AVOID VIOLENCE, BASELESS PROTESTS; COOPERATE WITH AUTHORITIES – INC WESTERN ZONE CHAIRMAN CAUTIONS EX-AGITATORS IN ONDO STATE
Akure, Ondo State – The Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Western Zone (Delta, Edo and Ondo States), Barr. Priye Noel Kuete, LL.M, has called on ex-agitators in Ondo State to embrace peaceful engagement, avoid violence and refrain from baseless protests capable of undermining the peace and stability of the Niger Delta region.
Speaking during an interactive engagement with a cross-section of ex-agitators over the weekend at Ground Capital, GRA, Akure, Ondo State, Barr. Noel Kuete reminded participants of the principles of non-violence championed by the late American civil rights icon, Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing that peaceful dialogue remains the most effective means of resolving grievances and advancing legitimate demands.
According to him, the ex-agitators, having undergone rehabilitation and reintegration under the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme, were trained and oriented towards constructive engagement rather than confrontation.
“While you have every constitutional and moral right to demand what is due to you, such demands must be pursued through lawful, organized and peaceful channels. The era of violence and disorder is behind us. The Niger Delta struggle has evolved into strategic engagement, dialogue and advocacy,” Noel Kuete stated.
He advised the ex-agitators to organize themselves into recognized clusters and associations capable of engaging relevant authorities constructively. He further encouraged them to channel their concerns through delegations to the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, High Chief Dennis Otuaro, PhD, and other constituted authorities, rather than resorting to street protests or inflammatory social media campaigns.According to Kuete, High Chief Denise Otuaro PhD is a listener and very receptive hence should be meaningfully engaged.
The INC Western Zonal Chairman also urged the ex-agitators to conduct themselves responsibly in political activities, noting that Nigeria is presently navigating a critical transitional phase that requires maturity, tolerance and civic responsibility from all stakeholders.
Addressing security concerns, Barr. Priye Kuete called for heightened vigilance across the coastal communities of Ondo State, particularly among the Arogbo-Ijaw, Apoi and Ilaje people.
He expressed concern over the increasing security challenges facing various parts of the country and stressed the need for community participation in combating criminal activities.
“We must be security conscious at all times. Our coastal communities must not become safe havens for kidnappers, armed criminals and other undesirable elements. The rising incidents of kidnapping and related crimes are unacceptable. We all have a collective responsibility to safeguard lives and property within our communities,” he said.
During the engagement, the leader of the Niger Delta Non-Violence Volunteers, Ondo State Chapter, Comrade Yanyangbini Uyas, commended Barr. Kuete for initiating the interactive session and described the engagement as timely, informative and beneficial.
He appealed to the INC Western Zone Chairman to leverage his office and influence in engaging relevant authorities, particularly the Presidential Amnesty Programme, to improve the welfare of ex-agitators.
According to Yanyangbini, the current monthly stipend paid to beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme is no longer commensurate with prevailing economic realities and requires urgent review.
He further noted that many ex-agitators are university graduates who remain unemployed despite earlier expectations of job placements under the Amnesty framework. He appealed to the Federal Government, the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs to prioritize employment opportunities and educational advancement for qualified beneficiaries.
“Many of our members are graduates seeking opportunities for postgraduate studies and professional development. We urge the authorities to give them the necessary support and consideration,” Yanyangbini said.
He also advocated for the inclusion of qualified ex-agitators in security-related employment opportunities, particularly within pipeline surveillance and community security operations, noting that many possess valuable training and experience that could contribute positively to national security efforts.
Uyas used the occasion to reaffirm the support of his members for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, commending the company for its contributions to pipeline surveillance, environmental protection and the enhancement of security within the Niger Delta region.
He appealed to the Federal Government to sustain its support for initiatives that have contributed significantly to the protection of critical national assets and the promotion of peace within the region.
The meeting featured extensive discussions on peacebuilding, security, youth empowerment, welfare, education and community development. Participants expressed optimism that continuous engagement among stakeholders would strengthen trust, foster inclusion and promote sustainable peace across the Niger Delta.
The event concluded in an atmosphere of camaraderie, with participants sharing a meal, exchanging ideas and renewing their commitment to peaceful coexistence, community development and constructive engagement with government and relevant stakeholders.
