By: PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM), an umbrella youth organisation in the country has drawn the attention of security agencies and the entire populace on the need to be very vigilant against proliferation of firearms in the region as a prelude to the forth coming 2023 general elections.
This information was contained in a communique issued at the end of NDYM national executive council meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State recently, with members across nine Niger Delta states including Akwa Ibom in attendance.
Signed by Comrades Amutadi Uba Tega as National Presidentand Ediagbonya Joshua, National Secretary, the youth movement condemned the recent bombing and killing of passengers on the Kaduna/Abuja train as well as the invasion of Kaduna International Airport by terrorists and urged the Presidency to take drastic steps to stem this vicious cycle.
The communique made available to New Nigerian in Uyo on Friday, also stated NDYM’s position, giving support to the call by Southern Governors and the Middle Belt Forum for the country’s Presidency to shift to Southern Nigeria in order to ensure sustainable peace in the region and for equity and justice.
Similarly, the NDYM stated, “NEC commends President Mohammadu Buhari, the National Assembly and the Judiciary on the Electoral Amendment Law and for expunging section 84 (12) of the Law.
“In the light of controversies surrounding Permanent Voters Card, NDYM called on INEC to intensify local sensitization of the youth of the region/country on electoral processes such as electronic voting, etal.
“While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC for her diligent prosecution of some returning officers in Akwa Ibom State, we urge them to expend the same energy in prosecuting election rigging agents/staff in their midst.
“While commending the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs Senator Godswill Akpabio on the seriousness he is giving to East West Road we urge him to extend such gesture to cover other core mandate of the Ministry.
“NDYM urge the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to partner relevant agencies within and outside Nigeria in giving assistance to Ukrainian Returnees from the region.”
The new leadership of NDYM however, commended the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs and the Interim Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the synergy and tireless efforts in fostering relative peace in the Region
On the Easter celebration, the youth movement also called on Nigerians to be sober and reflect on the significance of the death and resurrection of Christ as they go about with the activities marking the event.
