The Pan Niger Delta Forum has commended youths, ex-agitators and other groups in the Niger Delta region for their peaceful disposition during the nationwide protest against bad governance.
The forum however called on the various groups to end the protest, saying their voices have been heard.
The National Publicity Secretary of PANDEF, Ken Robinson, made the call in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday and sent to newsmen.
Robinson said the call for them to discontinue the protest followed incidents of looting and destruction of lives and properties in some parts of the country.
He expressed dismay that hoodlums and criminal elements may catch in on the situation to hijack the protest and cause a breakdown of law and order in the region.
The statement read, “The leadership of Pan Niger Delta Forum commends the people of the Niger Delta region, especially leaders of ethnic youth organisations, community-based and civil society groups, as well as activists, ex-agitators, and youths in general, for maintaining peace in the Niger Delta region in the face of the nationwide protests.
“In the light of reports of looting, destruction, and loss of lives in some parts of the country, PANDEF urges the protesters in some states of the region to end their protests to prevent criminal elements from hijacking the process and causing disruptions to the relative peace in the region.
“It is important to note that the point has already been made. Your voice has been heard. We call on the government at all levels to take necessary and urgent steps to address the difficulties citizens are facing.”
