Youth Protest: Niger Delta Minister Urges Assessments Before Mass Protests

The Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, has issued a warning to youths in the region planning a nationwide protest on August 1. He believes that a cursory assessment of the Tinubu administration’s impact on the region would deter them from going ahead with the mass protests.

In a recent interaction with State House correspondents, Momoh said that the President has taken significant steps to develop the country, including completing abandoned projects in the Niger Delta region. He claimed that the President’s commitment to the overall development of the country is unmatched, regardless of the region.

Momoh stated that most Nigerians, particularly youths, are not familiar with the numerous programs implemented to alleviate their suffering. He cited examples of projects executed in the South-South region, including the commissioning of projects in the Niger Delta area, as evidence of the administration’s efforts.

The Minister highlighted several welfare programs ongoing in the region, including an empowerment and welfare program initiated for the first time in the ministry’s history. He added that the President has approved the release of funds to address flooded areas and provide palliatives to the people of the Niger Delta.

Regarding the issue of protest, Momoh emphasized that while protesting is a right, it should not be used to cause destruction or mayhem. He appealed to youths to take advantage of the numerous youth programs initiated by the government, urging them not to destroy what they will live upon in the future.

The Minister’s call to reassess the administration’s impact in the Niger Delta region comes amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the planned nationwide protest.