The Revamp Niger Delta Now Movement has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming protest scheduled for August 1, 2024 in Bayelsa State.
The group revealed that the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government is listening to its demands and warned mischief-makers who have been impersonating the group to deceive the public to desist immediately.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Engr. Ebideke Atuwo, and its Contact Manager, Comr. Doubra Sien, the group said it is withdrawing from the protest due to concerns that criminals may infiltrate it to cause mayhem.
The statement reads in part: “For the record, our agitations and demands remain sincere, without any political coloration or undertone. We are neither faceless nor sponsored by any political party, leader, or individual; our focus is solely on the interest of the average Nigerian.
“We advise protesters to do the same. While we remain patient with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government, which has barely two years to restore Nigerians’ confidence, we must allow room for negotiations to avoid those intent on hijacking the protest.
“The essence of the protest has been undermined by some individuals and groups making demands that do not align with the specific issues in the Niger Delta Region. Therefore, we cannot participate on August 1st.
“We are driven by genuine love for our state, region, and country and will not permit anarchists hiding behind the guise of a protest to incite violence or damage government and private property, as witnessed during the EndSars protest.”
According to the statement, although the group is distressed by the country’s hardships, it believes that if the rapid responses by government officials to avoid the protest were redirected toward addressing the nation’s issues, “Nigeria would be a better nation.”
The group thanked stakeholders in the Niger Delta, particularly Bayelsa State Commissioner for Police, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dennis Otuaro, and President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, for their efforts in engaging with the region to halt the protest.
Reiterating its warning to “faceless groups hiding under our umbrella to repent and stay off the protest grounds,” the group revealed that it is withdrawing from the protest out of respect for leadership and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.
