By Emeka Sunday
The Niger Delta Youth Movement(NDYM) has said that only the election of a President of Southern origin next year would guarantee peace, equity and harmonious coexistence in Nigeria.
The group has also called for vigilance on the part of security agencies and the citizenry inorder to reduce the proliferation of firearms in the region as a prelude to the 2023 general elections.
A communique issued at the end of its national executive council meeting and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Friday also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free, fair and credible polls.
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The communique signed by the National President, Comrade Amutadi Tega and secretary Comrade Ediagbonya Joshua enjoined the federal government to checkmate the proliferation of firearms ahead of next year’s elections
“For the purpose of peace in Nigeria, NDYM is in total support of Southern Governors and the Middle Belt Forum for the Country’s Presidency to shift to Southern Nigeria.
“NEC calls on all security agencies and indeed the entire citizenry to be very vigilant and proactive against proliferation of firearms in the region as a prelude to the forth coming 2023 general elections.
“In the light of controversies surrounding Permanent Voters Card, NDYM calls on INEC to intensify local sensitization of the youths of the region/country on electoral processes such as electronic voting, etal.
“While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC for her diligent prosecution of some returning officers in Akwa Ibom State, we urge them to expend the same energy in prosecuting election rigging agents/staff in their midst.” The communique said.
The communique also condemned the recent bombing of the ill-fated Kaduna/Abuja train by suspected bandits as well as the invasion of the Kaduna International airport by terrorists.
“We condemn the bombing and killings of passengers on the Kaduna/Abuja train as well as the invasion of Kaduna International airport by Terrorists and urge the Presidency to summon the political will to stem this vicious cycle.
“While commending the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs Senator Godswill Akpabio on the seriousness he is giving to Eastwest Road we urge him to extend such gesture to cover other core mandate of the Ministry.
“NDYM urge the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to partner relevant agencies within and outside Nigeria in giving assistance to Ukrainian Returnees from the region.” It concluded.
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