Anyone, who is trying to gain popularity and score political points with this unfortunate incident should please steer clear of our community. In this time of sorrow and pains, we can only mourn by working towards peace, so as to forestall any future re-occurrence. We are told that, some persons, who are respected musicians are releasing songs with lyrics capable of instigating our youths into more violence. We wish to recall and to remind them that, the Rwandan genocide of 1994 started in this manner
Admin l Monday, May 28, 2018
YENEGOA, Nigeria – Youths of Amassoma Community have warned a local musicians warming up to release musical lyrics on the peaceful protest in the community that metamorphosed into destruction of properties and loss of lives to desist, since it could just replicate the Rwandan genocide of 1994. In a statement, the Youths of Amassoma Community said they are deeply pained by the dimension the peaceful protest, which started as a result of the labour crisis in the Niger Delta University, NDU and how it metamorphosed into violence, destruction of properties and loss of lives.
“It is quite unfortunate that, while peaceful means were being worked on to address all the demands of the workers, the protest erupted suddenly to this magnitude.
“In view of the above, His Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa State, who is also a son of our community, invited all the Chiefs, from the Ebananaowei down to the least Pelenanaowei, opinion leaders, youth groups and other NGO’s in the community. Frank and fruitful discussions were held and at the end, all the issues in the dispute have been resolved amicably. The stakeholders and the Chiefs in the community have equally set up a high powered committee to liaise with the bereaved families to bury the dead and proper traditional rites done in accordance with our tradition”, the youths said in a statement signed by Ayogoi Yaibimi Simeon. Amassoma Youth Representative.
The youths said what the community want now is lasting peace and harmonious living.
“The people of Amassoma in general, and the youths in particular are resolute and well informed enough to end this crisis with home-made solutions . We whole heartedly appreciate everyone, who has genuinely identified with our pains and sorrow. We equally appreciate the Governor and the Government of Bayelsa State in their show of commitment towards the peaceful and amicable settlement of all contentious issues.The public is therefore, enjoined to preach peace and only proffer solutions that will bring about lasting peace in the community.
“Anyone, who is trying to gain popularity and score political points with this unfortunate incident should please steer clear of our community.
In this time of sorrow and pains, we can only mourn by working towards peace, so as to forestall any future re-occurrence. We are told that, some persons, who are respected musicians are releasing songs with lyrics capable of instigating our youths into more violence. We wish to recall and to remind them that, the Rwandan genocide of 1994 started in this manner. Please, let us be guided by this and not allow it to be replicated here.
“The Military has been constantly invading and harassing our Delta Izon Brothers for years now, with the aim of fishing out the Avengers, many villages have been sacked, precious lives lost and property worth Billions of Naira, including the Traditional Golden Scepter of the Gbaramatu Kingdom taken away.
“Bad as this may sound, our respected musician, Barrister S. Smooth has not raised a song, either in solidarity or against this act of oppression. Hence, we are perplexed as to why tears flowing in Amassoma becomes his inspiration.What we want now, as a community is to mourn the dead in a peaceful atmosphere. Provide first class medical treatment to the injured, settle the root problems in NDU that gave rise to the crisis and then bury the dead as our heroes in line with our traditions. Above all, the ultimate goal is to have peace in the community and have the university re-opened serious academic activities at the shortest possible time”, the youths said.
