In response to claims of the marginalization of Edo State from federal projects, the National Assembly has summoned the Minister of Niger Delta, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, to appear before its House Committee on Public Petition on Wednesday, 7 March 2024.
The summons came after the Benin National Congress (BNC) submitted a confidential memo to the Nigerian President, copied to the National Assembly, the Benin Monarch, the Oba of Benin, and Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The Standard Gazette first brought attention to the secret memo on 7 January 2024, revealing its contents after a source disclosed it.
The memo contends that the Edo North Senatorial district, constituting approximately 25 percent of the population with six Local Government Areas, has experienced marginalization.
The sentiment reportedly arose following the appointments of Dr Tony Aiyejina and Mr Isah Shaka Ehimeakne from Edo North to key positions in the National Population Commission (NPC) and INEC REC in Edo State, respectively.
The document further points out the concentration of political positions from Edo North, including the Majority Leader of the Federal House of Reps, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, and the Minister of the Niger-Delta Ministry.
Additionally, the memo sheds light on the projects listed in the Federal Government’s proposed 2024 National budget, emphasizing a perceived bias favouring Edo North.
Notable allocations include N1.50 billion for the construction of the 45km Okpella North, Ibie – Agenobode Road, Phase 1 in Edo State, and N800 million for the construction of classrooms in the 9 Niger Delta States.
The National Assembly House Committee on Public Petition issued a formal summons to Engr.
Abubakar Momoh on Wednesday, 21 February, instructing him to appear in person on Thursday, 7 March 2024, at 2 pm.
The notice reminded Momoh to adhere to NCDC protocols and provided the venue as the House of Representatives Room 429 (New Wing).
The committee warned that if the Minister fails to attend the hearing, the case may be heard or determined in his absence.
