By Eben Enasco
A coalition of oil producing host communities’ youths in Edo State has alleged marginalization and relegation in the scheme of things by the Nigeria Government.
At a gathering last Friday in Benin City, the Edo State Capital, representative of the group, Engineer Ehis Osagie charged Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Tinubu to revisit the process of engaging representatives of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for Equity and Justice.
Proponents include youths from communities of Orhionmwon, Ikpoba Okha, and Ovia North East Local Government Areas of the State.
They believed that the appointment of Hon Patrick Aisowieren negates the law that established the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and therefore sought his replacement with a representative from core oil-producing communities.
It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari recently appointed Hon Patrick Aisowieren as representative of NDDC from Edo State, along with two others, including Bernard Oboatarhieyeren Okumagba, member, Delta State and Kyrian Chidiebere Uchegbu, member Imo State.
In a letter to the Senate President, Almad Lawal, Buhari listed above names for confirmation.
Buhari stated in the letter: “Iam pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of under-listed three (3) nominees as members, representing Delta, Edo and Imo States in the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.”
The youths are raging over the rationale behind the continuous neglect by the outgoing administration of President Mohammadu Buhari.
They claimed that Patrick Asowieren is still a serving member representing Uhunmwonde/Orhionmwon Federal Constituency at the Lower House of the National Assembly.
Osagie cited provision in section 12 subsection one of the NDDC establishment Act 2000 in support of the call for the removal of Hon Patrick Aisowieren.
He noted that the act clearly stated that the nominee for the position of any state representative shall be indigene of Oil Producing Area, adding that Hon Patrick Aisowieren is not an indigene of the oil-producing area in Edo State.
While appealing for government’s intervention, he explained that the affected communities have also suffered poor infrastructure development, despite being oil-producing communities in the State.
He vowed not to relent in his advocacy for what he believes is the right procedure.
