In what looks like a protest march, youths of the Niger Delta region recently stormed the headquarters of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over alleged renerge of agreement by the commission.
GODWIN EGBA reports on the protest and accompanying issues.
Against the backdrop of the appointment of a special assistant (SA) on youths and security by the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, an appointment said to be contrary to an earlier promise made by the commission that the position would be filled by a veteran youth leader, Mr Jude Akpodubakaye, Niger Delta Youth in conjunction with Niger Delta Progressive Women besieged the gate of the NDDC headquarters recently demanding a reversal of the appointment for reasons best know to them.
Amidst drums, dance and placard-bearing protesters, members of Ibikalama, Okrika the host community to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) displayed their displeasure against the interim administrator of the commission for allegedly appointing a former president of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Engr Udengs Eradiri as special assistant on youths and security despite his assurances that the commission would appoint the veteran youth leader.
In anger, the host community said the supposed appointment of Engr Eradiri in that capacity smacks of double standards and shortchange, a development that is nothing but a ploy to arm-twist the community into accepting a misnomer in its community relations.
The presence of the youths drawn largely from communities under the jurisdiction of ex-militant leader, now the Amanyanabo of Okochri in Okirika local government area of Rivers state, HRM King Ateke Tom at the gate of the NDDC to press for a redress shuts down the commission’s new headquarters located at the East West Road, Marine Base in Port Harcourt.
The youths also blocked the main entrance of the commission with a large barner which reads: ‘We say no to the appointment of Engr Udengs Eradiri’. There were placards on display too which calls on the federal government to inaugurate a substantive NDDC board immediately and without further delay. Other flyers held read: ‘We say no to unemployment’, ‘Give us our demands’, ‘NDDC must reposition to fit it’s interventionist purpose’ and others. There were also callsfor equitable representation of women in the management of the commission.
Youths accuse NDDC of formenting trouble
Speaking to newsmen at the main entrance of commission, spokesman for the protesters and youth president of NDDC, the host community, Mr Godgift Lucky, blamed the interim administrator for fomenting trouble where there was none. Much as this, the protesters found it expedience to be peaceful in their demands.
Mr Lucky, revealed that the interim administrator had announced that one Mr Jude Akpodubakaye would be appointed as the new special assistant on youths and security in a meeting with host community leaders last December but he went behind the scene in fragrant disregard for the agreement to present the name of a former president of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Engr Eradiri as the new special assistant on youths and security without notifying the host communities on the reason for the reversal, which action triggered the protest.
He reiterated that unless the interim administrator rescinds his decision, the protest would continue. He also added that the youths from the region are beginning to loose confidence in the interim administrator.
Calmed frayed nerves
The protesters later dispersed after one Mr Ben Ogoriba surfaced on the scene to calm them down. Ogoriba advised the youth leaders to thread with caution and not to give a wrong impression to the federal government being the host community to the NDDC.
Ogoriba who appeared as a peace maker assured them of the intervention of the Amayanabo of Okochri HRM, King Ateke Tom in the brewing crisis if they put their demands in writing and present same to the interim administrator, adding that HRM Ateke Tom has been briefed over the issues.
On his part, Mr Jude Akpodubakaye, secretary general to the foremost commander of the Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) General Ebikabo-owei, popularly known as Boyloaf whose name was first presented to the host communities by the interim administrator as his special assistant promised to take up the issues with relevant authority and get back to them within days.
Akpodubakaye, who was an aspirant for Delta State House of Assembly in Warri South West Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Party (APC) and secretary of Delta State APC Security Committee during the 2015 Presidential Election, pointed out that President Muhammadu Buhari has good intentions for the Niger Delta region, just as he appealed to the protesters to remain calm while their grievances were being addressed.
Women alleged marginalisation
Representing the women of Ibikalama community, Rivers State under the eagis of the Niger Delta Progressive Women, the national convener Engr Irene Jumbo, says Ibikalama women demand the immediate reconstitution of the NDDC’s board with a female as the head.
She contends that the protest was organised because the men have disappointed them in pressing forward for the redressing of women under-representation in NDDC with the relevant authorities. Accompanying her were Joyce Ibuton, Rivers state coordinator and Miebi Joy, Delta state coordinator.
The protest, according to Blueprint investigation took the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission by surprise. In want of what to say, top management however stole out of their offices without addressing the griviences of the protesters.
