By SIMON EBEGBULEM
BENIN— HUNDREDS of youths of Edo State, yesterday, barricaded the gate of Benin Airport, protesting the non-appointment of a representative for the state on the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

The youths, who described the failure to appoint a state representative to the board as unconstitutional and a setback for NDDC projects in the state, gave a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to announce the appointment or activities of federal establishments in the state would be disrupted.

Meanwhile, the choice of a representative might be difficult as Governor Adams Oshiomhole; Chairman, Board of Trustees of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih and Senator Ehigie Uzamere, all submitted nominees for the position.

The protesting youths, led by Mr. Iyamu Osaro, disrupted activities for over two hours at the airport. Some of the placards they carried read: “Edo youths says no to marginalisation,” “We want NDDC Commissioner,” “President Jonathan should appoint Edo NDDC Commissioner,” “Stop playing politics with our lives,” among others.

Osaro said: “We urge President Jonathan to give us Edo State NDDC commissioner within 21 days. Failure to do so will result in the barricading of all federal parastatals in the state.”