By Sunday Egede
The leadership of the Non-lndigenes community in Delta State have distanced themselves from the 10-day nationwide protests billed to commence on August 1, 2024 across the country.
Executive Committee of the Non-lndigenes comprising Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, Ibo, Idoma, Tiv, Edo and others, said it has directed its members not to embark on the proposed protest after a careful review of the situation on ground, adding that it would worsen the nation’s economy like the #ENDSARS protests.
The Non-lndigenes Executive resolved that the current economic crisis bedeviling the nation was a global crisis, adding that the state government led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was addressing the issues frontally.
This was disclosed at a press conference held yesterday in Asaba where a six-points communique read by the Social Director of Yoruba Community, Babatunde Ishmael was issued. In the communique, the non-indigene leaders said after a careful review, the non-indigene community executive agreed that while there was actual economic hardship in the country, it was a global issue which responsible government have been addressing. According to the communique, the Non-lndigene Community Executive also believes that another round of protests after the last #EndSars protests will actually worsen the precarious economic and security situation being witnessed in the country.
The communique disclosed that the Delta State Government has provided a conducive environment for the Non-Indigene Community in the state to carry out their businesses without any form of discrimination or molestation, pointing out that as a government that has promised all-inclusiveness, the Oborevwori administration has appointed non-indigenes into his government.
“In order to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Tinubu administration, the Delta State Government has been giving palliatives to vulnerable groups in Delta State and also carrying the non-indigene community along.
“The Executive of the Non-lndigene Community believes that the community should not be dragged into politics and should not be used by politicians to settle political scores.
“To this end, the non-indigene community, arising from a crucial meeting, resolved that the current economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians is a global issue and we should exercise restraint and should not be seen ruffling feathers in a matter that can be settled amicably.
“The Executives of Non lndigene Community in Delta State appealed and directed its members not to be involved in the upcoming national protests as it would worsen the already fragile security and economic situation in the country. “The Delta State Government has been partnering with the non-indigene community in the state in form of political appointments and empowerment schemes for some of its members and as such we should support the Oborevwori administration and desist from engaging on a needless protest that is not a panacea to our challenges.
“We have security information that some detractors are planning to penetrate the ranks of the non-indigene community in the state and we advise our members not to be used to destabilize the polity.
“The Delta State Government has been giving palliatives in tranches to vulnerable groups, widows, the aged and the disabled and this includes the non indigene population of Delta State. “The planned protest with the hashtag #endbadgovernanceinnigeria seems to be politically motivated and our members are advised to steer clear of a protest that is likely to be hijacked by hoodlums that can potentially lead to fatalities and injuries.
“We advise all our members to remain law abiding, be vigilant and avoid any act that could lead to a breach of law and security of the state and country,” the communique stated.
