By Fatima Saka
Senator Konbowei Benson Friday, representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, has strongly criticized the government’s neglect of oil-producing states, describing their plight to that of a woman abandoned by her partner.
Speaking to journalists after his contribution to Senator Banigo’s motion on the Senate floor in Abuja on Thursday, Senator Friday lamented the continued environmental degradation and economic hardship in the Niger Delta region.
“Nigeria is behaving like a man who only cares about having children but neglects his wife’s well-being. He enjoys the benefits of the marriage but does not provide for her welfare, her revitalization, or her sustenance,” he said.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing the challenges in the region.
“We cannot continue addressing these issues in a piecemeal manner. There must be a holistic study to ensure long-term solutions. My greatest fear—and the fear of our people is that while Nigeria talks about economic diversification, the Niger Delta remains abandoned.”
The senator drew historical comparisons, recalling how, in the 1950s and 1960s, cocoa and groundnut revenue ensured regional development.
“During that era, oil revenue wasn’t yet in the picture, yet these regions thrived. When oil was discovered in the Niger Delta, the people of the region were not given the same opportunities to benefit. The federal government took control, but the people were left behind.”
He also highlighted the region’s struggles with employment and federal representation.
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“When Nigeria gained independence, only one person from Rivers State, Amakri, held a position in the federal service. While other regions sent people abroad for training, the Niger Delta was left out. Today, we are still fighting for employment opportunities for our people. And when recruitment happens, federal character principles are ignored in favor of population size, which works against us.”
Senator Friday’s remarks underscore the long-standing grievances of the Niger Delta people, who continue to demand fair treatment and development initiatives that match the wealth extracted from their land.
