Group alleges marginalisation in recent NNPC promotions

The Ijaw Youths Council Worldwide (IYC) has alleged that Bayelsans were marginalised during the recent promotion in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The group also said the promotion list, which was reportedly signed by President Buhari is lopsided.

The IYC also wondered why Bayelsa state was left out, despite having five qualified managers in the NNPC.

According to Vanguard, the group’s spokesman, Eric Omare described the action of the NNPC management is an attack on the Ijaw nation.

Omare also said “Since assumption of office, President Buhari has been anti-Ijaw in his appointments in the deliberate exclusion of Bayelsa State from key federal appointments in fragrant violation of the federal character principle enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). It will be recalled that Buhari excluded Bayelsa State from his earlier appointment of Ambassadors. The IYC strongly feels that these actions are being taken to punish the Ijaw and Bayelsa people because of former President Jonathan who is an Ijaw and from Bayelsa State.

“The recent NNPC promotion exercise is one oppressive decision too many and very provocative considering the fact that the NNPC exists because of the oil resources found in Ijaw land. Buhari’s policy of exclusion must stop for Nigeria to make progress. The Ijaw people are being pushed to the wall and we may be forced to act. We demand that this oppressive and lopsided promotion in the NNPC against the Ijaw people should be immediately corrected in the interest of peace in Nigeria.”

The NNPC, on Monday, November 14, 2016, announced the appointment and redeployment of top management staff in a major reshuffle exercise.