The Ijaw Community Abuja, under the aegis of the Ijaw Youth Council Abuja and the Coalition of Niger Delta groups, has called for the suspension of the nationwide protest against bad governance, News About Nigeria reports.
The group made this call at a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
Speaking at the conference themed ‘South Says No to Planned National Protest’, the chairman of the group, Alagba Ebifemowei, stated that the protest must end now to avoid further loss of lives and property, as witnessed on day one of the protest in parts of the country.
He disclosed that the government has been in dialogue with the leadership of the protesters to give peace a chance, stating that the government understands the plight of the people.
He also revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the group of his commitment, adding that they have been directed to effect the demands of the protesters.
He, therefore, urged the youths to consider the dialogue the federal government has offered them.
“We are also aware that the government has been in dialogue with the leadership of the protesters to give peace a chance and have a rethink as the government understands the plight of the people and has resolved to find a lasting solution to their demands.
“Mr. President has reassured us of his commitment and given directives to affect the demands of the protesters.
“We, as a coalition of Niger Delta groups, also lend our voices to give the government a little more time.
“The Niger Delta region is the most volatile in the country and our leaders from the region have spoken to us and asked for calm and we chose to remain calm, because the Presidential Amnesty Programme is, on course, ably led by Chief Dennis Otuaro and has also pleaded with the Niger Deltans to remain calm,” he stated.
