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By Tracy Moses
The Niger Delta Peace Awareness Movement (NDPAM) has dismissed the recent protest staged by the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, describing it as politically driven and rooted in ethnic sentiments.
In a statement issued by its National Leader, Alhaji Awo H.D Amir on Thursday, the group condemned the protest, which demanded the removal of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bayo Ojulari.
According to Amir, the call for Ojulari’s sack was unjustifiable and based on ethnic bias. “The NNPCL is a federal government-owned corporation, not the property of any single region. Demanding the removal of Ojulari simply because he is not from the Niger Delta is not only unfair but laughable,” he said.
He further defended Ojulari, noting that the current NNPCL boss has been working tirelessly to reposition the company, particularly in efforts to revive the long-dormant refineries. “These refineries were not functional before Ojulari assumed office. To heap the blame on him now is both wicked and unpatriotic,” Amir stressed.
The NDPAM urged Niger Delta youths to desist from making baseless allegations against Ojulari and the NNPCL, while advising them to explore opportunities available in other federal and state agencies as well as multinational companies operating in the region.
“We must look beyond targeting NNPCL selectively,” said Amir. “There are numerous avenues to foster development in the Niger Delta without resorting to protests or blame games. Our youths should take responsibility for their communities and work towards progress rather than relying on street demonstrations and handouts.”
Amir also questioned the intentions of the protesters, suggesting that many of them may be motivated by personal gain rather than genuine concerns. “Are these youths truly seeking solutions, or are they only waiting for financial inducements while looking out for the next opportunity to protest?” he queried.
The NDPAM leader concluded by calling on Niger Delta youths to abandon what he described as “short-term gimmicks” and instead pursue meaningful, long-term solutions that would benefit the region collectively.