EGBEMA IJAW CRY FOR JUSTICE: OVER THREE DECADES OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT NEGLECT

 

EGBEMA IJAW CRY FOR JUSTICE: OVER THREE DECADES OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT NEGLECT

By Global Egberi Media International

Egbema Kingdom, Rivers State, an integral oil-producing Kingdom within the Niger Delta, has once again raised its voice in protest over what it describes as a long-standing pattern of marginalization, political exclusion, and calculated denial of leadership opportunities in key federal agencies managing the oil wealth of the region.

In a passionate appeal to the conscience of the Nigerian government and the Niger Delta at large, Comrade Aprilis Ureju Peters, popularly known as the “Woman Tompolo of Egbema Kingdom”, lamented that since the creation of the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) in 1993 by former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, no son or daughter of Egbema Ijaw has ever been appointed as Managing Director (MD) of OMPADEC, its successor – the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, or even the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

According to her, this persistent exclusion is not only a betrayal of the principles of fairness and equity but also a direct affront to a community that has contributed immensely to the nation’s economy through oil exploration.

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From OMPADEC to NDDC: A Journey Without Egbema Representation

Comrade Peters, in her statement, emphasized that OMPADEC was later transformed into the NDDC in the year 2000 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, with the sole mandate of facilitating the rapid, even, and sustainable development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region. Yet, for over three decades—spanning military regimes and democratic governments—Egbema Ijaw has been sidelined from the leadership of these pivotal agencies.

“These three offices—NDDC, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, and the Presidential Amnesty Programme—are directly connected to our oil resources,” she said. “But despite our contributions to the oil wealth of Nigeria, the Federal Government has continued to oppress us, and sadly, some of our own Ijaw brothers and sisters have joined in intimidating and sidelining us.”

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A Call for Unity and Advocacy

The Woman Tompolo of Egbema Kingdom did not mince words in calling on her people to unite, strategize, and raise their voices. She believes that only through collective advocacy and collaboration with other Ijaw groups and the broader Niger Delta community can Egbema secure its rightful place in these decision-making bodies.

“We must present our case not just to the Federal Government, but to our fellow Ijaw people and other ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta,” she urged. “We cannot be silent any longer. Our history of silence has been misinterpreted as acceptance, but it is time to demand what is rightfully ours.”

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Historical Context and the Path Forward

Egbema Kingdom, located within the oil-rich belt of Nigeria’s southern coast, has long been recognized as one of the major contributors to the nation’s crude oil output. Yet, the lack of representation at the top levels of oil-related federal institutions has left the community with a sense of betrayal and underdevelopment.

Observers note that this demand is not just about titles or appointments but about ensuring that the peculiar challenges of Egbema people—environmental degradation, infrastructural neglect, and economic disenfranchisement—are addressed with sincerity and urgency.

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Conclusion

The voice of Comrade Aprilis Ureju Peters adds to the growing chorus of Niger Delta leaders and activists demanding equity, fairness, and inclusion. Whether this renewed push for justice will finally bring an end to over three decades of leadership exclusion for Egbema Ijaw remains to be seen.

For now, the message is clear: Egbema Kingdom is no longer willing to be a silent spectator in matters that directly affect its destiny.

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📌 Tags: #EgbemaIjaw #NDDC #OMPADEC #NigerDeltaAffairs #PresidentialAmnesty #FederalGovernmentNeglect #GlobalEgberiMediaInternational

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