By Amos Okioma
A non-governmental organization, Peace Builders in Oil Producing Communities of Niger Delta (PBOPCND), has condemned the violence that ensued at the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat that led to the destruction of properties and looting of the office.
The group also condemned the kidnap of Agip Oil workers in Bayelsa State during the week, and called for immediate release of the captives to enable them reunite with their families.
The group’s National President, Mr. Wisdom Fiobotei, who spoke in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, also condemned the attitude of some APC politicians in the area.
He alleged that some party members wanted to hijack the electoral process to advance their political ambition, while describing the act as unacceptable, undemocratic and a sign of desperation to forcefully acquire political power in the state.
Fiobotei called on the leadership of the party and its followers to play in accordance with the democratic principles to ensure free, fair and credible ward congresses and elections across the state.
The national president of the group emphasized the need as matter of importance to organise workshops, enlightenment and awareness campaign programs to broadly enlighten and educate youths, women, political parties and stakeholders to ensure violence-free elections across the breath and length of the nine states of the Niger Delta, which he believes the only way to reduce the menace as 2019 general elections draw closer.
He therefore called on youths in the region to desist from further perpetuating crime and criminality, which, according to him, is inimical to the overall development of the region, stating that his organization mandate is to bring about enduring peace and sustainable development in the oil producing communities of the region and its environs.
Fiobotei also called on the security agencies to always carry out their constitutional duties and not to be used as an instrument to perpetuate crime and other criminal activities in parts of the country, while thanking the Rivers State police command for its immediate intervention in restoring peace and tranquility in the state.
He condoled with families that lost their loved ones during the Friday’s fracas, and all those that were gruesomely murdered by the dreaded Fulani herdsmen in different parts of the country.
He also admonished political parties that seeking elective offices should not be a do-or-die affair.
He, however, called on kidnappers of the oil workers of Agip to embrace peace and development, as such activities will only put the state in bad light before the general public.