Makaraba Community Writes Buhari Open Letter, Seeks Appointment Of Indigenes Into NDDC

Makaraba community, a host community to Chevron OML 49 in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, has written an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to appoint indigenes of the community into the next board of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

The group, however lamented the gross marginalization of the community by successive governments despite being one of the oldest oil producing community in the Niger Delta region.

An open letter by Mr. Jacob Udi, Esq. on behalf of Captain Wilson Makaraba Bubor, (Chairman Makaraba Community), for himself and entire community, lamented the deplorable state of things in the community despite being a sustainable oil producing community and the host community to Chevron (Nig.) Ltd, the operator of Makaraba Oil Field (OML 49), with 34 oil Wells.

They said that Makaraba community, produces over 40% of the total oil production in Nigeria, and has substantially contributed to the country’s revenue generation, yet has nothing to show for its contribution to the nation’s wealth.

The letter lamented that indigenes of Makaraba community have never be considered worthy and/or lucky to occupied any positions in the Nigerian Oil sector, or been appointed as member of the NDDC Board, that is set up cater for indigenes of oil producing community, nor any gainfully employed as staff of the Niger Delta Ministry.

The letter reads in parts; “Your Excellency, it is apposite at this medium to recount Makaraba community’s marginalization ordeal, your Excellency, it all started in the year 1978 when Guff Oil Company, started oil exploration and exploitation in Makaraba community till Chevron Nig. Ltd inherited the Makaraba Oil Field (OML 49), which Chevron is operating till date, however, the people of Makaraba community, have perpetually absolved, inhaled, consumed and swallowed every debris, grunt, fouls, hazardous, obnoxious and noxious pollutions emitted and associated with oil exploration and exploitation, yet no indigene of Makaraba community occupy management position in Chevron Nig. Ltd, aside her total neglect to pay land rent, fair and adequate compensation due to the community for the decades of her operation in Makaraba community.

“Your Excellency, in all of this ordeals, the people of Makaraba community, hosting 34 Oil Wells, has not enjoyed government patronage in the area of infrastructural development, social amenities, Makaraba community like other oil producing communities, has government faithful and ardent supporters that are qualified either by academic credentials, professional qualification, loyalty to the government of the day and social status to be appointed into key oil sectors, ministerial positions and member of the NDDC Board, in all ramifications.

“Your Excellency, the people of Makaraba community are unhappy at the non inclusion of Makaraba community indigenes in the composition of previous NDDC Board members, continuous marginalization of her indigenes in previous Federal appointments by past administrations and the operator of Makaraba Oil Field (OML 49), despite being one of the major oil producing communities in Nigeria.

While urging President Buhari to use his good office to remedy the abnormally, the people said appointment of their sons into the next NDDC board would go a long way to ameliorate their present plight.

They however commended the President for the various genuine steps taken so far to ensure transparency, equity, accountability in the affairs of NDDC.

The community further appealed to Buhari to “remedy the past administrations’ marginalization of Makaraba indigenes and appoint indigenes of the community into the next NDDC Board, in the interest of equity, stability, justice, equilibrium and the principle of ‘to whom much is given much is expected’ as such appointment would go a long way in addressing the ills of the perpetual marginalization of Makaraba people”.