Following the outcries trailing the nomination of Charles Ogunmola to the position of Executive Director, Projects on the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), ex-militants in the mandate areas have warned that the development will herald unrest within the region.
The militants who said that they had laid down their weapons for the sake of peace in the coastal community of the state, noted that the nomination of Ogunmola could threaten the peace being enjoyed by the people of the area
The former militants hailed the state governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, for throwing his weight behind the stand of Senators from the state who rejected the nomination of Ogunmola as the Executive Director Project of NDDC, despite being his kinsman from Owo local government, not being from the oil producing area of the state.
The Militant stated this in a statement jointly signed by Gen Job Omotuwa and Gen Ogailo Ibori and made available to newsmen in Akure , described Akeredolu as a dogged fighter who always stand on the side of the truth and justice especially on matter that bothers on national security at this crucial time when we are transiting from a civilian to civilian government in our democratic journey.
The statement reads: “though, Ondo State is long overdue for the position of the Managing Director (MD) of the Commission, but having secured the Executive Director, Project (EDP) slot in the newly constituted board by Mr President.
“We have been disarmed since 2017 and we remain calm and law abiding and do not want anything that will affect the peace of the Niger Delta Area of Ondo State.
“We stand to resist any attempt by any individual or government officials to be working through the back door to deny us our due and give same to Mr Charles Ogunmola from Owo local government, a non-oil producing local government Area of the State, contrary to the dictates of the NDDC Act, 2000
“Considering the fact that the state yearly budget is weakened by poor monthly allocation from the federation account, the position of EDP for Ondo State on the board will go a long way in addressing the developmental deficiency in the area and also enhance the lives of our people positively.
The ex-militants, however, appealed to the Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan to strictly adhered to the tenets of the Act that established the NDDC during the screening exercise and confirmation of the board members.
They also called on President Mohammed Buhari to “kindly reverse the Ogunmola nomination and replace it with an indigene from the oil-producing area and forward the name to the Senate for confirmation.”
