From Eric Eweke, Niger Delta Bureau Chief
Ex-Niger Delta warlord and advocate for peace in the Niger Delta, Comrade John Edolowari, aka, Big Belly John,” has advised leaders and stakeholders in Ijaw nation to be cautious, in their statements against each other. Rather than engage in constructive engagement.
He urged all aggrieved parties to channel their grievances to a round table dialogue and provide lasting solutions.
He made the remarks in a press statement signed by him in yenagoa, the capital, described the development as unfortunate.
According to him, recent statements circulating on social media credited to former ex-agitator Paul Eris, aka , Gen.Ogun Boss attacking and criticising BoyLoaf , and in like manner Gen Ezekiel fighting Ogun Boss, and others leading attacks against High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo on social media but amounted to seIf-sabotage, therefore urged all to sheath their swords and promote peace, stability and sustainable development in the region.
He noted that, it is time we live in an atmosphere of unity, mutual respect and constructive engagement .
The ex-warlord cautioned against the pull-down syndrome against Tompolo , stressing that ,it harms collective progress.
He recalled that, Tompolo, has impacted positively on the lives of Ijaws politically, socio-economically and other human endeavours across the nation. Adding that, Tompolo is a father figure to all in the Niger Delta, irrespective of political, ethnic and religious inclinations.
The ex-warlord condemned the infighting and betrayals among the leaders of Ijaw nation, adding that individual differences should never degenerate into war.
Edolowari called on the leaders and stakeholders to upholds values of peace and forged a common front to achieve collective goals.
The peace advocate also appealed to supporters to refrain from action or statements capable of escalating tension in the Ijaw nation.
It was alleged that ex- agitators had been threatening each other over the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Ltd, and giving ultimatum in the region.
