Aug 29, 2025 .
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Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, On the 27th of August, 2025, following the expiration of the seven (7) days ultimatum earlier issued on the 19th of August, 2025, the leadership of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum resolved to channel our righteous indignation against the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bayo Ojulari over certain official actions we consider deeply disturbing and unjust to our people.
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These includes:
1. The unjustifiable shutting down of the Port Harcourt Refinery despite billions of dollars already spent on its turnaround maintenance.
2. The unwarranted sacking of our people from NPCL without due consideration of their wellbeing and the economic impact on their families and communities.
3. The arbitrary redeployment of Niger Delta indigenes from key strategic positions within the NNPCL hierarchy.
4. A clearly orchestrated pattern of victimization and marginalization of Niger Delta people within the NNPCL structure.
5. The inadequate employment opportunities for Niger Delta people in the NNPCL whose soil produced the oil and gas that fuels our economy as against the number of employees from other parts of the Country.
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In view of the distorted narratives being peddled by merchants of crisis, it has become necessary to brief our people and the global community on recent developments.
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First, we commend the courageous youths from across all ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta who traveled long distances to peacefully lend their voices to this action. Your doggedness and commitment towards ensuring that Niger Deltans benefit from their God-given resources remain deeply appreciated.
Our actions were not driven by hatred or selfish interest but a genuine resolve to right the wrongs melted on our people with the NPC. As Leaders of ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta region saddled with the sacred responsibilities of advocating, defense and advancing the cause of our people, we were left no choice but to act decisively. The essence of this organized series of mass action was to prevent a total breakdown of law and order, arising from the above mentioned infraction.
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We reaffirm that we are not opposed to any genuine efforts from government or stakeholders to resolve this conflict in the interest of both the Niger Delta and the NNPCL. In this regard, we acknowledge and appreciate the timely intervention of the Hon. Minister of Petroleum (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, security agencies, and our dear Sister Hon. Stella Okotete working towards providing solutions to the germane issues raised. We also value the efforts of other leaders and stakeholders who have reached out with sincerity.
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While our demands remain valid and unresolved, we have decided to temporarily suspend further mass action to allow genuine dialogue with a view to a peaceful resolution. Since peace, stability and prosperity of our region was our propelling motive, we are open to further engagements with the management of the NNPCL led by Mr. Bayo Ojulari and other relevant authorities.
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We are, however, not oblivious of the antics of opportunists, job men, who thrive on betrayal of our collective interest. Such groups, driven by hunger and selfishness, may attempt to discredit our genuine efforts. We are neither surprised nor perturbed by such actions.
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Our focus remains resolute: the defense of Niger Delta interests and the pursuit of equity, justice, and development for our people.
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Thank you.
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Signed;
Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr.
Chairman, Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council & President ljaw Youth Council.
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Comrade Eniwake Orogun.
Secretary General, Nigeria Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council & President, Isoko Youth Council Worldwide.
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Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana
Spokesman, Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council & President Ogoni Youth Federation.
