Group warns Ijaw youths against antagonism; another, harps on brotherhood

A group under the aegis of Niger Delta Conscience Coalition [NDCC] has admonished Ijaw youths against intimidating federal appointees from Akwa Ibom state currently at the employ of Niger Delta affairs, describing their agitations as ‘uncalled for, sectional, divisive’ and ‘unacceptable’.

These were contained in their press statement read by the president of the group, Mr. Aniefiok Obot, during a press conference held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital yesterday.

The group specifically warned that no harm should be done to the Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Godswill Akpabio and the recently appointed interim administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission [NDDC], Mr. Effiong Akwa.

According to them, the antagonism has become uncalled for as they would not fold their arms and watch certain groups, sections and communities in other Niger Delta states ‘harass’ Akpabio and Akwa and other appointees from Akwa Ibom, as they reasoned that, no state in the Niger Delta was more important than other states, noting that Akwa Ibom has  equal stake with the Ijaws.

“Therefore, this group takes exception at the attitude of entitlement displayed by certain groups, sections, communities against and towards our appointed representatives in the running of the affairs of the Niger Delta whether it is at the centre or at the regional level of the Niger Delta Development Commission [NDDC].

“There has lately been an inundation of the political space from Abuja to Port Harcourt with spates of protest from the youths of Ijaw extraction of the Niger Delta against the office and person of the interim administrator of the NDDC and Minister of the Niger Delta Ministry.

“The voiceless and faceless orchestrators of anarchy towards the Federal Minister, Godswill Akpabio and the Interim Management of the NDDC should either desist or think twice because sometimes the lion that would consume the deer may not even be the one that roars.

“We sound a note of warning that we are watching events keenly and that no harm should come to the persons and offices of both the Honourable Minister and the Interim Administrator through these orchestrated protests or their faceless sponsors,” they said.

The group pledged its unalloyed support to the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, and urged all Niger Delta people to align with Akpabio and Akwa to move the region forward.

Meanwhile, another group known as Oro Progressive Movement [OPM] has called on all warring groups in the Niger Delta, to sheath swords and see themselves as brothers by supporting those appointed to manage the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission, irrespective of which state the person comes from within the Region.

In a statement signed by its national President and Secretary, Ken Edet Bassey and Effiong Asawana and made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday, they noted that the people of the region should unite in support of Mr. President in his determination and commitment at finding lasting solution to the problems of the Niger Delta Region.

“We draw the attention of our protesting brothers to conscientiously bear in mind, the historical bond and brotherhood that binds us together in the Niger Delta region and indeed the entire country. In unity, let’s support President Muhammadu Buhari’s commendable efforts at finding lasting solution to the problems affecting the NDDC and the Niger Delta communities. We are brothers.

“We urge our fellow brothers in the region to forthwith desist from unwarranted attacks on the person/office of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief, the Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Interim Administrator.”