A group of former Niger Delta militant leaders has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive actions to address the prevailing economic hardship in the country.
The ex-militant leaders also advocated for increased autonomy for states in managing their resources as a crucial step toward alleviating economic challenges.
This appeal was part of the outcomes of a stakeholders’ meeting held at the residence of Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube in Agadagba-Obon, Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State. A similar meeting had previously taken place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Chief Ben Ebikabowei, also known as Boyloaf, highlighted the primary focus of the meeting on finding solutions to the economic difficulties faced by the Niger Delta region.
He emphasized the need for states across the federation to assume control and management of their natural resources.
“We are gathered here because of the economic situation of the country and the way forward. The issue of our economy is important to us. There’s need for the Federal Government to work on how to increase our Gross Domestic Production,” said Boyloaf.
Expressing concern about the economic impact of the Niger Delta region, Boyloaf stressed the significance of boosting oil production to benefit the entire nation.
He called for a more equitable distribution of resources to the states, urging the Federal Government to decentralize responsibilities.
“We want the Federal Government to share everything to states so that they will bear the responsibilities of whatever happens in their states,” he added.
The ex-militant leader blamed some politicians for allegedly undermining the nation’s economy and emphasized that Nigeria should not be experiencing hardship given its abundant natural resources.
He urged the government to prioritize meeting its export quotas set by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to address the trade imbalance.
Regarding the issue of insecurity in the country, Boyloaf attributed it to political factors. He called for a sincere effort by the government to engage local stakeholders in addressing the security challenges, stating, “the issue of insecurity in this country is political, and if the government is sincere to address it, it will contact (local) stakeholders and it will be solved.”
