The Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI) has called on Niger Delta ex-agitators, civil society organizations (CSOs), and youths to withdraw from the planned nationwide protest.
The pro-Ijaw group cited concerns that common enemies are planning to hijack the protest, to cause fresh hostility to blackmails leaders of the region.
The move was uncovered following the campaign of calumny against the region by the common enemies who are interested in the pipeline surveillance jobs, citing that the region is seriously engulfed by Oil theft and high level of pipeline vandalism.
The statement signed by its National president, Comrade Ozobo Austin and Comrade Peter Luke, secretary stressed, “some common enemies want to use the protest as a medium to fulfil their evil plans to put the region in a conflict and more hardship. We must reject it and should not allow strangers and dubious people to turn our region into a battlefield”, IPDI stated.
The group noted that the country is deeply undergoing a serious hunger, hardship and starvation but emphasised that the genuine intention of the national protest has been misplaced with ulterior motives by common enemies in Niger Delta, sponsoring certain groups to use the medium to cause fresh hostilities in the Niger Delta.
The IPDI expressed worry that the protest could be exploited by external forces, resulting in violence and instability in the region. They emphasised the need for caution and restraint, urging stakeholders, youths , ex-agitators and civil rights groups to prioritise peace and dialogue.
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Meanwhile, the organisation’s statement comes amidst various groups preparing for the a nationwide protest, scheduled for August 1-10. IPDI’s appeal seeks to prevent potential chaos, and to protect the interests of the Niger Delta people.
IPDI’s latest move hopes to avoid any actions that might be detrimental to the region and its residents. They advocated for alternative channels of engagement, such as constructive dialogue, to address grievances and promote development in the Niger Delta.
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