Poor communities in Niger Delta States may face disruption as ex-agitators express their grievances over the failure of their governors to provide palliatives despite receiving N5bn from the Federal Government.
The Coalition of Ex-agitators of Niger Delta (CEND) claims that the governors have possibly diverted the funds released by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, intended to alleviate the suffering caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.
Gershom Mpakaboari Gbobo, the Chairman of CEND, voiced his concerns in Port Harcourt, stating that while Tinubu showed sensitivity by allocating funds for palliatives, the governors appeared indifferent towards the level of hardship in their respective states, especially Bayalsa and Rivers State.
“Where are our palliatives?” Gershom questioned, asserting that the governors have not implemented any deliberate activities or programs aimed at providing relief to the people.
He further stated, “Does this mean that these governors have pocketed the money as usual? We will not allow it to happen. We will compel them to release the funds through a massive protest across the states. It will no longer be business as usual. Our people are suffering immensely while these governors live luxuriously without showing any concern for our problems.”
“We expected the governors to initiate programs that would practically alleviate the people’s pain by adding a reasonable amount of money to the N5bn. But their level of concern is minimal. We can witness the efforts of the Borno Governor for his people, while our entire region remains silent,” he added.
“Are our leaders involved in this conspiracy to divert the palliative funds? Leaders such as Hon Kakas and the leaders of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) who have close ties to the Presidency, including Nature Dumale, the Secretary of the First Phase Ex-agitators, must speak out against these governors. When we start our protests, we will not listen to anyone,” Gershom insisted.
The National Spokesman of the Coalition, Gen Ellington Bakumor, also urged the National Security Adviser, NSA, the Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF, the Chief of Staff to the President, and other relevant authorities to intervene and pressurize the governors to release the palliatives.