On Friday, over 30,000 former agitators from the Niger Delta expressed their opposition to the planned nationwide protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, scheduled for October 1.
The youth, representing a significant collective voice, declared their intention to prevent any protests from occurring in the region on that date.
The repentant agitators conveyed their stance through their leaders during the third day of a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which was led by Dr. Dennis Otuaro, in Warri, Delta State.
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They urged the people of the Niger Delta to disregard the upcoming protests, assuring them that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to addressing the region’s challenges.
In his earlier remarks, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, announced that the Federal Government has awarded a contract for the rehabilitation of the East-West Road to a Chinese construction firm, with work set to begin shortly.
He encouraged the residents of the region to resist any calls for protests, emphasizing that the peace and stability of the Niger Delta depend on their collective actions.
Otuaro stressed the significance of upholding peace in the region, highlighting that constructive dialogue with the government is the most effective means to foster progress and development.
He stated, “The East-West Road, which serves as a vital artery in the Niger Delta, has been contracted to a Chinese company, and they will begin work shortly.”
“The President means well for the Niger Delta, and we must support his efforts to bring development to our region.
The Niger Delta people will not be part of any protest. The problems of the Niger Delta will be resolved by the President, but it is up to us to ensure our region is not used as a base for protests,” Dr. Otuaro stressed.
Niger Delta leader Paul Elvis, widely known as General Ogubos, emphasized the need for peace in the region, asserting that war is not the answer to its challenges.
The former militant leader underscored the significance of dialogue and collaboration in addressing conflicts.”Peace cannot be attained in a place of war.
We must understand that violence will only lead to more destruction and suffering in our communities,” he stated, urging stakeholders to prioritize peaceful resolutions to grievances.
“Our people have legitimate concerns, but we must channel these grievances through dialogue, not violence,” he averred.
Prominent Niger Delta leader Elder T.K. Ogoruba called on the Federal Government to address the region’s longstanding demands to prevent a resurgence of protests.
Ogoruba pointed out that protests have been a persistent reaction to neglect since April 1949, stating, “We must strive to maintain peace in the region, but we should not overlook the fact that protests have been occurring since 1949. The signs are evident, and protests will persist if there is no change.”
Ogoruba emphasized that the government is well aware of the region’s demands, which encompass equitable treatment, infrastructural development, and environmental restoration.
He urged the authorities to take prompt action to address these needs in order to maintain peace and stability in the oil-rich region.
