National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Peter Chuks, Asaba
DELTA: Vehicular movement was disrupted on the East-West Road in Ughelli, Delta State, on Wednesday as protesters took to the streets, demanding that a Delta State indigene be appointed as the next Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The protest eventually dispersed without incident, but the demonstrators vowed to continue pressing their demands until their voices are heard at the highest level.
The demonstration, led by the Niger Delta People’s Assembly, saw protesters wielding placards with bold inscriptions such as “It Is The Turn Of Delta State” and “Ogbuku Must Go.”
They decried what they described as the continuous marginalization of Delta State in the commission’s leadership, insisting that the next Managing Director must come from the state.
Speaking to journalists, the group’s Coordinator, Comrade Charles Ejor, argued that the exclusion of Delta State from the NDDC leadership was a violation of the NDDC Act, which mandates a rotational system among oil-producing states.
“The exclusion of Delta State from this critical leadership position is unjust and goes against the NDDC Act,” Ejor stated. “Delta State has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy through oil production. It is only fair that we are given our rightful place.”
Another protester, Comrade Samuel Obada, emphasized that their action was a peaceful call for fairness.
“We are bitter about the marginalization of Delta State in NDDC appointments. We are peaceful and loving people, but we have the right to protest and make our grievances known to the world,” he said.
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, warning that any attempt to sideline Delta State could fuel regional tensions.
They insisted that adherence to the NDDC Act’s provisions was essential to maintaining peace and equitable development in the Niger Delta.
