By Unue Emeka,
The leadership of the non-indigenous community in Delta State has distanced itself from the 10-day nationwide protests scheduled to begin on August 1.
Advocate.ng reports that the non-indigenes, including the Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Idoma, Tiv, Edo, and other groups, stated that after careful consideration of the planned protest, they have instructed their members not to participate, fearing it could worsen the nation’s economic situation, much like the #EndSARS protests did.
The non-indigenous groups believe the current economic crisis affecting the nation is a global issue and noted that the state government, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is actively addressing these challenges.
This decision was announced at a press conference in Asaba on Tuesday. In a communique read by Babatunde Ishmael, the leaders of the non-indigenous community emphasized that, although there is genuine economic hardship in the country, it is a global issue that responsible governments are addressing.
According to the communique, "the non-indigene community executive also believes that another round of protests, following the last #EndSARS protests, will only worsen the precarious economic and security situation in the country.
"The Delta State government has provided a conducive environment for the non-indigene community in Delta State to conduct their businesses without any form of discrimination or harassment.
"As a government committed to inclusiveness, the Oborevwori administration has appointed non-indigenes to various positions in the government.
"In order to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal by the Tinubu administration, the Delta State government has been providing palliatives to vulnerable groups in Delta State and including the non-indigene community in these efforts.
"The executive of the non-indigene community believes that the community should not be dragged into politics and should not be used by politicians to settle political scores."
Consequently, the non-indigene community, following a crucial meeting, resolved that "the current economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians is a global issue, and we should exercise restraint and avoid ruffling feathers in matters that can be settled amicably.
"The executives of the non-indigene community in Delta State appealed to 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 Delta State through political appointments and empowerment schemes for some of its members. As such, we should support the Oborevwori administration and refrain from engaging in a needless protest that is not a solution to our challenges.
"We have security information that some detractors are planning to infiltrate 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 distributing palliatives in tranches to vulnerable groups, widows, the elderly, and the disabled, and this includes the non-indigene population of Delta State.
"The planned protest with the hashtag #endbadgovernanceinnigeria appears to be politically motivated, and our members are advised to steer clear of a protest that is likely to be hijacked by hoodlums, potentially leading to fatalities and injuries.
"We advise all our members to remain law-abiding, be vigilant, and avoid any acts that could lead to a breach of law and security in the state and country."
