OBIARUKU/Nigeria: The issues of the neglect of the Ndokwa communities by the governments of Nigeria, had in recent weeks been brought the front burner, as groups, and individuals had used every opportunity to draw the attention of the government, and the various oil companies of the urgent need to contribute to the development of the area.
In the efforts to sustain the voices of agitation, a group known as the Oil Producing Areas Association of Nigeria, OPAAN, had joined its voice to condemn the neglect of the area, and threaten to take a legal action to redress the continuous neglect of the area and her people.
In a press statement signed by the Pastor Jonathan-David Dike, the Chairman of the Delta State Chapter of the group, said that despite the huge contributions of the area to the economic development of the country, it’s appalling for the area to suffer such neglect, as there is no physical development in the area.
“Ndokwa Nation is one of the ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region producing the crude oil and gas, which the Nigerian Government depends on solely today for her survival, yet no visible infrastructures, no pipe borne water, no good hospital, no road access to most of the communities bearing the oil facilities. Ndokwa Nation is the host of the independent power project that is supplying uninterrupted electricity to Aso Rock and the National Assembly complex yet no electricity in Ndokwa Nation.”
“Today, the oil exploration has rendered farmlands and territorial waters useless, thereby causing numerous ailments, hardship and poverty to the people of the oil rich Niger Delta Region, while the proceeds of their God given resources, is being used to develop Abuja and other regions of Nigeria.”
“In the same vain while the oil exploration has subjected the people to near permanent hardship and total impoverishment, members of the political class are feeding fat from the proceeds of their oil. This is unacceptable to the people and OPAAN is joining Ndokwas , Ijaws, Isokos, Urhobos and Itsekiris of Delta State to say enough is enough. Federal Government should give the people all that is due them and listen to their cries now.”
“In other Oil producing countries like the USA, United Arab Emirate, Kuwait, Switzerland and others, the host communities of oil exploration, enjoy good roads and other infrastructural benefits such as portable water system, health care facilities, schools and they are equitably recompensed in every way possible.”
“The protest by the people of Ndokwa Nation on the August 13th, 2020 is a wakeup call on President Muhammadu Buhari to address the demands of the people. OPAAN, Delta State Chapter is strongly behind Ndokwa in their protest and urge Mr President to pay attention to the demands of Ndokwa Nation.”
“If their demands are not addressed, OPAAN will not hesitate to take legal actions against the Nigerian Government for rendering the region’s farmlands and territorial waters useless as a result of the oil exploitation and exploration.”
