Lawyer Writes President Tinubu, Kicks Against Exclusion Of Ondo Indigene From Niger Delta Commission, NDDC Board
Lawyer Writes President Tinubu, Kicks Against Exclusion Of Ondo Indigene From Niger Delta Commission, NDDC Board
Myson stated this in a letter forwarded to the president’s office and made available to SaharaReporters on Friday, noting that the exclusion of the South West, particularly Ondo State, from pivotal appointments within the NDDC had bred a prevailing perception that the positions were exclusively reserved for South South states.
Myson Nejo, a legal practitioner, has written to President Bola Tinubu, decrying the exclusion of an Ondo State indigene on the newly appointed board and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which he said violated the real position of the law.
Myson stated this in a letter forwarded to the president’s office and made available to SaharaReporters on Friday, noting that the exclusion of the South West, particularly Ondo State, from pivotal appointments within the NDDC had bred a prevailing perception that the positions were exclusively reserved for South South states.
SaharaReporters reported on Tuesday how Tinubu approved the appointment of a new board and management of the NDDC.
Tinubu had disbanded the board and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) led by Lauretta Onochie.
The President subsequently approved the appointment of a new board and management of the NDDC.
Commenting on this, in his letter, Myson Nejo said the appointments negated the provision of Section 12(1) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) (Establishment etc) Act, 2000 and demanded immediate adjustment from the president.
His letter read, “I believe that this letter finds you in excellent health and good spirits. I wish to convey our profound appreciation for the exceptional efforts you have tirelessly championed, leading our nation towards an era of progress. The remarkable advancements under your stewardship are unmistakable, inspiring us all with your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s prosperity.
“However, as a human rights activist and an indigene of Ilaje Local government (the oil producing area of Ondo State), I find myself compelled to bring your immediate attention’ a matter of utmost urgency that demands your intervention to uphold principles of fairness and justice within the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
“I express my deep concern regarding recent appointments within the NDDG, particularly concerning the position of the Managing Director. The appointment of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, hailing from Bayelsa State, appears to overlook the rightful representation of Ondo State and, by extension, the Ilaje people.
“The ongoing exclusion of the South West, most notably Ondo State, from pivotal appointments within the NDDC has bred a prevailing perception that these positions are reserved exclusively for South South States. This perspective starkly contrasts with the fundamental values of equity and impartial representation enshrined in the NDDC Act. The Act unequivocally states that “There shall be for the Commission, a Managing Director, and two Executive Directors who shall be indigenes of oil-producing areas starting with the member states of the Commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate amongst member states in the order of production.” in alignment with Section 12(1) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) (Establishment etc) Act, 2000, the roles of Managing Director and two Executive Directors are designed to be rotated among member states.
“This rotation stands as a testament to the commitment to fostering balanced regional development and ensuring that each state contributes to the region’s growth and benefits from oil production.
“Throughout the NDDC’s history, it has witnessed Managing Director appointments from Akwa Ibom, Delta, River and Bayelsa over and over again, while Ondo State, especially the oil-producing Ilaje community, has consistently been overlooked. The Ilaje community, bearing the brunt of oil spillages, recurrent flooding, and associated environmental crises, grapples with dire inadequacies in essential infrastructure, limited healthcare and education access, and profound economic disparities. Despite these hardships, the Ilaje community remains a beacon of peace and integrity, abstaining from the unlawful activities like oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism that afflict o t h e r regions. Nonetheless, their voices remain unheard, and their representation within the NDDC continues to fall woefully short.
“This situation is untenable and demands immediate redress. The exclusion from the Managing Director position undermines the core principles of justice, fairness, and equity that form the cornerstone of our nation’s identity. Moreover, the recent appointment of Ifedayo Abegunde as the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Services, hailing from the Akure region of Ondo State, further fails to provide equitable representation to the Ilaje people, the very heart of Ondo State’s oil-producing community.
“Hence, I specifically reiterate, on behalf of the Ilaje people of Ondo State, that we will no longer accept this oversight. I request the immediate rectification of this injustice, an unyielding commitment to equitable representation, and a steadfast dedication to the guiding principles that fuel our nation’s progress.
“Ondo State, holding the honourable rank of fifth in terms of production quota, rightfully merits a substantial role in the NDDC’s leadership as the Managing Director. Your intervention will not only rectify a longstanding imbalance but also illuminate the path to equitable regional representation. I humbly implore your consideration of the essence and spirit of the NDDC Act,” he pleaded.
Credit: Sahara Reporters
