The Coalition of Benin socio-Cultural Organizations implored President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a qualified indigene of Edo State as the next Managing Director of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), which was established 34 years ago.
The coalition in a communique, disclosed that ‘no Benin man’ has held any Management position in NPDC nor occupy the post of Managing Director of the company since the Company, a subsidiary of NNPC, was established.
It explained that Edo State renowned for peace as a host to NPDC and oil producing State in Niger Delta region, but, “it has become glaring that our hospitality and patriotism have been taken for granted” over the years, having enjoyed the hospitality of Edo State which is also one of the oil producing States in Niger Delta region.
Calling on prominent Benin sons and daughters across the world to reach out to President Buhari with a view to getting his nod on the appointment of a Benin man as Managing Director of NPDC, the communiqué emphasized given the stake of Edo State as host and oil producing State, it is proper for President Buhari to give Edo State what it deserves”.
It added:”With the records of oil and gas exploration in some Local Government that made up Edo South, we are of the strong view that a Benin man should be appointed as Managing Director to oversee the affairs of NPDC.We hereby recommend that President Buhari should appoint a Benin man for the position of Managing Director and other top Management positions as the search for who to take over from the outgoing Managing Director begins”.
”This is opportunity for Benin people, especially those from Benin kingdom to be given a clear opportunity to show leadership as ever since the creation of NPDC as it were, an Edo man haven’t been given the opportunity to serve. The President should look towards this direction so that we can have the opportunity to live in one accord.
“It is very clear that since 1988, no Benin man has held the position of MD of NPDC. Yet, we are the host state.The president should use his good office to do the needful. If marginalization is not allowed in other States, so why should Edo people be marginalized for 34 years?”, the coalition said.