A group under the aegis of South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI) is preparing for a major protest and confrontation with the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC) over their unanswered demand.
The National president of the group, Comr. Imeabe Saviour Oscar who disclosed this in a solidarity message to the people of Bien-Gwara community in Ogoniland, on Staurday, recalled that the group had demanded the construction of the Bien-Gwara–Laalaa road in Khana LGA from NDDC and that despite all their appeals, the commission has failed to yield to their demands to fix the road.
Oscar warned that if by Wednesday next week, the NDDC still fails to act, the group would block the entrance of its headquaters in Port Harcourt until their demands are met.
“We have written. We have appealed. We have waited patiently. Now, we have spoken with one voice and given the NDDC a final ultimatum which elapses on Wednesday next week.
“And if by Wednesday, the NDDC fails to act, we shall peacefully and lawfully move to the gate of the NDDC in Port Harcourt to make our voice heard”, the national president stated.
He lamented that the doplorable condition of the Bien-Gwara road had caused severe economic disruptions in the area.
“For too long, our people have endured pain, hardship and economic strangulation because of the deplorable state of this road.
” Our mothers cannot move their farm produce, our youths cannot move freely, and our economy is bleeding”, he stated.
He called all sons and daughters of the community to join the protest.
“I call on every son and daughter of Bien-Gwara at home and in diaspora, elders, women, youths, students and farmers — to look beyond personal interest, political affiliation and individual gain. Let us bury every division and stand as one indivisible people.
“This is the time to stand together.
“Let no one stay behind. Let the world see that Bien-Gwara is united.
“The struggle for the construction of the Bien-Gwara–Laalaa Road is not a struggle for one family, one compound or one political group — it is a struggle for our collective survival, dignity and future.
“This road is bigger than any of us. If this road comes, it comes for all of us. If we lose this opportunity, we all lose.
“I therefore call for total support, total togetherness and total mobilization for the success of our demand to the Managing Director/CEO of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to with immediate effect commence the immediate construction of the Bien-Gwara–Laalaa Road Project.
“Let us come out in our numbers — peaceful, orderly and resolute — because our cause is just and our demand is legitimate.
“Together we have cried. Together we must now be answered.
“Bien-Gwara must rise! The road must be constructed”, Oscar stated.
