The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed appreciation for the peaceful conduct of youths, ex-agitators, and other groups in the Niger Delta region during the nationwide protests against bad governance in Nigeria.

#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: PANDEF Urges Protesters to End Demonstrations, Reassures that Their Voices Have Been Heard

However, the forum has now urged these groups to bring an end to the demonstrations, assuring them that their voices have been heard by the relevant authorities.

Ken Robinson, the National Publicity Secretary of PANDEF, conveyed this message in a statement issued from Port Harcourt on Saturday. The statement was shared with news outlets across the country.

In his address, Robinson explained that the call to end the protests was in response to reports of looting and violence that have occurred in various parts of the nation. He expressed concern that criminal elements might exploit the situation to hijack the protests, leading to further unrest and destruction in the region.

The statement emphasized, “The leadership of Pan Niger Delta Forum commends the people of the Niger Delta region, especially leaders of ethnic youth organizations, community-based and civil society groups, as well as activists, ex-agitators, and youths in general, for maintaining peace in the Niger Delta region in the face of the nationwide protests.

“In light of reports of looting, destruction, and loss of lives in some parts of the country, PANDEF urges the protesters in some states of the region to end their protests to prevent criminal elements from hijacking the process and causing disruptions to the relative peace in the region.

“It is important to note that the point has already been made. Your voice has been heard. We call on the government at all levels to take necessary and urgent steps to address the difficulties citizens are facing.”

Robinson’s statement serves as both a commendation for the protesters’ peaceful stance and a cautionary reminder of the potential dangers if the demonstrations were to continue unchecked. The call to end the protests underscores the importance of maintaining order and preventing any further escalation of violence. PANDEF also highlighted the need for the government to take swift action in addressing the legitimate concerns raised by the protesters, ensuring that the sacrifices made during the protests are not in vain.

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