The Niger Delta Peace Advocates (NDPA) has strongly cautioned against any attempts to incite unrest in the Niger Delta, warning that such actions will not be tolerated.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Ebianga Imomotomi, NDPA issued the warning after an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The group condemned what it described as a plot by faceless individuals, mainly from Warri, to stage a protest under false pretenses.
“These disgruntled elements have no legitimacy, no real capacity to mobilize, and no genuine concern for the people of the Niger Delta. Their so-called protest is nothing but an attempt to cause chaos and extort money from unsuspecting individuals and institutions,” NDPA stated.
The group emphasized that it has worked closely with credible stakeholders to maintain the region’s hard-earned peace. It described those behind the planned protest as fraudsters who lack recognition from any reputable Niger Delta organization.
“Any attempt to take to the streets and cause trouble will be met with firm action. We stand fully behind security agencies to ensure that peace is not compromised,” the statement added.
NDPA also urged parents and guardians to caution their children against being used as pawns by individuals seeking personal gains through blackmail and intimidation.
The group condemned recent attacks against the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), particularly its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. It described these attacks as a desperate move by individuals who have lost political relevance.
“Dr. Ogbuku has the backing of civil society groups, ex-agitators, and community leaders committed to development—not chaos. Under his leadership, the NDDC has aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, bringing meaningful progress to the region,” NDPA stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to stability and good governance, NDPA warned those trying to destabilize the region to abandon their plans or face the full force of the law.
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Meanwhile, former militant leader Osaanya B. Osaanya expressed concerns that ongoing smear campaigns against Dr. Ogbuku could derail development plans for the Niger Delta. He warned that those promoting ethnic and political divisions should reconsider their actions.
According to Osaanya, some individuals in Bayelsa State are displeased with Ogbuku’s appointment simply because he is not from what they consider a “core Ijaw” local government.
“This kind of backward thinking has kept Bayelsa underdeveloped. The so-called core Ijaw promoters want to dominate others and are sponsoring a campaign of calumny against Ogbuku,” he stated.
Osaanya urged those behind the division to focus on the collective progress of the Niger Delta rather than personal political ambitions. He stressed that under Ogbuku’s leadership, the NDDC has reestablished trust and accelerated infrastructure, empowerment, and human capital development in the region.
“Almost all stakeholders are satisfied with Ogbuku’s performance. Even President Tinubu has acknowledged his contributions. The selfish interests of a few cannot override the well-being of the entire Niger Delta,” he concluded.
