A prominent Niger Delta youth leader and ex-warlord, “General” Preye Ekpebide, has urged people from the Niger Delta, particularly third phase ex-agitators, not to join in the October 1st planned protest against the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government.
Ekpebide, who is the National Chairman of the Third Phase Ex-agitators Forum of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), described tomorrow’s planned protest as “a distraction to a government that is trying its best to stabilize the economy of the country.”
Ekpebide’s admonition was contained in a press statement made available to newsmen on Monday in the oil-rich city of Warri, Delta State.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been prioritising the interest of ex-agitators and by extension the people of the Niger Delta region since the beginning of his administration.
“Therefore, it would smack of ingratitude if Niger Deltans should join in an obviously politicized demonstration against a federal government that has been very friendly to the region,” the ex-freedom fighter noted.
He further said: “No government has shown love to us like this government is doing. It is as though President Tinubu is from the Niger Delta.
“Remember how the Tinubu-led Federal Government maintained the pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita owned by our very own Tompolo which has engaged thousands of youths and helped to maintain peace in the region.
“Let’s recall how the President appointed a fellow freedom fighter and experienced administrator in the person of Dr. Dennis Otuaro to head the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, which we are all benefiting from.
“Worthy of mention is the appointment of our very own Senator Heineken Lokpobiri as Petroleum minister (oil)—one of the most crucial portfolios in the country considering the fact that crude oil remains the mainstay of the economy.
“We should also remember how the Government of Tinubu appreciated the efforts of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku by reappointing him as MD of the NDDC, leading to execution of several people-oriented projects and programmes across Niger Delta communities.
“The appointment of Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, MD/CEO of Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, is another beneficial thing this government has done for us.”
The third phase leader said there are other sons and daughters of the Niger Delta who are holding sensitive positions at the federal level, whose appointment, he insists, translates to progress and peace to the Niger Delta region.
“So why should a son or daughter of the Niger Delta join in a protest to destabilise the country?” Ekpebide asked.
Further making a case for the government, the ex-agitator added that the Governors of the region are also doing their best to improve the living condition of the people.
While expressing his implicit faith in Tinubu’s administration, the ex-warlord assured that the seeming hardship in the country is a phase that will pass and give birth to a more prosperous future for all.
“There is no need to join in the planned nationwide protest. Let those who are enemies of the Tinubu-led Federal Government carry out their nefarious plans. We will not join them.
“We know their antics: to make Nigeria ungovernable but their plans have failed because the majority of Nigerians believe in the ability of President Tinubu to steer the ship of the country to prosperity,” he stated.
