Hardship: Niger Delta group distances self from planned protest

The Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Societies, representing various youth and women organizations across the Niger Delta and South-South regions, has dissociated itself from the planned protest being touted by certain factions within the regions.

The group in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan said the protest which is not well coordinated might be hijacked by hoodlums to destroy properties and create chaos.

They, however, called on the security agencies to be vigilant and ensure that the peace and security of the Niger Delta and South-South regions are not compromised by the planned protest.

“It has come to our attention that there are calls for a protest aimed at causing disruption and chaos under the guise of representing the interests of the Niger Delta and South-South regions. We categorically state that we do not endorse or support this protest in any form.

“Our respective organizations represent the voices of peace, progress, and unity, and we are committed to pursuing our objectives through dialogue, constructive engagement, and lawful means.

“We urge all our members and affiliates to refrain from participating in this planned protest. We must recognize the potential harm such actions could bring to our communities.

“Protests that are not well-coordinated and that do not have a clear, lawful mandate can easily be hijacked by unscrupulous elements seeking to exploit genuine grievances for their selfish ends. We must remain vigilant and not allow our noble causes to be undermined by those who do not have the best interests of our people at heart.

“Our organizations have worked tirelessly to foster peace, development, and good governance within the Niger Delta and South-South regions. We believe that true progress can only be achieved through sustained efforts at building dialogue, understanding, and collaboration with all stakeholders, including the government and private sector.

“Resorting to protests that are likely to devolve into chaos and violence is counterproductive and detrimental to the progress we have collectively achieved.

“We are committed to resisting any attempts by selfish individuals or groups to incite unrest and destabilize our regions. Our focus remains on empowering our youth and women, advocating for good governance, and promoting peace and reconciliation. We stand united in our resolve to ensure that the aspirations of our people are realized through peaceful and legitimate means.

“We call upon the security agencies to be vigilant and ensure that the peace and security of our regions are not compromised by the planned protest. We also urge all well-meaning citizens of the Niger Delta and South-South regions to remain calm and not be swayed by provocative rhetoric and unfounded allegations.

“In conclusion, we reiterate our commitment to peace, development, and good governance. We encourage all our members to continue to engage in constructive activities that promote the well-being of our communities. Together, we can build a prosperous and peaceful future for the Niger Delta and South-South regions,” the statement reads.

 

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