PA EDWIN CLARK KNOCKS TINUBU ON LOPSIDED NNPC APPOINTMENTS
Pa Edwin Clark, Grandpa of all Ijaws worldwide and an Elder Statesman, has raised knocked the recent appointment of the NNPC board by the President. He highlighted that the new NNPC Chairman is from Akoko in the non-oil producing area of Ondo state, which he believes is unfair considering the disproportionate distribution of oil-producing resources and opportunities. He emphasized that 90% of Nigeria’s oil revenue comes from the Niger Delta states, yet the people of the Niger Delta are excluded from various aspects related to oil production.
In an interview with Channels TV, Pa Edwin Clark stated, “90% of the Oil that generates revenue for Nigeria is found in the Niger Delta today. Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa produce 90% of the Oil, whereas Abia produces 0.7%, Imo produces 1.07%, Ondo produces less than 4%, and Edo produces less than 5%. However, those who actually produce oil are excluded from everything, including employment opportunities for their children.”
Pa Edwin Clark also expressed concerns about the composition of the NNPC board. He noted that the new NNPC Chairman is from the non-oil producing area of Ondo state, and the GMD also comes from the North. While he acknowledged their qualifications, he highlighted the lack of executive representation from the South-South, the region where the oil is produced. Additionally, he mentioned that there are three other members on the board, with only one from the South East. However, due to the influence of the President of the Senate, there was one representative from the South-South, Eunice Thomas, who used to be the commissioner for Women Affairs in Akwa Ibom state during the Akpabio government.
Pa Edwin Clark stressed, “It is disheartening to witness the exclusion of those who contribute significantly to Nigeria’s oil revenue. As the primary producers, the people of the Niger Delta deserve equitable representation and opportunities in the oil industry. This recent appointment of the NNPC board only further perpetuates the imbalance we have been grappling with for years.”