Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere, has charged youth leaders and former militants to continue to sustain existing peace and security in the region.
Ekere gave the advice during a meeting with former militants under the auspices of the Environmental Rights Advocates for Niger Delta.
He urged them to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari by ensuring a peaceful environment for development.
The NDDC chief executive officer thanked the former militants for the way they were managing the youth of the region, which he said made it possible for peace to reign in the region.
He said: “Today, youths of the region are more tolerant and are willing to engage in discussions than resort to violent agitations.
“They are also consulting more with the leadership of the country and agencies of development. They are no longer taking the laws into their hands.”
Ekere noted that such peaceful atmosphere had made it possible for a reduction in the level of violence, leading to a remarkable rise in oil production figures, adding that pipeline vandalism had reduced and generally, there was peace all over the region.
He appealed to youth leaders in the region to continue to promote peace, especially at this critical stage in the life of the nation.
Ekere said: “We are at the verge of electioneering campaign for the 2019 general election. I want to appeal that the youth will continue to uphold peace.
“Don’t allow yourselves to be used for electoral violence, because if they use you today, tomorrow they will forget you.”
