Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Organizations/Niger Delta Ex-agitators Gives February 26th , 2025 Protest Notice to President Tinubu
By Wilson Macaulay
WARRI
The Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Organizations (CNDCSOs), in collaboration with the Niger Delta Ex-agitators’ Forum, has officially notified President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of its intention to embark on a mass peaceful protest across the Niger Delta region and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The protest, slated to begin on February 26 , 2025, seeks to address what the coalition describes as “gross injustices, statutory violations, and administrative lapses” within the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In a letter addressed to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, copied to key stakeholders, including Senate and House Committees on the Niger Delta, security agencies, and political leaders, the coalition highlighted pressing issues plaguing the NDDC. They also issued a comprehensive list of demands, warning of extensive disruptions, including shutting down critical infrastructure like the East-West Road and the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, should their concerns remain unaddressed.
Core Grievances
The coalition expressed “utter consternation” over the appointment of Mr. Chiedu Ebie as Chairman of the NDDC Board. According to the group, Mr. Ebie, who hails from Agbor-Alidinma in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, does not meet the statutory requirement of being from an oil-producing area, as stipulated by Section 2(2) of the NDDC Establishment Act 2000.
“The appointment of Mr. Ebie contravene the NDDC Act. It has been greeted with widespread condemnation across the region,” the coalition stated, calling for his immediate removal and replacement with a qualified individual from an oil-producing area of Delta State.
The coalition also raised alarm over the alleged misconduct of the NDDC Managing Director, Mr. Samuel Ogbuku. They accused him of using the commission’s resources to advance his political ambition of becoming the next governor of Bayelsa State.
“Mr. Ogbuku’s tenure has been marked by extreme lopsidedness in project allocations, a sham youth internship programme designed to siphon funds, and corrupt employment practices,” the letter claimed. The coalition described him as “the worst Managing Director the NDDC has ever produced” and demanded his immediate removal.
Specific Allegations Against Ogbuku
The coalition accused Mr. Ogbuku of:
Unequal distribution of contracts and projects, favoring certain states and political allies.
Mismanagement of scholarship slots, allegedly using them as tools for political patronage.
Secretly employing over 85% of staff from his hometown, Ogbia in Bayelsa State, while excluding candidates from Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Ondo states.
Diverting public funds under the guise of a “Niger Delta Youth Internship Programme.”
The coalition challenged Mr. Ogbuku to release the employment list for public scrutiny.
Demands and Proposed Action
The coalition outlined several demands:
Immediate removal and replacement of Mr. Chiedu Ebie and Mr. Samuel Ogbuku with qualified individuals in accordance with the NDDC Act.
Equitable distribution of contracts, projects, scholarships, and employment slots across the nine member states of the NDDC: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Rivers, and Ondo.
Refund of all benefits received by Mr. Ebie during his tenure as NDDC Chairman.
Should these demands not be met, the coalition warned of a mass protest beginning in the Niger Delta region and extending to Abuja.
History of Interventions
The coalition revealed that an earlier protest planned for November 18, 2024, was suspended after intervention by key political and apolitical stakeholders. These stakeholders requested a three-week window to liaise with the Presidency to resolve the issues. However, the coalition lamented that after more than a month, no progress has been made.
Call for Security and Accountability
The group expressed concern over alleged threats of violence from Mr. Ogbuku and his associates, urging security agencies to hold him accountable if any harm befalls coalition members.
“Mr. Ogbuku has concluded plans to attack and disrupt the peaceful protest using miscreants and overzealous security agents. We will not be deterred or cowed into silence,” the coalition stated.
Next Steps
The planned protest will begin in the Niger Delta region with the shutdown of critical infrastructure, including the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt. If the demands are not addressed, the protest will move to Abuja.
Signed by prominent leaders, including
Barr. Prince Nelson Gomeromo,
National Coordinator, Progressive Alliance For Nigerians (PAN)
Comr. Jackson Agbor
Chairman Ijaw Youth Leaders of Thought (IYLT)
Comr. Birinumughan Jesse, Aka Gen 90,
National Coordinator, Niger Delta Defence Force (NDDF) ,Comr. Mike Owotorufa, Chairman, Niger Delta People’s Union for Coastal Communities Development (NGPUCCD),
Engr. Great Timi, Director General, South South Youths Movement (SSYM) ,
Comr. John Itunu Akiri – President, Niger Delta Democratic Right Organisation (NDDRO),Comr. Sopriala O. Gillis. Cordinator, Niger Deltans For Progressive Change ( NDPC),
Comr. Azikhaiboh P.J Clement – Niger Delta Diaspora Movement- Abuja Chapter Coordinator and others in
the letter emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest while underscoring the coalition’s resolve to achieve justice and equity for the Niger Delta people.
The unfolding situation reflects the growing tension between Niger Delta communities and the federal government, spotlighting the urgent need for reforms in the management of the NDDC.
