The leadership of the Niger Delta Youth Council worldwide on Monday averted what would have become a protracted and lingering protest against the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over allegations bothering on unilateral decisions that do not carry the youths and indigenes of the region along.
Addressing the irate youths in their thousands at the Unity Fountain Abuja, the National Coordinator of NDYC Engr. Abido Jator cautioned the youths to eschew acts of violence and embrace peace especially at this critical time in the history of Nigeria, adding further that peace is an inevitable part of social and economic development.
According to the National Coordinator, “as law abiding citizens and Niger Deltans, we have seen enough violence and it’s impact to learn to tow the path of peace now. Engaging in acts capable of destroying the fragile peace currently enjoyed in the Niger Delta region and indeed Nigeria is a costly mistake that shouldn’t be contemplated”.
Engr. Jator Abido promised the aggrieved youths that he will use his position and influence to intervene in the matter for a quick resolution of the misunderstanding.
While pledging to wade into the matter and settle it within the shortest possible time, the National Coordinator asked the youth to hold him responsible if the Commission fails to address their needs.
“I have confidence in the present management and Board of NDDC and I can assure you that I’ll personally table your grievances and I can confidently say hold me responsible if your grievances are not addressed as soon as possible. You should therefore remain calm and law abiding as everything will be fine in no distant time. As you all know, the present Board of NDDC is a brain child of the agitations of youth groups and Civil Society Organisations so they cannot fail us”, the statement added.
Present at Unity Fountain, venue of the media briefing were members of the international and local media houses as well as notable youth leaders of the Niger Delta region including Comrade Bekkes Apere, Hon Kingsley Tamarenmiye, Comrade Kede Michael and Comrade Chinedu Livinus.
