Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum has charged the federal government to immediately established a South-South Development Commission, citing the region’s unique challenges and historical marginalization.
The forum, representing former agitators from the oil-rich Niger Delta region, argued that the commission was necessary to address the region’s developmental needs and promote economic growth.
Addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Forum speaking through Dr. Alban Paulinus, Chairman, Akwa Ibom Ex-Agitators Forum, said establishment of a South-South Development Commission, similar to development agencies created in other geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Paulinus emphasized that this demand was distinct from the existing Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, which serves oil-producing states in multiple regions.
The forum urged the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and other federal legislators from the South-South region to expedite the passage of a Bill establishing the commission.
“We demand a South-South Development Commission to tackle our region’s specific challenges and ensure our people receive the benefits they deserve,” the ex-agitators said.
The Forum also voiced their concerns over a growing trend of political marginalization and injustice within Nigeria’s political system, particularly towards Southern leaders, and decried what they described as a “systematic effort to undermine Southern leadership in the country.”
The ex-agitators forum highlighted a historical pattern of Southern leaders facing political opposition and agitation, citing the presidency of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who they claimed was denied a second term due to strong Northern opposition.
Now, with the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the group lamented over renewed calls from Northern groups for his removal, this, they argue, was part of a larger pattern that has destabilized the nation and eroded its unity.
“Despite the significant security challenges and other pressing issues that plagued the administration of Muhammadu Buhari, he remained in power for a two-term tenure of eight years, largely unchallenged.”
The group further called for an immediate end to what they described as a “glaring disparity in the treatment of Southern leaders,” insisting that the pattern must be put to an end if the unity and stability of Nigeria are to be preserved.
