Niger Delta Ex-Militants Oppose Nationwide Protests, Pledge Loyalty to President Tinubu
On Friday, September 27, 2024, over 30,000 ex-militants from the Niger Delta region gathered in Warri, Delta State, to express their firm opposition to the planned nationwide protests set for October 1st. Representing various groups across the nine Niger Delta states, the former militants made it clear that no protests would be tolerated in their region. They warned residents against participation in the demonstrations, stating that the motives behind the protest were driven by selfish interests.
This meeting, organized under the auspices of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, was spearheaded by its Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro. The ex-agitators voiced their support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing optimism that the current government would address the issues confronting the Niger Delta.
Call for Peaceful Engagement with the Government
Dr. Otuaro, speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order in the Niger Delta. He underscored the need for constructive dialogue and collaboration with the Federal Government as the most effective way to bring about the region’s development.
"The people of the Niger Delta will not participate in any form of protest," Otuaro stated. "The challenges we face can and will be resolved through peaceful engagement with President Tinubu's administration. However, we must ensure that our region is not used as a platform for protests that serve selfish motives."
Otuaro highlighted the importance of stability in the region, noting that sustained peace is crucial for the success of ongoing and future development initiatives. He called on the residents of the Niger Delta to focus on supporting government policies that would bring tangible improvements to their communities.
Opposition to Protests Rooted in Regional Security Concerns
One of the key reasons behind the ex-militants’ opposition to the nationwide protests is the potential disruption to regional security. Dr. Otuaro and the ex-agitators emphasized that allowing protests in the Niger Delta could lead to instability, which in turn would hinder the progress of development efforts in the area.
He further stated, "We have a responsibility to maintain the peace and security of our region. Allowing protests here would not only jeopardize our security but also derail the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the welfare of our people."
Support for Federal Government Initiatives
In addition to their calls for peace, the ex-militants reaffirmed their loyalty to President Tinubu's administration and pledged their continued support for the Federal Government’s initiatives in the Niger Delta. According to Otuaro, the current administration is committed to addressing the grievances of the region and delivering meaningful progress. He urged residents to remain patient and avoid actions that could disrupt ongoing efforts to improve the socio-economic conditions in the Niger Delta.
The Niger Delta ex-agitators’ stance comes amid rising tensions over the planned protests, which have been organized to highlight various national issues. However, with the firm opposition from key stakeholders in the Niger Delta, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.
This information was reported by Punch Newspaper on Saturday, September 28, 2024
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