Ex-agitators in Niger Delta demand solidarity among Southern political class
By Dennis Udoma
The Niger Delta Ex-agitators Forum has called for solidarity among southern political leaders to advocate for justice, equity, and an end to the marginalisation of southerners in governance.
At a press conference in the South-South region on Wednesday, Chairman of the forum, Ambassador Alban Paulinus, also known as General Skillar, urged Niger Deltans to unite in addressing issues threatening Nigeria’s political stability and unity.
The event, which drew numerous ex-agitators from across the Niger Delta, served as a platform to express dissatisfaction with the political injustices faced by southerners, particularly in light of recent criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The forum drew a historical parallel, noting that former President Goodluck Jonathan faced similar injustices during his tenure, which they believe contributed to his denial of a second term. They suggested that a comparable pattern is emerging with President Tinubu, pointing out that some Northern groups are already calling for his removal less than a year into his presidency.
Ambassador Paulinus highlighted the contrast with Northern leaders during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, noting that Buhari served two full terms despite significant security challenges.
The forum condemned this perceived disparity as a destabilising force threatening Nigeria’s unity and integrity. They called for an end to undermining Southern leadership and warned that continued provocations might compel them to take decisive actions to protect their region and identity.
The Niger Delta Ex-agitators expressed strong support for President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which they described as a comprehensive blueprint for national development. They stressed the importance of the President’s commitment to reforms in addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.
The forum also highlighted a historical bias against Southern Senate Presidents, alleging that they were systematically targeted for impeachment by Northern interests. They cited former Senate Presidents from the South, including Senator Evan Enwerem, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Anyim Pius Anyim, Adolphus Wabara, and Ken Nnamani, who were all unable to complete their tenures. In contrast, Northern Senate Presidents such as David Mark, Bukola Saraki, and Ahmed Lawan served their terms without significant challenges.
Concerns were also raised over recent calls for the impeachment of the current Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, a Southerner, which they view as further evidence of injustice against the South. The ex-agitators vowed to resist any attempts to undermine Akpabio’s leadership and emphasised that the Senate Presidency should represent national unity rather than regional domination.
The forum demanded the establishment of a South-South Development Commission to ensure equitable regional development, distinct from the existing Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). They called on Senator Akpabio and other federal legislators from the South-South to initiate and expedite the passage of a bill for the creation of the commission.
Ambassador Paulinus urged southern politicians, including those from the South West, South East, and Middle Belt, to unite under a Southern Nigerian Movement. This movement, he said, would focus on defending and advancing the political, economic, and regional interests of the South and Middle Belt amid ongoing challenges.
The forum declared their commitment to defending Nigeria’s unity, integrity, and prosperity, while calling on all Nigerians and the international community to acknowledge that the time for change and justice is long overdue.
“The unity and future of Nigeria depend on the equitable treatment of all its regions, and the Niger Delta stands ready to lead the charge for a just and prosperous nation,” they declared.
