Fuel scarcity protest: MOSIEND urges engagement, not protest

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

An Ijaw group, Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta, MOSIEND has called on civil society organizations and those planning to protest against the nationwide fuel scarcity that is by the importation of contaminated fuel by the NNPC to sheathe their sword and tow the path of peace.

Comrade Thompson Fuoye, National Vice President, MOSIEND in a statement after a meeting of its executive advised civil society groups, ethnic nationalities, and other restive groups to constructively engage the authorities rather than embarking on the protest.

According to him, discreet findings by MOSIEND revealed that the NNPC is culpable in the importation of contaminated fuel due to negligence which it takes exception to; however, calls for understanding as the NNPC is doing all within its powers to see that the scarcity is resolved.

He noted that at this time of the nation where political activities are heightened it would be unnecessary and uncalled for to engage in any form of protest or civil unrest, adding that it would only compound the hardship being experienced by the people.

The MOSIEND National Vice President maintained that the group has resolved not to be part of the planned protest but rather to support and propel the NNPC to do the right thing to end the fuel scarcity.

He noted that going ahead with the plan would rather bring untold hardship and pains to the citizens, insisting further that the protest could be infiltrated, hijacked by unscrupulous persons to cause mayhem.

“Whereas we condemned the fact that the contaminated fuel came into the country due to negligence by NNPC. MOSIEND in due diligence in trying to find out the cause was angry with the NNPC.

“It is clear that at this time in our nation where things are tough and harsh in the country, it will be quite unnecessary to allow the protest to hit the country.

“Definitely for every protest that you make, shops will be closed, transporters will stop work, the road will not be open for people to move. For these reasons we are asking our brothers in the civil society organizations and every other organization considering putting up a protest to sheathe their sword and to see that protest is absolutely unnecessary at this time.

“We ask everybody to look beyond the politics surrounding the issue, we are asking everybody to support and give peace a chance and of course, we do understand that the NNPC is trying under the leadership of GMD, Mele Kyari, and all other top management because nobody would want to bring hardship to his people.

So, we are asking that whatever protest of any kind should be suspended.

“As for MOSIEND, we do not want to protest; we are not part of any protest, and of course, we are going to do everything possible to support the NNPC and the system to make sure that the scarcity is brought to a stop.

“We have resolved to partner, encourage, and to propel the NNPC to do the needful to end the current scarcity,” he concluded.