The Niger Delta Renaissance Organisation NDRO and the Rivers
Restoration agenda RRS have alleged that there are plans by hoodlums posing as
aggrieved youths in the region to cause mayhem on South African interests in
the region.
The group in a press statement signed by the National
Coordinator of the NDRO Comrade Nwokoma Messiah and the Coordinator of the RRS
Alhaji Isa Mohammed, said the groups planning the attacks are citing the recent
xenophobic attacks in South Africa as well as the way in which the South
African authourities treated the issue of arms purchase against the Goodluck
Jonathan administration in the run up to Presidential elections as reasons for
the planned attacks. The NDRO and RRA said while it admits the pains of the
people, it will not condone attacks against innocent persons. It warned any
youth involved in such plans to stay clear of Rivers state and the Niger Delta
region. The groups while condemning the xenophobic attacks in South Africa said
“as much as the attacks are condemnable, we must also acknowledge the fact that
it is not only Nigerians that are involved in the attacks. Other Africans are
involved in the pains as well and it is important that we do not escalate the crisis by involving in
reprisal attacks against innocent persons”
The groups said it will mobilise its members to remain
vigilant against any reprisal attacks against South African interests in the
country. It said such attacks will not
only affect South African interests but will affect the interests of Nigerians
working in those companies and their families who depend on them.
The Niger Delta Renaissance Organisation and the Rivers
Restoration Agenda both said it was in tune with the steps taken so far by both
the Nigerian government and the South African government. It however advised
the South African government to ensure that it brings the perpetrators of such
crimes to book especially the Zulu Chief whose statements the groups insists,
precipitated the xenophobic attacks. “It is important that people in positions
of authourity mind their comments considering the impact it might have in
lesser minds. We condemn the statements of the Zulu King which precipitated the
attacks as much as we do that of the Oba of Lagos who made similar statements
against the Igbos during the run up to the Governorship elections in Lagos
state. It is high time these traditional rulers understand that they owe the
society greater good by making statements
that will bond people rather than divide them” the statement added.
Comments
Post a Comment