July 26, (THEWILL) – A group of ex-agitators from the Niger Delta region, led by Gen. Elaye Slaboh, National Chairman, 3rd Phase, Presidential Amnesty Programme, on Thursday, staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The protesters, who were mostly former militants, demanded employment opportunities, skill empowerment, and implementation of the Federal Government’s promises to the region.
They carried placards with inscriptions such as “We have graduates qualified enough to be included in your social responsibilities”, “NCDMB is not for politicians only”, “Ex-agitators deserve Empowerment” etc.
Speaking to journalists, the leader of the group, Gen. Elaye Slaboh, expressed their frustration over the neglect of their letters on courtesy calls.
“We laid down our arms to give peace a chance but it seems our calmness is being taken for granted and if after this peaceful protest it is not being adhered to, our next coming will not be friendly,” Slaboh said.
The protesters called on the NCDMB to increase its support for ex-agitators and Ijaw youths, provide training and employment opportunities, and ensure that the region benefits from the oil and gas industry.
NCDMB officials received the protesters and promised to address their grievances. The protest ended peacefully, with the ex-agitators giving the Board members a two-week ultimatum to respond to their demands.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
