…Demands full inclusion of Edo State in all amnesty, post-amnesty programs
By Simeon OSAJIE
A group known as Coalition of Benin, a socio-cultural organisation (advocating for the social well being of the Indigenous of Benin Kingdom) on Wednesday calls on the presidency to decentralize pipeline surveillance contracts and waterways security in oil and gas producing region/state in the south-south region of the country.
The group in a statement signed by the Coordinator General and Secretary, Comrade Osazee Amas Edobor, Influence Enobun respectively, and others demands for full inclusion of Edo State In all amnesty, post-amnesty programs into south-south region.
The coalition demands for the
“Full inclusion of Edo State in all amnesty and post-amnesty programs, with quotas that reflect their contribution to national oil production.
“Equitable resource control that guarantees host communities in Edo direct participation, ownership stakes, and decision-making power over oil and gas assets within our borders.
“Also, immediate review of allocations and ownership of oil wells taken from Edo, to correct the imbalance that favours interests outside our region.”
Meanwhile, the group urged the federal government to decentralize pipeline contracts to promote fair distribution of wealth and opportunities. This the group said can be achieved by Involving local communities, the indigenous people not settler or tenants in contract negotiations, Encouraging local participation in the oll and qas industry, Implementing transparent and competitive bidding processes and Establishing a regional development fund for infrastructure and social projects.
They specifically highlighted the case of Benin/Edo, which has the largest gas deposit in the region but remains underrepresented in pipeline contracts, amnesty programs, job opportunities etc.
They demand an explanation for the marginalization of Benin/Edo and call for immediate action to address this imbalance. The deprivation of the Benins Android sidelining at different levels is sickening.
“We did not resort to armed struggle, but our silence should not be mistaken for lack of support for the legitimate demands of our neiqhbours for the development of our South- South Geographical Region. We stand in solidarity with the Niger-Delta Region and demand that pipeline contracts be decentralized to benefit all states, including Edo because Edo Youths are not asking for favour, they are asking to participate in the legitimate economic activity taking place in their own backyard.
“We propose that each State guards its own pipelines and manages its own contracts, promoting accountability and transparency. This is not a call for exclusion, but for fair representation and equitable distribution of resources.
“Decentralization will promote economic growth, reduce conflict, youth reactiveness and improve living standards in the Niger-Delta region”, the group demanded.
The group commended the efforts of past leaders of the South-South Region for their campaign to promote the development and growth of the great wealth producers of the country.