Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Urgent Appeal for Equity and Inclusive Representation: Addressing the Marginalization of Rivers Ijaws in Federal Petroleum Sector Appointments
Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Aso Rock Villa,
Abuja.
Your Excellency,
We write with profound respect and unwavering loyalty to your administration's Renewed Hope Agenda, which has inspired millions across Nigeria with its promise of justice, fairness, and inclusive prosperity for all citizens.
As proud representatives of the Rivers Ijaws—a cornerstone community of Nigeria's oil-producing heartland—we have historically borne the environmental and social burdens of petroleum extraction while contributing immensely to the nation's economic lifeline. Our lands and waters have fueled Nigeria's growth for decades, yet equitable participation in the governance and benefits of this vital industry remains elusive.
It is with deep concern that we bring to your esteemed attention credible allegations of systemic exclusion and marginalization of Rivers Ijaws in recent federal appointments within the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the petroleum industry. Key institutions such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)—critical to policy, regulation, and operational oversight—appear to reflect a troubling pattern of under-representation from our community.
These developments, reportedly influenced by the actions and decisions of prominent political figures including the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have fostered a sense of deliberate sidelining. Such imbalances not only undermine the principles of federal character and equity enshrined in our Constitution but also risk eroding trust, exacerbating regional tensions, and hindering the full potential of Nigeria's petroleum sector at a time when unity and inclusive expertise are paramount for sustainable growth.
Your Excellency, true national progress demands that host communities—particularly those in the Niger Delta like the Rivers Ijaws—are meaningfully represented at decision-making tables. Fair inclusion ensures diverse perspectives, safeguards local interests, promotes environmental stewardship, and fosters the social license essential for industry stability and investment.
In light of this, we humbly and earnestly implore your leadership to:
- Direct a thorough, impartial review of recent appointments in the petroleum sector, with particular focus on representation from Rivers Ijaw communities.
- Institute measures to restore balance, equity, and justice, ensuring that qualified sons and daughters of our people are accorded their rightful place.
- Reaffirm your administration's commitment to inclusive governance by prioritizing merit-based opportunities that reflect Nigeria's rich diversity.
We remain fully committed to your Renewed Hope Agenda and stand ready to partner with your government in advancing peace, development, and prosperity for all Nigerians. Your intervention in this matter would not only rectify perceived injustices but also strengthen national cohesion and demonstrate your unwavering dedication to fairness for every ethnic group and region.
We respectfully await your prompt and favorable consideration, confident that under your visionary leadership, equity will prevail and the Rivers Ijaws will once again feel the embrace of true belonging in our shared federation.
Yours in steadfast loyalty and national service,
Barr. Tamunotonye Jumbo
Publicity Secretary
Ijaw Unity Group for Transparency and Justice
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