By: Felix Ikpotor
The people of Ogoni are now calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to reinstate their son Mr. Derek Mene on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
President of the Ogoni Apex-socio-cultural KAGOTE, Dr. Peter Medee said the people are not happy with the development as it amounts to marginalization of the people.
He said: “We are demanding that our brother Derek Mene be reinstated reason being that this is the first time an Ogoni man is being appointed to be on the board of the NDDC”.
He pointed out that the formation of the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) which metamorphosed into NDDC was as a result of the Ogoni struggle hence it was unfair for the only Ogoniman on the board since its creation to be removed just like that.
He said the body will continue to dialogue with the president towards restoring an Ogoni man on the board.
Medee said the Ogonis will not confront President Buhari as according to him he is a friend of the Ogoni people but will continue to press that an Ogoniman be brought back on the board.
On his part, National Leader of Conscience of Ogoni People, Chief Gani Topba decried the sacking of Derek, describing it as an indication of the President’s hatred for Ogoni people.
Topba, maintained that it was necessary for Buhari to reverse the decision and reinstate him (Derek).
Topba spoke shortly after a general assembly in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, which was organised by the group.
“We are not happy that our son, Mene Derek, was removed as the EDFA of the Niger Delta Development Commission by the presidency. His removal, as the EDFA, showed how Ogoni people are hated in this country, not minding our contribution to the economy of Nigeria.
“Our position is that we want our son to be reinstated. We are giving President Muhammadu Buhari five days ultimatum to withdraw that decision and reinstate him to his position or appoint any other Ogoni person to that position,” Topba said.
