By Our Reporter
The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum has raised alarm over what they describe as a growing pattern of political marginalization and injustice against Southern leaders in Nigeria.
The forum, representing former agitators from the oil-rich Niger Delta, condemned the perceived systemic efforts to undermine Southern leadership within the country’s political landscape.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the forum drew attention to the historical opposition faced by Southern leaders, citing former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was denied a second term due to strong resistance from the North.
They expressed concern that, barely a year into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, similar calls for his removal have emerged from Northern groups; a development the forum views as part of a broader, troubling trend that threatens the unity of the nation.
“Despite the significant security challenges and other pressing issues during the administration of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, he remained in power for eight years, largely unchallenged,” the forum stated, highlighting what they see as a stark disparity in the treatment of Southern leaders.
The group called for an immediate halt to this perceived injustice, insisting that national unity and stability depend on fair and equitable treatment of all regions.
The forum reaffirmed their unwavering support for President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” praising it as a comprehensive plan to tackle Nigeria’s complex challenges. They urged Nigerians to rally behind Tinubu’s vision for a united and prosperous nation.
Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Ex-Agitators Forum, Amb. (Dr.) Alban Paulinus, further highlighted the historical bias against Southern Senate Presidents, noting that many have been removed from office prematurely, unlike their Northern counterparts who have often served full terms. The recent calls for the impeachment of Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate, were seen as a continuation of this biased trend.
“The Senate Presidency should symbolize national unity, not serve as a tool for regional domination,” the group declared, vowing to resist any attempts to remove Akpabio from office and insisting that he be allowed to complete his tenure without undue distractions.
The forum also called for the creation of a South-South Development Commission, separate from the existing Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to address the unique needs of the South-South region. They urged Senator Akpabio and other legislators from the region to prioritize the passage of a bill establishing this commission.
The forum used the occasion and called for the formation of a Southern Nigerian Movement, in collaboration with the South-West and South-East regions, to protect and defend the political, economic, and regional interests of Southern Nigeria. They also invited the Middle Belt region to join this movement in addressing the security challenges they face.
The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum reaffirmed their commitment to defending Nigeria’s unity, integrity, and prosperity but made it clear that their support is contingent upon justice, equity, and fairness for all regions.
