By Andrew Opukeme
Chief Seriake Dickson
Yenagoa- National president of Ijaw youths Council (IYC) world-wide Barr. Oweilaemi Pereotubo has condemned the gruesome murder of youths in Amassoma community by soldiers in Bayelsa state.
In press statement made available to Daily Watch and signed by the national President of the famous Ijaw youths council worldwide, Barr. Oweilaemi Pereotubo, said ”I write to commiserate with the great people of Amassoma Community and the Students of the Niger Delta University (NDU) over the recent unfortunate incidences especially the ugly encounter between security agents and innocent, peaceful and defenseless protesters that resulted in the loss of lives.
‘ ‘It is sad and also condemnable too that resolvable issues were allowed to linger and also degenerate to this present ugly and unpleasant situation. As the President of the most revered Ijaw youths council, I have spent quality times interfacing with the Prof. Samuel the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Steve Azaiki the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), student leaders and leaders of Amassoma Community which is the host to the first university in Ijaw land. We have a common bond which is the fact that all the parties including the affected workers are Ijaw people and I do not believe there are issues that cannot be resolved. I hold and also believe that Dialogue is the ultimate and it remains the best option at all times.” he said.
Continuing,” I therefore use this same opportunity to appeal to the Government of Bayelsa State especially Gov. Henry Seriake Dickson who is presently the symbol of our identity, our uniqueness, greatness and Ijawness as a people not to see the use of force as the best option. The Government should not be tired of dialogue. It should continue to dialogue with the affected workers in a bid to resolving all the contending issues.
” Finally, I wish to also appeal to our great youths not to allow themselves to be used as willing tools in the hands of greedy, selfish and over ambitious politicians who derive pleasure in the disunity and underdevelopment of our most blessed people” he noted
