Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Societies Dissociates from Planned Protest

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Societies, representing various youth and women organizations across the Niger Delta and South-South regions, has unequivocally dissociated itself from a planned protest being promoted by certain factions within the regions.

In a statement signed by Comrade Israel Uwejeyan on behalf of the coalition, they emphasized that it does not endorse or support the protest, which it views as an attempt to cause disruption and chaos under the guise of representing the interests of the Niger Delta and South-South regions.

In a joint press conference, the coalition urged its members and affiliates to refrain from participating in the planned protest.

The organizations stressed the importance of pursuing their objectives through dialogue, constructive engagement, and lawful means, warning that uncoordinated protests could be hijacked by unscrupulous elements.

The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to peace, development, and good governance, and called on security agencies to ensure the regions’ peace and security are not compromised.

“ It has come to our attention that there are calls for a protest aimed at causing disruption and chaos under the guise of representing the interests of the Niger Delta and South-South regions. We categorically state that we do not endorse or support this protest in any form. Our respective organizations represent the voices of peace, progress, and unity, and we are committed to pursuing our objectives through dialogue, constructive engagement, and lawful means.

“ We urge all our members and affiliates to refrain from participating in this planned protest. It is imperative that we recognize the potential harm such actions could bring to our communities. Protests that are not well-coordinated and that do not have a clear, lawful mandate can easily be hijacked by unscrupulous elements seeking to exploit genuine grievances for their selfish ends. We must remain vigilant and not allow our noble causes to be undermined by those who do not have the best interests of our people at heart.

“ Our organizations have worked tirelessly to foster peace, development, and good governance within the Niger Delta and South-South regions. We believe that true progress can only be achieved through sustained efforts at building dialogue, understanding, and collaboration with all stakeholders, including the government and private sector. Resorting to protests that are likely to devolve into chaos and violence is counterproductive and detrimental to the progress we have collectively achieved.

“ We are committed to resisting any attempts by selfish individuals or groups to incite unrest and destabilize our regions. Our focus remains on empowering our youth and women, advocating for good governance, and promoting peace and reconciliation. We stand united in our resolve to ensure that the aspirations of our people are realized through peaceful and legitimate means.

“We call upon the security agencies to be vigilant and ensure that the peace and security of our regions are not compromised by the planned protest. We also urge all well-meaning citizens of the Niger Delta and South-South regions to remain calm and not be swayed by provocative rhetoric and unfounded allegations.” They said.