…Violence Leads to Destruction, Suffering
By Frank Efe, Warri
Some 30,000 youths from the Niger Delta region have urged their communities to abstain from the planned October 1 protest as a mark of goodwill on the Federal Government’s recent award of the East-West Road rehabilitation contract to a Chinese construction company.
This call came after a three-day stakeholders’ forum organised by the office of the Presidential Amnesty Program, PAP, held at KFT Event Centre in Effurun, Delta State.
It would be recalled that women leaders of the region had also rejected the planned protest, insisting that the current administration deserves support for its ongoing reform.
Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Program, who announced the contract during the forum revealed that construction will commence shortly.
He therefore urged residents to resist any calls for protests, stressing that the peace and stability of the Niger Delta depend on their collective efforts.
“The East-West Road is a crucial infrastructure in the Niger Delta, and the President is committed to our development. We must support his initiatives to foster growth in our region. The problems of the Niger Delta will be addressed, but we must ensure our region is not a battleground for protests,” Dr. Otuaro said.
Echoing this sentiment, Niger Delta leader Paul Elvis, also known as General Ogubos, called for peace, noting that conflict is not the answer to the region’s challenges, stating, “violence only leads to destruction and suffering. We must address our grievances through dialogue.”
Elder T.K. Ogoriba, another prominent Niger Delta leader, reminded attendees that protests have been a recurring theme in the Niger Delta’s history, dating back to 1949.
He cautioned that protests will only continue if the federal government does not address longstanding issues, including fair treatment and infrastructural development.
“We must maintain peace, but let’s not forget that protests have always been part of our struggle. The federal government knows what we need, and it’s crucial they act swiftly to sustain stability in our oil-rich region,” Ogoriba urged.
As the youth and leaders call for constructive engagement rather than protests, the emphasis remains on fostering cooperation and dialogue to address the Niger Delta’s challenges effectively.
