Yesterday, the Civil Society Coalition for Mandate Protection (CSC-MAP) organized a rally near the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, Lagos.
The purpose of the rally was to show support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms as he approaches his first anniversary in office next month.
Representatives from indigenous peoples in oil-producing communities in Lagos, Ondo, and Delta States attended the rally.
The leaders of the groups emphasized that their intention was not to destabilize or take over the government but rather to support the Tinubu administration’s efforts for the welfare and development of their land.
Prominent speakers at the rally included Deputy Coordinator Micheal Ajayi, Assistant Secretary Ajayi Lateef, and members Abubakar Salami and Uzor Jideofor.
They urged Nigerians to be patient and trust in the government’s endeavors to bring about positive change.
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However, the CSC-MAP expressed concerns about recent killings of 17 soldiers in the oil-producing communities, indicating that certain elements in the Niger Delta possess dangerous weapons.
The coalition warned that if not addressed promptly, the discontent in the Niger Delta could escalate into a major crisis.
In response, the CSC-MAP advised the Federal Government to initiate a new amnesty program to encourage armed groups in the region to surrender their weapons.
Additionally, the coalition highlighted complaints from oil-producing communities about being excluded from the Federal Government’s oil pipeline protection contracts, particularly for facilities located within their areas.
The declaration states the desire for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prosper without any further turmoil in the oil-producing regions of the Niger Delta.
It emphasizes the importance of not entrusting the protection of pipelines in Itsekiri and Ilaje territories to individuals who were involved in past ethnic conflicts, as this could potentially spark chaos and instability.
The concern is raised regarding the allocation of oil pipeline protection to those who have previously engaged in armed conflicts with the Itsekiri and Ilaje communities.
It is deemed unacceptable to grant such responsibilities to individuals who have a history of violence and hostility towards these communities.
The communities of Itsekiri and Ilaje in Ondo, Delta, and Lagos states are urging President Tinubu to reassess the oil pipeline contracts to ensure that the local and indigenous people who host these pipelines are the primary beneficiaries.
This call for a review aims to prioritize the well-being and interests of the communities directly impacted by the oil industry.
