Former Niger Delta warlord/militant and Amanyanabo of Okochiri town, His Royal Highness, King Ateke Tom, has called on youths in the area to shun violence and embrace peace during election period.
Speaking during a ‘2-day National Dialogue/Stakeholders Summit Towards a Peaceful Election in 2019’, held recently, Tom noted that violence cannot in any way help in the development of the Niger Delta region.
The former warlord charged youths not to allow themselves to be used by desperate politicians to achieve their selfish ambitions, but to continue to work for peace and development of the region.
Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion/former deputy vice-chancellor (administration), University of Abuja, Prof Iboje Emmanuel, emphasized the importance of peace for continued growth and development of the region.
Prof Iboje told the youths to shun all forms of violence and thug during and even after the 2019 general elections, for the interest of residents and visitors to the Niger Delta region.
In his contribution, the national president, Youth for Peace and Development in Niger Delta, Comrade Joseph Opuama, advised youths in the area to avoid pipeline vandalism, militancy and kidnapping for the interest of the people of the region and Nigeria at large.
Opuama explained that the summit was meant to educate the youths on the dangers of political violence, destruction of properties, hate speech/incitement comments, as well as to educate them on how to promote and maintain peace during and after the 2019 general elections.
Leadership reports that the summit, which attracted various stakeholders in the region, also witnessed an award to some prominent citizens, who have contributed to the development of the Niger Delta region.
