On Monday representatives of the ethnic groups in the South-South, under the aegis of the Niger Delta Congress (NDC), have called for the establishment of a regional security outfit.
The group made the call in a communique after a meeting held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The gathering deliberated on existential matters affecting the people of the geopolitical zone and Nigeria. They discussed insecurity, violence by secessionists, terror attacks, struggle for economic and political autonomy and unity of the region.
The NDC urged the governors of Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states to set up a regional security to protect lives and property.
They resolved that the region is an autonomous region consisting of indigenous nationalities, “hence all actions by secessionist groups to annex the region shall and will be resisted”.
The participants advised all stakeholders to take part in the review of the 1999 Nigerian constitution.
The NDC proposed “a complete overhaul of the 1999 constitution as amended to reflect the wishes, yearnings, and aspirations of the people”.
It also announced that the Niger Delta Peoples Conference has been scheduled for October 2021. The conference will address issues affecting the people of the region, “and take major decisions on the future of the region”.
The communique was signed by Prof. Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa – Bayelsa; Prof. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu – Rivers; Engr. Ben Edenseting – Akwa Ibom; and Kingsley Ohens – Edo.
Others are: Enujeke Ndidi Enujeke – Delta; Keme Opia – Bayelsa; Weyinmi Agbateyinniro – Delta; Elvis Enyam – Cross River; Anthony Idoko – Cross River; and Nubari Saatah – NDC.
