Egbema kingdom on the Brink: Looming Crisis Threatens economic activities in Edo state NDJEAF Warns,

AN OPEN LETTER, 

His Excellency, Alh. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

His Excellency Mr. Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State

Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme,

All Relevant Security Stakeholders

URGENT ATTENTION NEEDED: EGBEMA KINGDOM ON THE BRINK OF CRISIS — THREAT TO ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN EDO STATE

By: Leadership of Niger Delta Joint Ex-Agitators’ Forum (NDJEAF)

The Situation

We write to alert you to a looming crisis that could disrupt economic activities across Edo State. The long-abandoned Udo–Ofunama–Ajakurama Road project, awarded by the NDDC in 2012, remains incomplete, allegedly stalled by tribal sentiments said to have been orchestrated by certain vested interests.

Egbema Kingdom, home to over 300 communities, continues to suffer gross neglect in infrastructure and human capital development. The road project has become a political bait—used repeatedly as an election campaign promise without meaningful execution. The Egbema people have resolved not to be deceived any longer by empty promises from both the Edo State Government and the Federal Government.

The Consequences

If urgent steps are not taken, tensions may escalate. The Egbema Youth Council (EYC) recently issued a 30-day ultimatum to both the Federal and Edo State governments, demanding visible action. That ultimatum has since expired without any tangible progress.

Unless this injustice is addressed promptly, the Egbema people may have no option but to take drastic steps, potentially including shutting down key economic activities in Edo State—an outcome that will negatively affect federal revenue and regional stability.

Our Call to Action

As Leadership of the Niger Delta Joint Ex-Agitators’ Forum (NDJEAF)—an umbrella body of peace ambassadors who champion stability in the Niger Delta—we express unwavering solidarity with the Egbema people and urge the following:

1. Set up an urgent intervention committee to ensure the speedy completion of the Udo–Ofunama–Ajakurama road.

2. Address broader development concerns of Egbema Kingdom, prioritizing infrastructure, education, skills training, and human capital development.

The Importance of Action

Egbema Kingdom is an oil-rich region whose people also contribute to food security through farming and fishing. Their land and mangrove forests directly sustain both the state and national economies. Ignoring their plight is not only unjust—it is economically reckless. Immediate intervention will restore confidence, preserve peace, and prevent unnecessary confrontation.

We Appeal

We appeal to the President, the Edo State Government, the NDDC, and all security stakeholders to act decisively. Addressing this crisis now will prevent greater unrest tomorrow. NDJEAF remains firmly committed to peace, dialogue, and stability in the Niger Delta—but peace must be matched with justice and development.

Signed:

Double Prince Godwin Tamaramieyeseiya

National President,

Niger Delta Joint Ex-Agitators’ Forum (NDJEAF)

Hon. Comr. Cletus Iniovosa Omerhiowa (The Political Aficionado)

National Secretary,

Niger Delta Joint Ex-Agitators’ Forum (NDJEAF),