The National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators (NCNDE-A) has called on Nigerians to shelve plans for a nationwide protest.
Addressing journalists in Abuja Monday, the group’s president, Eshanakpe Israel Akpodoro, urged citizens to support the government instead of embarking on a protest that could escalate into violence and destabilise the country.
Akpodoro acknowledged the current economic hardships but attributed them to austerity measures taken by the government to reform the economy.
He highlighted various initiatives implemented by the government to cushion the effects of the harsh economy, including the recent disbursement of N438 billion to states for the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-Cares) program.
“What we are saying here is there are enough grounds for the people to support this government and not to embark on a protest that may escalate to pull down our nation,” Akpodoro said.
The group dissociated itself from the planned protest, describing it as an attempt by “faceless individuals and subversive elements to incite violence and carnage.”