Call for Inclusivity: APC South- South Youth Council Condemns NDDC Exclusionary Practices

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By Stephen Asaba-ase

The National Coordinator of APC South-South Youth Council (APC SSYC) has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) led by the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and the Chairman, NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie Esq, for the successful hosting of the recent Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit –Including Technical Session and the just concluded NDDC Executive Management Engagement Conference with Ethnic Nationalities, Youth and Women Groups at Horlinkins Event Centre, Port Harcourt, on 30th July, 2024.

In a press statement issued and signed by the National Coordinator of (APC.SSYC), Comrade Preye Tambou, Hon. Ben Okung PhD, Secretary on 31th July 2024 faulted the commission for not inviting critical youth leaders of the party in the region. The statement stated, “we cannot ignore the egregious oversight of deliberately excluding APC critical youth leaders from the stakeholders engagement process. This blatant disregard for inclusivity is a stark reminder of the commission’s selective approach to development”.

The statement further reads, “”We have watched with a growing concern as the NDDC consistently marginalises APC youth stakeholders, denying them a seat at the table and a voice in the development of the region. This is unacceptable and tantamount to a betrayal of trust. The APC youth wing is a formidable force in the region, and our exclusion will not be taken lightly.

“We condemn this act of exclusion in the strongest possible terms. The NDDC must recognize that APC youth leaders and young stakeholders are not mere spectators but vital stakeholders who demand a place in the decision-making process. We will not be silenced or ignored. We demand a comprehensive review of the NDDC’s engagement strategy to ensure inclusivity and fairness.

“We expect a swift response and corrective action from the NDDC leadership to address this glaring omission and ensure that all stakeholders, including APC youth leaders, are carried along in the commission’s activities.

“However, failure to address this issue will receive swift and decisive action. We will mobilise our members, engage in mass protests, and explore all legal avenues to ensure that our voices are heard and our rights are respected” he added.