A group, the Niger Delta People’s Congress (NDPC), has called on Northerners and the Yoruba living in the region to disregard the October 1, 2017, quit notice given by a Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators (CNDA).
The CNDA had last Thursday asked northerners and Yoruba to leave the oil region before October 1 ahead of resumption of attacks on oil installations.
Convener of NDPC, Chief Mike Loyibo, said in an interview on Tuesday that the statement allegedly made by the militants’ group was not a true representation of the position of elders, leaders and people of the region.
He said the Niger Delta leaders believe in one Nigeria where every citizen is free to live, visit or do business in any part of the country.
The Niger Delta leader, however, called on the National Assembly, to as a matter of urgency, revisit the issue of devolution of power to states.
He contended that the alleged action of the federal lawmakers voting against power devolution had heated up the polity, insisting that right steps should be taken to restore confidence and trust among Nigerians.
Loyibo stated, ”The good people of the Niger Delta region have always been peace-loving and accommodating. We see strengths and opportunities in diversity rather than divisions.
”The statement allegedly made by a Niger Delta militants’ group is not a true representation of our position. We believe in one Nigeria where every citizen is free to live, visit or do business in any part of the country. Hate speeches will never take us anywhere.
”Despite years of oppression, our region has remained resolute and committed to one Nigeria where justice, equity, and peace reign.
”The statement should be disregarded and all Nigerians should feel free in the Niger Delta region.”
He also expressed disagreement with the issuance of quit notice by the Northern youths on the Igbo people.
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