Ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria say representation at the forth-coming National dialogue should be based on ethnic nationalities rather than on geopolitical zones as being canvassed by sections of the country.
This was part of the resolutions at the Pan Niger Delta Conference (PMDC) organised by social action, a non-governmental organisation in Port Harcourt.
The conference which was attended by representatives of various ethnic groups in the Niger Delta, also said that the issue of ownership of resources not just by Niger Deltans but across the country must be put on the front burner at the conference.
The conference also urged for the issue of gas flaring and environmental pollution of the Niger Delta to be addressed.
Chairman of the opening session of the conference, Professor Ebiegberi J. Alagoa said that Nigeria must develop structures that guarantee justice to all its component parts.
According to him, “if we do a credible job for the Niger Delta it will reflect positively on the outcome of the conference for other ethnic nationalities as well.
“This implies that our Niger Delta proposition must comply with this principle of justice to all parties”, he said.
The Professor Emeritus said that a referendum of the Nigerian people as the source of approval or rejection of the recommendations of the national dialogue must be worked out.
Also speaking, the Director Social Development Integrated Centre (Social Action) Dr. Isaac Osuoka said that there is need for internal colonialism within the Nigerian State to be addressed.
“We must rebuild the Nigerian state on a proper foundation of equity and social justice”, stressing that ignoring this is postponing the dooms day.
Dr. Osuoka maintained that the 1999 constitution which gave birth to the fourth republic represents everything that is contrary to what the Nigerian peoples demand.
“Even though we have a president from the Niger Delta in Abuja at the moment the reality of a lopsided state structure has not changed.
“There is on-going pollution of our lands and waters and despoliation of resources of the Niger Delta”, he said.
