The Civil Society Coalition in Edo has publicly denounced recent protests concerning the appointment of a new managing director at the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORDA).
The coalition expressed its views during a news conference held on Monday in Benin City, with Comrade King David representing the group.
The protests, organized by the Indigenous People of Host Communities on February 11, took place at the headquarters of BORDA. Demonstrators from Obayantor II, Ekosa, Agbomwoba, and Awaboba communities demanded that the managing director position be awarded to a Benin indigene as compensation for hosting the agency.
David characterized the protest as a “misguided protest,” arguing that the demands overlook important historical context and the agency’s broader mandate. He emphasized, “BORDA represents four states: Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Delta,” and pointed out that Edo has held the managing director position five times since the agency’s establishment, more than any other represented state.
He further noted that some of these past directors were of Benin extraction, including the immediate past director, who completed an eight-year tenure and was of Edo origin.
David cautioned against attempting to monopolize leadership based on ethnic considerations, stating that such actions contradict the Federal Character Commission’s mandate.
He asserted that the protesters do not represent the interests of the Benin people, saying, “Benin is a people with integrity and highly regarded leaders to speak on behalf of their collective interests.”
Highlighting the well-structured legacy of traditional institutions in Benin, David urged the protesters to conduct thorough research before misinforming the public to advance a potentially self-serving political agenda. He called for an end to disruptive actions, emphasizing the importance of stability for the agency’s operations and regional development.
“We call on all individuals hiding under the guise of a legitimate protest to halt such actions immediately,” David stated, stressing that the newly appointed Managing Director, Dr. Femi Adekanbi, and his team should be allowed to assume their roles without delay.
In light of the protests, David appealed to security agencies, particularly the Commissioner of Police in Edo, to ensure the protection of BORDA’s facilities and personnel.
He warned that continued agitation could jeopardize BORDA’s presence in Edo State, stating, “Let us encourage development and growth in Edo State rather than pursuing self-serving ethnic protests with uninformed agendas.”
David concluded by urging the community to avoid actions that could lead to the relocation of BORDA from Edo State, which would further exacerbate the state’s industrial challenges.
