Ex-militants Decry Unemployment in N'Delta, Blame Govs, Oil Firms

Former militant leaders from the Niger Delta region on Monday blamed state governors from the region as well as oil companies for being partly responsible for the youth restiveness occasioned by growing unemployment in the region.

The ex-warlords, who now operate under the umbrella of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI), maintained that the frequent agitation and protests by angry youths from region were due to 'the policy of exclusion' adopted by some state governors' in the nine Niger Delta states.

"The youths are being sidelined by their state governors. The governors need to look at the pains of the youths especially of the oil-rich communities. Most oil companies are also refusing to employ the youths," the group, led by a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), Reuben Wilson, said.

 

In a communique issued after a meeting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, and signed by its National President, Wilson, the former agitators noted that the bulk of the problems in the Niger Delta would have been avoided if the governors played their parts.

The ex-militants, therefore, urged the government to prevail on oil companies operating in the region to create more opportunities for youths who have been trained and are qualified to work in the multinational companies.

Wilson said the youths were angry with the federal government appointees from the region, “because they are routinely excluded on issues that will benefit the Niger Delta.”

According to him, "The grievance of most of the angry youths is because they feel sidelined as the programmes initiated are benefitting outsiders rather than the actual beneficiaries.

"But despite the identified anger, the youths from the region have unanimously agreed that the entire leaders will throw their weight behind the political appointees from the region."

The group also called for support for the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Prof. Charles Dokubo, stating that he needs time to effect some of his plans for the region.

''We also plead with all aggrieved persons to channel their complaints properly instead of creating scenes that will bring about disunity among us. Such criticisms have led to the untimely removal of Niger Delta leaders from office in the past," LPCDI said.

They, however, advised Dokubo to have more consultations with stakeholders, including Ateke Tom, Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo; and Ebikabowei Victor-Ben  (Boyloaf) because of their deep knowledge of the Niger Delta region.

On the deplorable state of the East-West road, the group called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and fast-track the completion of the project.

 "We also urge President Buhari to hasten the Ogoni clean-up and for contractors handling the project to do so with increased commitment," they added, pleading with Buhari to extend an olive branch to some youths still carrying arms in the creeks of the Niger Delta.

Also speaking, Spokesperson of the LPCDI, Joshua Opia, called on the governors to use the resources of the states wisely and create jobs for the jobless youths.

The group further urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to review all abandoned projects and make the development of the Niger Delta region a priority.