EPZ CRISIS: INCLUDE US IN THE PROJECT OR WE SHUT GAS PLANT; NDOKWA YOUTHS THREATENS

On thursday the 19th of March 2015, youths of Ndokwa Nation under the leadership of its Apex Body, the Ndokwa Neku Union(NNU) Youth Wing took to the street in a peaceful protest to call attention to the state of injustice and total marginalisation currently being melted to the people from the area. 

They blocked the ever busy Warri-Abraka-Obiaruku-Agbor-Asaba expressway at Amai Junction in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area Headquarter of Delta State. The protest began at about 7am in the morning and lasted for over 3 hours, causing a heavy traffic gridlock at the ever busy Warri-Abraka-Obiaruku-Agbor-Asaba expressway. The protesters were led by Comr. Enudi Marcus(Youth Wing President), Comr. Idi Presley Ifeanyichukwu(Youth Wing Secretary General) and Comr. Obi Pedro Chibuzo(Youth Wing Spokesman) as well as community youth leaders from communities in all three local government area of Ndokwa Nation. 

While addressing the press, the leadership of the youth wing stated clearly that the reason for the call of this protest, is the simple fact that overtime Ndokwa Nation has been marginalized when it comes to the affairs of this country and the state despite being a major player and contributor to the economy of the nation. They stated further by pointing out that, despite the Ndokwa’s being the second largest ethnic nationality in delta state viz a viz the largest in delta north, we have never for once gotten what we deserve, declaring that there is a well orchestrated plan by some forces in the country to undo the good people of Ndokwa Nation. They stated clearly that this protest is just the first in series of more hard pressed ones to come, pointing out that unless the following issues are addressed they shall not relent in their pursuit in getting what is due the people and youths of Ndokwa Nation. 

1. The Federal Government must as a matter of urgency invite us to the negotiation table over the Gas Revolution Industrial Park(GRIP) popularly known as EPZ, as there is no way they can talk about creating a gas hub cum gas city without carrying along the zone that has the largest gas reserve in the whole of west Africa. That its either Ndokwa nation are called to be part of the deal or we must be given our own gas city as failure to do so, will result in total shutdown of all gas processing facility in Ndokwa Nation. 

2. The state government should quickly withdraw the list of published candidates shortlisted for interview and possible employment into the civil service commission, as the whole process is a sham and an open insult to the people of Ndokwa Nation, by saying the second largest ethnic nationality in delta state is only qualified to produce 60 persons from a list of 1800 shortlisted applicants. 

3. As a matter of utmost priority, the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC), Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission(DESOPADEC), should remit directly stipends and allowances meant for youth development and empowerment to Ndokwa youths through the leadership of its Apex Body the NNU Youth Wing, as failure on the part of the boards to do so or release the said fund to any personal individual shall be seen as an open attack on youths of Ndokwa Land and that we won’t take very lightly. 

4. Finally, all students of Ndokwa extractions that are qualified to be paid bursary by DESOPADEC and are yet to receive theirs should immediately be paid to avoid a total showdown between the commission and youths of Ndokwa Nation. They rounded up by sending a very strong message to all political office holders to make sure they desist from meddling on the affairs of the youths, as should any be found to be meddling with affairs that relates to youths of ndokwa nation, such person shall be dealt with decisively. 

They urge all good people of Ndokwa Nation to make sure they collect their PVC before the expiration date of sunday the 22 of march, 2015 and vote massively for candidates of their choice. They ended the protest by sounding a very stern warning to all youths, telling them in clear words that nobody should be used to perpetuate electoral violence, that any politician that wants to use them should be told to go and use their own children as this time its vote and not fight. 

Team of the State Anti Robbery Squad was on ground to witness the whole protest and helped in ensuring it went peacefully. The youths vowed to continue holding series of protest across all LGA’s of the Ndokwa Nation till their demands are met. They finally opened the road to allow for free flow of traffic, this was after most of the commuters joined in showing solidarity by coming down from their vehicles. 

Signed: Comr. Enudi Marcus – National President, NNU Youth Wing Comr. Idi Presley Ifeanyichukwu – Secretary General, NNU Youth Wing Comr. Obi Pedro Chibuzo – Spokesman, NNU Youth Wing.