Over 30,000 former agitators in the Niger Delta have rejected planned protests scheduled for October 1st, urging peaceful resolutions to the region’s longstanding challenges.
Speaking at a three-day stakeholders’ forum held in Effurun, Delta State, leaders of the ex-agitators emphasized their commitment to peace and development, vowing to prevent any demonstrations in the oil-rich region.
The meeting, organized by the Presidential Amnesty Programme and led by Dr. Dennis Otuaro, sought to encourage the people of the Niger Delta to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The forum expressed confidence in the President’s capacity to address the region’s grievances, including infrastructural and environmental issues.
In his address, Dr. Otuaro revealed that the Federal Government has awarded a contract to a Chinese construction company for the rehabilitation of the East-West Road, a vital artery in the Niger Delta.
He called on residents to resist calls for protests, stressing that peace and stability are essential for progress.
“The East-West Road will soon be under reconstruction, and the President has shown his commitment to the Niger Delta. We must not let our region be used for protests. Peace is in our hands,” Otuaro said, urging the region to engage constructively with the government.
Niger Delta leader Paul Elvis, also known as General Ogubos, echoed the call for peace. “Violence only brings destruction. We must embrace dialogue to resolve our grievances,” he said.
The former militant leader emphasized that the region’s issues could not be solved through war or unrest.
However, Elder T.K. Ogoruba, a prominent figure in the region, acknowledged that protests have historically been a response to neglect in the Niger Delta, dating back to the 1940s. While advocating for peace, Ogoruba urged the government to address the long-standing demands of the region, including fair treatment, development, and environmental remediation.
“Our concerns are well-known to the federal government. Protests have been part of our history, but with President Tinubu and the appointments of our sons, like Dr. Otuaro, we have hope. Now is the time for progress,” Ogoruba said.
The stakeholders passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and the appointments made under his administration, expressing optimism that the Niger Delta’s issues will be addressed.
The leaders urged residents to maintain peace as the region navigates its path towards development and stability.
