Protesters Occupy East-West Road Demand NDDC Leadership for Delta

A large group of demonstrators took to the East-West Road in Ughelli, Delta State, on Tuesday, demanding that Delta State be represented in the top leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The demonstration, led by the Niger Delta People’s Assembly (NDPA), caused major traffic disruptions as protesters marched through the town holding placards calling for justice and fair representation in NDDC leadership.

The protesters carried signs with messages such as “It’s Delta State’s Turn for NDDC MD” and “No to Dr. Agbuku, Yes to Delta State.” They expressed frustration over the continuous exclusion of Delta State from holding the top position in the NDDC despite the state’s central role in Nigeria’s oil industry.

Comrade Charles Ejor, the NDPA’s coordinator, voiced the group’s anger at what they see as an ongoing injustice, citing Section 12, Subsection 1(d) of the NDDC Act, which mandates that the Managing Director and Executive Directors rotate among oil-producing states. Ejor stated that Delta State has long been left out of NDDC leadership, despite its significant economic contributions to the nation.

“Delta State has every right to occupy the position of Managing Director,” Ejor argued. “Our contributions to Nigeria’s oil industry cannot be overlooked any longer. The law clearly states the rotation of the position, and it’s our time.”

The protest comes after the expiration of Dr. Samuel Ogbaku’s tenure as Managing Director of the NDDC, and the NDPA is now calling for Delta State to take the lead. Comrade Samuel Obada, another protest leader, said the marginalisation of the state had gone on for too long. “This protest is our way of voicing our dissatisfaction,” Obada stated. “We will not be ignored any longer. It’s time for Delta State to lead.”

The demonstrators have appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the federal government to address the issue of regional representation within the NDDC, ensuring that Delta State is given the opportunity to lead the commission. They argue that fair leadership distribution is crucial for fostering unity and development in the Niger Delta region.