Ex-militant leaders in the Niger Delta region have expressed concerns about the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) “1000 job hope initiative” program, urging President Bola Tinubu to halt it. General Peter Aghogho, the President of the Abuja chapter of the Urhobo Youth Council and a former militant leader, voiced worries that the program could become another drain on the commission’s resources.
Aghogho highlighted the absence of a board with state representatives for the commission, making it difficult for citizens to participate in the program. He emphasized the need for board members from each state to ensure inclusivity and proper representation. Aghogho expressed skepticism, stating that the program could be seen as an attempt to loot the commission’s treasury.
As concerned citizens of the Niger Delta, they called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to halt the program. They argued that the program, announced during the launch of the Holistic Opportunity Project Engagement by NDDC Managing Director Mr. Samuel Ogbuku, does not represent the interests of the entire Niger Delta region.
The ex-militant leader also urged President Tinubu to promptly constitute a board for the commission since he dissolved the one established by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Aghogho suggested that the federal government discontinue the practice of running the commission with interim management.
