Youths Demand Removal Of NIWA Boss Over Alleged Marginalization

Activities were completely grounded in Lokoja, Kogi State capital,at the weekend, as hundreds of youths took to the streets demanding the immediate removal of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.

The protesters accused Oyebamiji of marginalizing Lokoja indigenes in employment, contracts, and key decision-making within the agency, despite the city being the host community of NIWA’s national headquarters.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “President Tinubu, Remove NIWA MD/CEO Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji” and “Lokoja Indigenes Are Marginalized by NIWA Management,” the demonstrators marched peacefully through major streets in the state capital.

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Speaking on behalf of the protesters, their leader, Comrade Muhammed Ali, said the people of Lokoja had been patient for too long despite being sidelined by NIWA’s leadership.

“We are peaceful citizens, but our patience has been overstretched. Lokoja hosts NIWA’s headquarters, yet our people are excluded from opportunities. We are calling on President Tinubu to intervene and remove the current MD,” he said.

The protesters later visited the palace of the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, who received them and commended their peaceful conduct.

Reacting to the allegations, the royal father expressed disappointment over the NIWA boss’s alleged disregard for traditional institutions.

“I have made several attempts to reach Mr. Oyebamiji over these same issues. I called him several times, but he refused to answer or return my calls. I even invited him to my palace, but he ignored the invitation. It is unfortunate that he has no respect for traditional rulers,” the monarch lamented.

The Maigari, however, praised the youths for standing up for justice and fairness, assuring them that their grievances would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities. He also urged them to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

Comrade Ali further appealed to Kogi State’s representatives in the National Assembly, including Senator Sunday Karimi and Hon. Abdullahi Halims Aguye, to intervene in ensuring fair representation of Lokoja indigenes in NIWA’s activities.

“Nepotism must stop. We demand fairness, justice, and inclusiveness in NIWA’s affairs. The current favoritism toward individuals from the Southwest is unacceptable,” he added.