JUST- IN: Tinubu Receives ‘Death Threat’ As Niger Delta Elder Sends Deadly Threat To Him, Makes Difficult Demands
Veteran Niger Delta activist Sokari Soberekon has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lower fuel costs across Nigeria, with an emphasis on providing reduced prices to oil- producing states. Soberekon made this appeal during an interview with South- South PUNCH on Wednesday, in response to the ongoing rise in fuel prices.
Soberekon proposed setting a national fuel price of N700 per liter and a reduced rate of N500 per liter for regions he described as ” oil- producing on paper, ” but that receive limited benefits from the nation’ s oil resources.
He also advocated for a ” conscientious price” of N300 per liter for Rivers and Bayelsa states, where oil is actively produced and environmental damage is most severe.
Calling attention to Oloibiri town, where oil was first discovered 68 years ago, Soberekon urged that the community be prioritized for development projects aimed at oil- producing areas. He argued that Oloibiri, like many other parts of the Niger Delta, has been largely overlooked in terms of benefits from oil wealth.
Recalling his past efforts to address regional injustices through non- violent protests, Soberekon noted a peaceful demonstration he led during former President Shehu Shagari’ s visit to Port Harcourt, which contributed to establishing a 1. 3 percent oil derivation fund. He expressed frustration, however, over the lack of transparency regarding the fund, reportedly now totaling $6. 8 trillion, intended for oil- producing communities.
Soberekon affirmed his commitment to non- violence but expressed a strong emotional stance, saying he would rather sacrifice himself than endanger others if his people were continually deprived of fair treatment in oil revenue distribution. He added, however, that he trusts President Tinubu will take appropriate action to prevent such an outcome.
Reflecting on his perceived marginalization by the government, Soberekon referenced a biblical parable about a ” poor wise man” whose contributions go unrecognized. Despite this, he remains resolved in his advocacy, quoting Julius Caesar: ” I love the name of honour, more than I fear death. ”
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Soberekon also praised Tinubu’ s attentiveness to the Niger Delta, cautioning him to retain oversight of Nigeria’ s petroleum sector. He expressed optimism that Tinubu will uphold his responsibilities to the oil- producing communities, concluding with a blessing for the President’ s leadership.
