Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Oppose Planned Protests on October 1st
WARRI/Nigeria: In a significant show of solidarity, over 30,000 ex-agitators from the Niger Delta region have voiced their opposition to the planned protests scheduled for October 1st across Nigeria. The repentant militants declared their intention to prevent any demonstrations within the region during this time.
The announcement came during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Presidential Amnesty Programme, led by Dr. Dennis Otuaro, in Warri, Delta State. The gathering culminated a three-day forum held at the KFT Hall in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area. During the meeting, the leaders of the ex-agitators urged the local populace to abstain from participating in protests, assuring them that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to addressing the region’s challenges.
Dr. Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Program, announced that the Federal Government has awarded a contract for the rehabilitation of the critical East-West Road to a Chinese construction firm, with work expected to commence shortly. He emphasized the need for the people of the Niger Delta to resist calls for protests, stating that peace and stability are vital for the region’s development.
“The East-West Road, a major artery in the Niger Delta, has been awarded, and work will begin soon,” Dr. Otuaro confirmed. “The President is committed to the Niger Delta, and we must support his efforts to foster development in our region. The Niger Delta people will not be part of any protest. The problems here will be resolved by the President, but we must ensure our region is not used as a base for protests.”
Highlighting the importance of community involvement, Dr. Otuaro called for collective responsibility among residents to maintain peace. “It is in our hands to keep the Niger Delta secure and support the Federal Government’s efforts to improve our communities,” he added.
General Paul Elvis, a prominent leader among the ex-agitators, echoed this sentiment, advocating for dialogue and cooperation over conflict. “Peace cannot be attained in a place of war. We must understand that violence leads only to destruction and suffering in our communities,” he stated, urging stakeholders to prioritize peaceful resolutions to grievances.
Elder T.K. Ogoruba, another influential figure in the region, stressed the need for the federal government to address the longstanding demands of the Niger Delta to prevent a resurgence of protests. He pointed out that demonstrations have been a consistent response to governmental neglect since 1949, warning that the underlying issues remain unresolved.
Ogoruba remarked, “We must maintain peace, but let’s not forget that protests have been ongoing since 1949. The signs are clear, and protests will continue if nothing changes.” He emphasized that the government is aware of the region’s demands for fair treatment, infrastructural development, and environmental remediation.
Reflecting on the history of protests in the region, Ogoruba stated, “Protests are not alien to the Niger Delta. We have protested for decades, and our grievances are well-known. We want to give opportunities to the people appointed by the President to ensure we receive the dividends of democracy.”
In conclusion, the leaders of the ex-agitators called on the authorities to act swiftly to meet the needs of the Niger Delta to sustain peace and stability in the oil-rich region, underscoring the critical need for constructive engagement rather than conflict.
