From Chuks Okocha in Port Harcourt, 09.27.2005

Also, the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has appealed to the federal government to ensure that adequate infrastructural developments are provided within the Niger Delta areas as a bid to curb youth’s restiveness.
In a statement signed by the Niger Delta Youths by the following groups; Famous Daunemigha for the Ijaw Youth Federation, Engema Jumbo for Bayelsa Youths for Good Government, Sgt. Weri Digifa for the Supreme Egbesu Assembly, Dr. Emma Otiari for the Consolidated Youths of Rivers State, Barrister Edward Cobhan for the Niger Delta Peace Project, Calabar, Ms. Ednah Otomewo for the Niger Delta Women Assembly, M.D. Ago for the South South Youths Assembly, and MCJ Opu for the Old Rivers Youths, they said that they are appealing to the governor to intervene by ensuring that Asari is released from detention.
According to the statement, the Niger Delta Youths also denounced violence saying
“We the Niger Delta Youths strongly condemn all sorts of violence as it is does not bring any form of development, rather it destroys our God given rich environment”, and appealed to President Olusegun Obasanjo to ensure the release of Asari.
“This appeal is a product of the resolution reached at an emergency delegate conclave of responsible, law abiding and peace loving Niger Delta Youths. The assembly of course cuts across the plethora of ethnic, social and cultural persuasions particularly in the Niger Delta States of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta and Edo states.” The Niger Delta Youths said in their statement.
The youths who said that they recognized the importance of peace, hence the need to under take the part of peace and dialogue for the resolution of the Niger Delta crisis and subsequent release of Asari.
Accordingly, the Niger Delta Youths said “We implore you our President to intervene in the issue of the alleged charges and incarceration of Alhaji Asari Dokubo. This appeal which we are routing to you through the Rivers State Governor who is your dear son is borne out of the fact that we know that our Governor does not show insensitivity to the unfortunate plights of his subjects.”
As part of their plea, the youths assured all foreign nationals, their investments, property would be protected, as no violence would be visited on them.
In the same manner, the President of MOSOP, Ledum Mitee in a reaction to the arrest of Asari called on government to ensure that there is adequate infrastructural development in the Niger Delta areas, as that would be a panacea towards peace in the zone.
“The security response we have seen in the last week, including the arrest of Asari Dokubo cannot form a stand alone solution to the situation in the Niger Delta. In fact, if the frustration in the Niger Delta are not addressed this takes us onto the road to disaster where people perceive that the government is only interested in eliminating focal points of resistance.” The MOSOP President stated.
Accordingly, the MOSOP President called on the people of the zone “to avoid being stampeded into crisis which appears designed only to benefit those who gain from welfare. There are myriads of opportunities from non violent resistence and civil disobedience which we urge people to consider before stepping down a very difficult path about which we have been warning for years.”
Also, the MOSOP President called on government and the international community to recognize that much of last year was wasted by lack of commitment to peace building and addressing the concerns of people across the Niger Delta.
Ledum Metee therefore called on the major beneficiary of the oil from the Niger Delta to show that they have a radical commitment for the improvement of the lives and welfare of the residents of the zone.