The youths of Niger Delta has blamed their leaders for the numerous woes that is befalling the area.
Pan Niger Delta Youth Leadership Forum (PANDLEAF), the umbrella union of the youths in the area, says the leadership of the region over the years should take the blame for the problems and failures of the region.
PANDLEAF comprises the leadership of the various youth groups in the area.
It made this known on Tuesday in a meeting organised by its Coordinator, Mr Richard Akinaka, in Calabar.
In a statement signed by the secretary of PANDLEAF, Mr. Famous Daunemigha, and its Secretary, Mr Michael Ekpo, it stated that the time for accountability is now, the leaders of the region should be held accountable.
According to him, “We know that we have not been treated fairly within the comity of the Nigerian nation; it is our belief that the problem of our region is more of the leadership failure.
“ It is on this note that while we want to engage the Federal Government, we want to hold past and present leaders of the region accountable for the resources and opportunities they have wasted.
Continuing, “We have had our own self-appraisal and found out that it is not showing anywhere in the region.
“So, as a people, we are also condemning ourselves for not managing the resources well,’’ he stated.
PANDLEAF also thanked the federal government on the proposed modular refinery, but urged them to remove bottlenecks that are associated with licensing to enable individuals/companies to set up the refineries with ease.
They said if this is done it will accelerate the progress and economic growth of the region, while criticising the concession of Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, without considering the people of the region.
The forum also praise the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for the relocation of the headquarters of International Oil Companies (IOCs) to their areas of operation.
“We are also using this medium to assure the IOCs and governments at all levels, of our commitment to work with security agencies to provide the enabling environment for them to do their businesses peacefully. The forum concluded.
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