Why We Nominated Ogba In FG, Niger Delta Militants Dialogue.....NDYC
A non-violent youth group in the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta Youth Coalition (NDYC) has clarified why the body nominated the National Co-ordinator of the group as a member of the Federal Government, Niger Delta Avengers dialogue and other militant groups in the region.
National Secretary of NDYC, Dr. Joe Amakiri said in Port Harcourt over the weekend that for the dialogue to be successful, there was every need to involve the right persons who would not place their personal or political interest above that of the region or the nation.
He said NDYC is a foremost group with spread across the nine Niger Delta States championing for peaceful development of the region.
Unfortunately, he said, the group was unfairly sidelined in the Presidential Amnesty Programme adding that members had also not benefitted from the NDDC youth development programmes in spite its determined efforts.
Amakiri said though NDYC is opposed to violent actions, including the destruction of oil installations but that it has the capacity to reach youths in the region and can contribute meaningfully in the peace process aimed at lasting peace.
He emphasized that unless the right persons were involved, the dialogue would not be able to achieve the much desired success.
He urged the militants to whole heartedly embrace dialogue and stop further bombing of oil pipelines and also advised Federal Government to suspend arresting of community people as both parties have agreed to negotiation.
The group described Prince Ogba as a true son of the region who has passion for peace in the region and expressed confidence that if he is involved, he would make far-reaching inputs in view of his verse experience in peace campaign amongst youths in the region.
"We don't need Politician, we don't need those superrich activists. What we need are sincere and God fearing persons who believe in one united Nigeria but who also believe that fairness and justice remain the sure root to peaceful co-existence", he said, adding that pretenders and opportunists should not be allowed in the negotiation team.
Signed:
Dr. Joe Amakiri
National Secretary