Militant groups, the Reformed Niger Delta Avenger (RNDA) and Peace advocacy groups from the Nine States of the Niger Delta region have commended the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello over his quick intervention during the food blockade to the southern part of Nigeria by the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN), declaring that his action thwarted plans by some unscrupulous elements to ignite the North versus South crisis.
The coalition, which is made up of Nine Militant groups under the aegis of the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA) and Niger Delta Advocate For Peace and Good Governance (NDAPGG) declared that Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has shown, with his quick intervention, that he is a young man that shown signs unifying the Northern and Southern part of the country along the path of true peace and unity.
The RNDA and NDAPGG, in a statement issued at the weekend and signed by its leader, Major Gen Johnmark Ezonebi also known as Obama, stated that they are more convinced by the prompt move made by the Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello to prevail on northern traders in foodstuff and cattle traders in the South to a round table discussion in Abuja to address issues that led to protest and blockade of foodstuff supply to the Southern part of the country.
According to the group, the prompt intervention of Gov.Yahaya Bello was commendable, “because no sitting politician took such drastic initiative, rather they were all bent to overheating the polity along myopic and tribal sentiments that could lead to loss of lives and property through hatred utterances and inciting statements that instigates violence and hatred speeches that could divides the country apart”
On the rising pressure on the Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, to contest the 2023 Presidential election, the RNDA and the NDAPGG declared their readiness to mobilise and support the Presidential aspiration of Gov. Yahaya Bello.
According to the groups, ”the declaration of support for Gov. Bello is not a mere aggrandizement,” but taken to encourage the young Governor to sustain the tempo in order to keep Nigeria as one which he has demonstrated so far. The young and energetic Governor has shown that there is hope and integrity in the young people in Nigeria’s political terrain to move the nation forward. Governor Yahaya Bello is setting the space and leading the forefront of the next political atmosphere come 2023.We will all queue behind him and join forces with him to retire this old brigades who has held this country to ransom.”
“The leadership of the RNDA that is made up of other nine-militants groups from the region who are Agitating for the overall development of the region has commend the leadership style of Governor Yahaya Bello for his tireless efforts for coming out to address national issues to end nepotism, colonialism, power drunk and old method of holding future of our great Nigerian youths to ransom”.
“We are indeed impressed with Governor Bello’s bold step and peace initiative to stabilize our co-existence as people from different nationalities within 24 hours. It seems to be a miracle, in fact, God raised him to be the nation’s Savior who delivered over 200 million Nigerians including their property from planned bloodshed and the looming bombshell that was pregnant before us wish was sponsored by some evil men in power who are disciples of colonialism, tribal bigwigs and men of religion coloration that does not meant well for the peace and unity of this country who call themselves leaders”.
“The wading in of Governor Yahaya Bello in the imbroglio that would cause a sour taste in our mouths as a nation would have been devastating and catastrophic if not Gov Yahaya Bello for his brave sensitive approach, We the Agitating Militant groups in the creek under the RNDA were also fully prepared and ready to cut down the flow of the oil from the creek and also we would have not allow any oil or fuel supply to go to the northern part of the country before but for the timely intervention of Gov Yahaya Bello who Initiate the dialogue process to bridge the grievances of the northern foodstuffs traders and the cattle traders in the south and engage both parties to shield their sword for the peace and unity of the nation”
“We do not hesitate to support Governor Bello’s peace initiative and we are ready to partner with him to foster peace, equity justice, unity love and fairness for our country. His (Bello) action was never expected to settle the dust the food blockade protest would have cost the peace of the country and overall economy in the midst of second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.
We saw the situation of food blockade embarked upon by northern traders to the south, and it was really degenerating within the days it lasted. This was not a good sign for the unity of the county”.
“We were also concerned on the untold hardship this action caused in the lives of Nigerians. Particularly those in the south, and not until Governor Bello took it upon himself to broker peace as he successfully convinced those who went on the protest.We are highly elated and delighted to show our heartfelt gratitude on the amazing and selfless service you are rendering to Nigerians from the North to South, East to West, geopolitical zone.The vision you have for Nigeria is clearly seen on your aim of uniting this country and for all Nigerians to have a sense of belonging, and we have seen this act of statesmanship in your moves to stabilize Nigeria as you have just done in this foodstuffs traders blockage saga and the good governance of peace and security and bridge building wish you have brought to Kogi State within this period of you being the Governor of the State”.
The groups also pledged that they will ensure the presidential ambition of Governor Yahaya Bello is achieved, “We will ensure your peace initiative is given all the necessary support from the creek and backups it needed especially in the Niger Delta region because your impact is being felt already by those in creeks of the Niger Delta region, in Northern, western and Eastern parts of the country. We want you to be rest assured that our support for you is unrelenting and focused because the people of the Niger Delta recognize and listen to us when we approach them, and that we will do on your behalf when you declare your intention to run for president come 2023”.