperson of the House Committee on the NDDC, and heads of key security agencies, including the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Security Service (DSS), underscoring the seriousness with which the coalition regards this issue.
As the November 25 protest date approaches, Niger Delta residents and stakeholders await the government’s response, hoping for a resolution that addresses these concerns and promotes unity and development across the region.
