The leaders of the non-indigenes community in Delta State have made it clear that they will not be joining the 10-day nationwide protest planned for August 1. This community includes groups like the Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Idoma, Tiv, Edo, and others. After carefully considering the protest, they have decided to instruct their members not to participate, believing that it would harm the nation’s economy further, similar to the effects of the #ENDSARS protests.
The non-indigenes pointed out that the current economic issues facing the nation are part of a global crisis. They noted that the state government, under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is actively working to address these problems.
This decision was announced during a press conference in Asaba on Tuesday. Babatunde Ishmael, one of their leaders, read out a statement. The statement emphasized that, although the country is indeed facing economic hardships,
These are part of a global issue and are being addressed by a responsible government. They expressed that another round of protests, especially after the #ENDSARS protests, would only worsen the country’s already fragile economic and security situation.
The statement highlighted that the Delta State Government has created a supportive environment for the non-indigenes, allowing them to conduct their businesses without facing discrimination or harassment. The Oborevwori administration has even included non-indigenes in its government to ensure inclusivity.
To mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal by the Tinubu administration, the Delta State government has been providing relief to vulnerable groups, including the non-indigenes. The leaders believe that another protest would only worsen the already precarious economic and security conditions.
The non-indigenes emphasized that their community has been treated well by the Delta State Government, which has included them in political appointments and empowerment programs. Therefore, they feel it is important to support the current administration and avoid participating in unnecessary protests that won’t solve their problems. They also warned that some individuals might try to use their community for political gains and advised their members to avoid being drawn into such schemes.
The Delta State Government has been providing relief in phases to vulnerable groups such as widows, the elderly, and the disabled, including non-indigenes. The planned protest, tagged #endbadgovernanceinnigeria, appears to be politically driven, and they urged their members to stay away from it, warning that it could be taken over by troublemakers and lead to violence and injuries.
The leaders called on their members to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to avoid any actions that might disrupt the peace and security of the state and the country.
