Decentralize power, Niger delta ethnic nationalities demand

The ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta region have advocated for a shift of power from the central government to individual states, aligning with global standards of true federalism. This stance was outlined in a communique following a meeting of the Conference of President-Generals held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

The communique, signed by Prof. Benjamin Okaba and Dr. Chris Akanni, emphasized that the current political structure is inadequate and needs restructuring to address socio-political issues and promote justice, resource control, and fiscal discipline. They stressed that restructuring should occur in a corruption-free environment.

The forum highlighted that regions should have the autonomy to make decisions independently of central interference. It also addressed concerns over poverty, corruption, and inefficiencies in public service.

The ethnic groups, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), and others, support the creation of Regional Development Commissions to address specific regional issues. They urged the National Assembly to pass the South-South Development Commission Bill and rename the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) to better represent oil and mineral-producing states and avoid overlapping jurisdictions. Additionally, they called for amendments to the NDDC Act to better address the needs of oil-bearing communities.