By Mercy Adi
The Senator representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Konbowei Benson Friday, on Thursday strongly condemned the government’s neglect of oil-producing region, painting a bleak picture of the Niger Delta region’s struggles.
Senator Benson, while Speaking to journalists in his office in Abuja, liken the plight of the Niger Delta region to that of a woman abandoned by her partner lamented the continued environmental degradation and economic hardship in the region.
“Nigeria is behaving like a man who only cares about having children but neglects his wife’s well-being. He enjoys the benefits of the marriage but does not provide for her welfare, her revitalization, or her sustenance,” he said.
Senator Friday emphasized the need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing the challenges in the region.
“We cannot continue addressing these issues in a piecemeal manner. There must be a holistic study to ensure long-term solutions. My greatest fear—and the fear of our people—is that while Nigeria talks about economic diversification, the Niger Delta remains abandoned.”
The senator drew historical comparisons, recalling how, in the 1950s and 1960s, cocoa and groundnut revenue ensured regional development. “During that era, oil revenue wasn’t yet in the picture, yet these regions thrived. When oil was discovered in the Niger Delta, the people of the region were not given the same opportunities to benefit. The federal government took control, but the people were left behind.”
Senator Friday also highlighted the region’s struggles with employment and federal representation.
“When Nigeria gained independence, only one person from Rivers State, Amakri, held a position in the federal service. While other regions sent people abroad for training, the Niger Delta was left out. Today, we are still fighting for employment opportunities for our people. And when recruitment happens, federal character principles are ignored in favor of population size, which works against us.”
He further dismissed claims that opinion leaders and host community leaders were responsible for the region’s woes. “Who are those and what level of empowerment have those Bucha been given that they will now take back to their people? I don’t even know them. I don’t see them. Who among the Bucha of the Niger Delta has an oil block?”