The Pan-Niger Delta Forum has countered claims of marginalization from the North, asserting that only the Niger Delta region legitimately suffers from this plight. Chief Christopher Ominimini highlighted the region’s ongoing exploitation, only yielding environmental degradation and economic inequity despite generating significant national revenue from oil. He called for equitable resource management and systemic reforms to address the grievances of Niger Delta citizens.
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has firmly rejected the claim made by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), which suggested that the North experiences impoverishment due to the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Chief Christopher Ominimini, the National Spokesman of PANDEF, emphasized that only the Niger Delta region can justifiably assert claims of marginalization, reiterating that despite being the backbone of Nigeria’s economy through its oil production, the region has not benefitted proportionately from its resources.
In a statement released on Saturday, Ominimini articulated that decades of oil extraction have culminated in environmental degradation with significant pollution affecting both agriculture and local waterways, while the wealth generated is largely diverted to the Federal Government, depriving the Niger Delta of its fair share.
He stated, “Our resources feed the nation, while resources from other geopolitical zones are kept for their own use and personal gain.” Additionally, he called attention to the disparities illustrated by the fact that while gold and other minerals are utilized for local benefit in the North, the oil wealth of the Niger Delta is federally controlled.
Highlighting this perceived injustice, Ominimini questioned why different standards apply in managing resources across regions, claiming that northern states retain wealth from their minerals while the Niger Delta endures exploitation. He linked this selective injustice to broader national unrest, including insurgency driven by the misappropriation of resources. Furthermore, he remarked on the federal government’s neglect of illegal mining activities in the North while cracking down on local refining efforts in the Niger Delta.
Ominimini urged the establishment of a structured framework for artisanal miners to operate legitimately, positing that it would generate employment, minimize waste of national resources, and mitigate corruption. He expressed concerns about the opaque nature of oil extraction in the region, as the local populace remains uninformed about the quantity and flow of oil produced from their land.
He remarked, “The Nigerian state is wicked to the Niger Delta Region,” underscoring the absence of meaningful corporate social responsibility from both oil companies and the government. Concluding his statement, he reiterated that the Niger Delta remains the most marginalized region, demanding an immediate rectification of these historical injustices.
Thus, PANDEF calls for a comprehensive approach to justice that recognizes and addresses the profound socio-economic challenges faced by the Niger Delta in light of its contribution to the national economy.
Ominimini urged federal authorities to take cognizance of these issues, asserting, “If things do not change, God will come to our rescue.”
The situation underscores a critical need for equitable resource distribution and acknowledgment of the struggles faced by the Niger Delta, as the voices from this region draw attention to the systemic inequalities that have long gone unaddressed.
The final lamentation was on the underrepresentation of the Niger Delta in the oil industry, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in national economic strategies.
The ongoing discourse surrounding marginalization in Nigeria has brought to light significant regional disparities, particularly between the North and the Niger Delta. The Niger Delta is predominantly known for its oil wealth, which is central to the Nigerian economy. However, continuous exploration and extraction have often resulted in ecological devastation and a lack of substantial development in the region, leading to widespread discontent among its populace. As various regional groups advocate for their interests, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum has emerged as a strong voice, illustrating the grievances of the Niger Delta against perceived systemic injustices related to resource control and benefits.
In summary, PANDEF firmly asserts that the Niger Delta is the only region in Nigeria that faces genuine marginalization due to its wealth of resources and lack of equitable benefits. Chief Ominimini’s statements call for urgent redress of these injustices, highlighting the adverse effects of environmental degradation, economic disparity, and exclusion from oil industry participation. The forum’s appeal underscores the need for a just framework for resource management that fairly represents the interests of the Niger Delta and its people, thereby fostering national unity and progress.
Original Source: punchng.com
