Group cautions Ijaw youths against harassing Akpabio, NDDC Sole Administrator

Oro Progressive Movement urges unity in N’Delta region
The Niger Delta Conscience Coalition (NDCC) has cautioned Ijaw youths against harassing Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, and Sole Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Effiong Akwa, describing their protests as ‘uncalled for, sectional, divisive and unacceptable’.

President of the group, Aniefiok Obot, stated this at a media briefing in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State yesterday, warning that no harm must be done to Akpabio and Akwa.

He said the protests that had trailed Akwa’s appointment were uncalled for, as they would not fold their hands and watch certain groups, sections and communities in other Niger Delta states ‘harass’ Akpabio, Akwa and other appointees from Akwa Ibom State.

“Lately, there have been agitations from Abuja to Port Harcourt from Ijaw youths of the Niger Delta against Akpabio and Akwa. The orchestrators of the protests against them should desist and think twice, because sometimes the lion that would consume the deer may not even be the one that roars,” he said.

MEANWHILE, the Oro Progressive Movement (OPM) has urged all warring groups in the Niger Delta to sheath their swords and see themselves as brothers by supporting those appointed to manage the NDDC, irrespective of which state the appointees hail from in the region.

In a statement issued by its National President, Ken Edet Bassey and and Secretary, Effiong Asawana in Uyo yesterday, the group noted that the people of the region should be united and support President Muhammadu Buhari in his determination and commitment to finding lasting solutions 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 the entire country.

“In unity, let us support President Buhari’s efforts at finding lasting solutions to the challenges in the NDDC and the Niger Delta communities, because we are brothers,” the statement added.