A pan-Nigerian group, the Niger Delta People’s Congress, has called on the northerners and the Yoruba living in the region to disregard the October 1, 2017 quit notice given by a Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators.
This, Chief Mike Loyibo, convener of the NDPC said in an interview that the statement allegedly made by the militants’ group was not a true representation of the position of elders, leaders and people of the region.
He said the Niger Delta leaders believed in one Nigeria where every citizen is free to live, visit, and go about their business in any part of the country.
Loyibo, however, called on the National Assembly, to as a matter of urgency; revisit the issue of devolution of power to states.
He condemned the alleged action of the federal lawmakers voting against power devolution had heated up the polity, insisting that right steps should be taken to restore confidence and trust among Nigerians.
Loyibo stated, ”The good people of the Niger Delta region have always been peace-loving and accommodating. We see strengths and opportunities in diversity rather than divisions.
”The statement allegedly made by a Niger Delta militants’ group is not a true representation of our position. We believe in one Nigeria where every citizen is free to live, visit or do business in any part of the country. Hate speeches will never take us anywhere.
”Despite years of oppression, our region has remained resolute and committed to one Nigeria where justice, equity and peace reign.
”The statement should be disregarded and all Nigerians should feel free in the Niger Delta region.”
He also expressed disagreement with the issuance of quit notice by the northern youths on the Igbo people.
Loyibo added, ”We of the Niger Delta are peace loving people irrespective of the trauma we have gone through over the decades. We still believe that peace is the only way forward. This type of peace can only be achieved through reasonable dialogue by engaging acceptable and strategic stakeholders from the affected communities.
”Our suggestion is that such a dialogue should be conducted urgently in a transparent manner. While we advise the northerners and Yoruba group to renounce their statement on Igbo quit notice and allow peace to reign in our country.
”Note that when the youth make statements, they are speaking for the silent elders. I am appealing to all concerned that we need peace. Else the oil companies oil companies we expect to develop our areas would not come, while existing ones would relocate operations elsewhere.
Loyibo, however, urged all regions show respect and stop treating others (zones) as a second citizen, even as he admonished youths to tread with caution and support the current Federal Government led by President Buhari to bring development to the region and address all the issues raised.’
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