Ex-Niger Delta Militants Threaten To Resume Hostilities , If…
Former Niger Delta Militants in Ondo State have threatened to return to the creeks to resume hostilities in the oil producing areas of the state ,if the Federal Government failed to appoint an indigene of the area to the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The ex-militant who are from Eagle Strike Camp in Ilaje Local Government area of the state, accused the Federal Government of marginalization of the oil rich region, despite several pleas by notable indigenes of the area.
In a statement signed by Niyi Uyimitigha and three other commanders of the Eagle Strike Camp, they said that only the state out the nine oil producing states has no representative on the board of the NDDC since the former nominee, Mr Tokunbo Ajasin was disqualified on account of not being an indigene of the area.
They also alleged that since the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo has been visiting the Niger Delta region and having Town Hall meetings in order to pacify the people and ex-militants; the state has been excluded from the schedule of the presidency.
According to them, all the promises made by the Acting President in terms of infrastructural development and palliatives may elude the state if there is no representative of the state in the NDDC board who would fight for their cause.
“we understood the unalloyed efforts been exerted by the current APC led government in the country and the ultimately salute particularly the courage and doggedness of our Acting President in the recent times to ensure that Niger Delta areas do not get eluded of benefits due them for better peace and tranquility in the region.
“However, we are sincerely embarrassed at the gross neglect of Ilaje Local Government-the only oil producing Local Government that qualifies Ondo State and indeed the Southwest zone to be part of Niger Delta ,“the ex-militants stated.
While saying there is limit to their tolerance regarding the neglects of their areas by the successive administrations in the country, the group of 110 ex-militant threatened to resume hostilities if their demands are not met by the Federal Government.
They demanded for a representative on the NDDC which must come from the Ugbo land in order to guarantee peace in the region.
The ex-agitators also, demanded for inclusion in any peace meeting to be held with the Federal Government and empowerment to keep the restiveness in the bud .
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