The Coalition of Benin socio-Cultural Organizations have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a qualified indigene of Edo State as the next Managing Director of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), which was established 34 years ago.
Signatories to the Civic advocacy group, Mr. Osaze Amas-Edobor (Coordinator-General), Mr. Culture Iyamu (Secretary General), Marxist Kola Edokpayi (Public Relations officer), Comrade Osaze Erimiatoe (Director of Planning), Charity Ozigbo (Director of Gender Affairs), Comrade Collins Osaghae (Director of Operations), Mr. Justice Amafe (Director of Research), Eseosa Omoregbe (Director of Mobilization) and Dr. Usiosefe Ere Ereyimwen (Director of the strategy) made the request on Monday in Benin City.
The Coalition in a Communique emphasized that ‘no Benin man’ has held any Management position in NPDC nor occupied the post of Managing Director of the since the Company, a subsidiary of NNPC, was established, ahead of an imminent shake-up in the Company, to pave the way for fresh leadership.
It explained that Edo State is renowned for peace as a host to NPDC and an oil-producing State in the Niger Delta region, but, “it has become glaring that our hospitality and patriotism have been taken for granted” over the years, having enjoyed the hospitality of Edo State which is also one of the oil-producing States in Niger Delta region.
While calling on prominent Benin sons and daughters across the world to reach out to President Buhari with a view to getting his nod on the appointment of a Benin man as Managing Director of NPDC, the Communiqué emphasized that “Considering the stake of Edo State as host and oil producing State, it is proper for President Buhari to give Edo State what it deserves”.
Accordingly, “With the records of oil and gas exploration in some Local Governments that made up Edo South, we are of the strong view that a Benin man should be appointed as Managing Director to oversee the affairs of NPDC.
“We hereby recommend that President Buhari appoint a Benin man for the position of Managing Director and other top Management positions as the search for who to take over from the outgoing Managing Director begins”, the Communiqué said.
‘This is an opportunity for Benin people, especially those from Benin kingdom to be given a clear opportunity to show leadership as ever since the creation of NPDC as it were, an Edo man hasn’t been given the opportunity to serve. The President should look in this direction so that we can have the opportunity to live in one accord.
“It is very clear that since 1988, no Benin man has held the position of MD of NPDC. Yet, we are the host State.
“The president should use his good office to do the needful. If marginalization is not allowed in other States, so why should Edo people be marginalized for 34 years?”, the Coalition said.
