Ex-agitators in the Niger Delta region have expressed their growing discontent with the failure of the governors in the area to provide palliatives to impoverished communities, despite receiving a substantial sum of N5 billion from the Federal Government. This lack of action has prompted the former agitators to consider staging protests to demand accountability.
The Coalition of Ex-Agitators of Niger Delta (CEND), acting as the voice of these dissatisfied individuals, believes that the governors have misappropriated the funds that were released to help alleviate the suffering caused by the removal of fuel subsidy. CEND Chairman, Mr Mpakaboari Gbobo, conveyed these concerns in a statement issued on behalf of the coalition’s members in Yenagoa.
While President Bola Tinubu took the compassionate step of providing palliatives to ease the burden on the people, the governors of Bayelsa and Rivers states, in particular, have reportedly shown little to no concern for the dire circumstances faced by their citizens. This has left the ex-agitators questioning the whereabouts of the promised relief funds.
“Are our governors pocketing the money, as they have often done in the past? This time, we will not stand idly by. We will mobilize a massive protest across our states to demand accountability,” voiced Gershom, a representative of CEND.
Gershom further emphasized the growing resentment, stating, “The days of business as usual are over. Our people are enduring unimaginable hardships, while these governors indulge in extravagance without a care for our problems.”
The ex-agitators had expected the governors to initiate targeted programs and allocate additional funds alongside the N5 billion received from the Federal Government. Their intention was for these comprehensive initiatives to significantly ease the suffering experienced by the people within the region.
However, the governors’ lack of action has been notable. Gershom highlighted the contrast between the governors in the Niger Delta and the Governor of Borno State, who has actively worked towards providing relief to his constituents. This disparity has further fueled the ex-agitators’ frustration.
