NDDC: We shall no longer allow rascals, bigots, attack Chief Rita Lori- ILG warns

The Itsekiri Liberation Group, ILG, has declared unequivocal support to Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor’s demand for an Itsekiri indigene to be appointed the next Managing Director or Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, warning: “We shall no longer allow any group of ethnic rascals, drunkards and bigots to attack our respected Chief (Rita Lori- Ogbebor) for justly demanding for the right of the Itsekiri people on the Board of the NDDC.”

Fresh Angle International can report that the warning, was the fallout of a communique released by the ILG, after its emergency meeting held Thursday March 10 in Warri, Delta State.

The meeting, was against the backdrop of a publication, by the Niger Delta Integrity Group, which allegedly made disparaging remarks about the prominent Warri Chief, in a recent publication.

The communique, made available to This Newspaper Monday March 14 by the Itsekiri Liberation Group and signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Mone Oris and Comrade Ajofotan Omagbemi, respectively, noted: “We are in full support of the recent publication by Chief Rita Lori, the Igba of Warri Kingdom's publication that a new Board of the NDDC be reconstituted and an Itsekiri person made the Chairman or Managing Director as of right. This is without prejudice to any person or tribe, but for the purpose of equity, justice, fairness and affirmation of the goose that lays the golden egg, which mantra all reasonable persons have acknowledged over time.

“While it is an established fact that the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality un-disputably produces the highest quantum of oil in Delta State, we surmise that it should be the most qualified for a right of first refusal for such position by all standard.

“Considering the fact that in the past, we have allowed other tribes to take the slot in Delta State and it seems they are getting too accustomed to such undeserved privileges, with unapologetic audacity. To this end, we shall no longer allow any group of ethnic rascals, drunkards and bigots to attack our respected Chief for justly demanding for the right of the Itsekiri people on the Board of the NDDC.

“Is it because the Itsekiri people have toed the path of peace and good neighborliness, even at great cost? Which other ethnic group in Nigeria would boast of the quantum of oil that Itsekiri has and allow others to suffocate them and turning the extant law setting up the Commission on its head? 

“All faceless groups and ethnic bigots, should know that the era of lawlessness, threat of war as if reserved for only one tribe and twisting/maneuvering the laws to favour some group unjustifiable is over. We are ready to take the bull by the horn with every resources in our arsenal.

“We have been generous enough to other ethnic groups in Delta State and the Niger Delta region, in terms of appointment to the Board of the NDDC. It is time to reciprocate now that the position of either the MD or Chairman of the Board is coming to Delta State and in particular Delta South Senatorial District. We deserve to be given the right of first refusal by other ethnic groups, instead of unleashing an unfair narrative on us.

“The Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality is united this time in getting the highest position zoned to Delta State on the Board of the NDDC and anything to the contrary, will meet our unfazed resistance. 

“To this effect, we wholeheartedly support our respected National Human Rights’ Activist, Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor, the Igba of Warri Kingdom in the demand for Itsekiri to be fairly treated in the reconstitution of a new Board of the NDDC and appointment of Itsekiri as MD or Chairman of the Board.

“No ethnic group, should attempt to provoke us now or subsequently on this issue as we are ready to go to any length to draw the ears of those that matter to address this injustice. The constitution of the Board of the NDDC is not based on population, but patently on oil production quantum. A word is enough for the wise”.

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