The Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum has said that the announced planned mass action protest against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is temporary suspension.
The decision followed the interventions of key stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, aimed at bringing dialogue and preventing further tensions in the region.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, the spokesperson, Dr Legborsi Yamaabana, said the action was taken in the interest of peace and to allow room for dialogue regarding their demands.
He recalled that the forum had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to NNPCL on August 19, over what it described as “deeply disturbing and unjust” actions allegedly perpetrated by the company.
According to Mr Yamaabana, the group’s grievances include the alleged unjustifiable shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refinery, sacking of Niger Delta workers, and marginalisation of the indigenes in strategic roles within the NNPCL.
He further decried the limited employment opportunities available to youths in the region, stating that as Nigeria’s main oil-producing area, the Niger Delta deserved equitable representation and economic benefits.
Mr Yamaabana emphasised that as leaders of ethnic nationalities, who bear the responsibility of defending and advancing the region’s interests, they were left with no choice but to take decisive action.
He clarified that the forum’s actions were not motivated by hatred or personal interests, but by a sincere commitment to correcting the injustices allegedly inflicted on the Niger Delta people.
Mr Yamaabana reaffirmed the forum’s openness to genuine efforts by the government or stakeholders to resolve the conflict in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner.
He said, “The essence of our organised mass action was to prevent a total breakdown of law and order arising from these infractions. Since peace, stability, and prosperity of our region remain our top priorities, we are open to continued engagement with the NNPCL management and other relevant authorities.”
He added that while their demands remained valid and unresolved, the group decided to temporarily suspend further protests to allow room for constructive dialogue.
The group commended the intervention of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Stella Okotete, security agencies, and other stakeholders for facilitating talks with NNPCL.
Mr Yamaabana also stated that the group remained firmly committed to defending the interests of the Niger Delta and pursuing equity, justice, and development for the region.
He, also, warned against opportunists seeking to hijack or undermine the agitation, reiterating that their demands remained legitimate and grounded in the need for fairness.
He lauded Niger Delta youths from various ethnic nationalities for mobilising in support of the cause, describing their solidarity and courage as inspiring and commendable.
Answering questions from journalists, the Chairman, Jonathan Lokpobiri, expressed willingness to collaborate with authorities to efficiently revive the refineries within the Niger Delta.
Mr Lokpobiri stated the need to end and prevent the persistent excuses hindering operations at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, calling for rapid action to restore them to full capacity.
