Some concerned Ijaw youths residence in Abuja, have apologized to the Minister for State Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Silva and his Chief Security Officer (CSO) Mr. Muhammed Salisu Abdullah, over last week Tuesday’s fracas with the IYC Abuja Chapter at the minister’s residence in Abuja.
The group while calling for calm and peace in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by the leader of the youths, Taritimi Okoye, urged members of IYC Abuja Chapter, the NPF/DSS, attached to the minister to bask in spirit of the Yuletide season to forgive each other and embrace peace.
“The concerned Ijaw youths residing in Abuja, would like to apologize to the entire family members of his Excellency, Dr. Timipre Sylva, the Honorable Minister for State Petroleum Resources and his Chief Security Officer, Mr Muhammed Salisu Abdullahi, for the negatives incidents which occurred last week.
“In the spirit of the yuletide season, we also use this medium to appeal to injured IYC members and the NPF/DSS attached to the minister to forgive each other and embrace peace.
“While, there has been claims in the media as published on 24/ 12/ 2021 by the Ijaw youths council leadership headed by Mr. Chief Diplomat Adam Ogomugu Marbo that Mr. Muhammad Abdullah who is the Chief Security Officer the minister, was the person who gave the order that led to violence and destruction of properties which occurred at the minister residence on the 21/12/2021.
“Besides that, we want to unequivocally state here that the security operatives on duty on that faithful day, was only carrying out their official duty which is to protect lives and properties of Nigerians and our leader at their respective residence,” Okoye said.
He said that the manner in which the IYC used its bus to barricade the minister’s gate was uncalled for and provoking, especially that there wasn’t any known prior confrontations or grievances.
He said, “However, because this is not a good conduct as such, it is therefore expected, that all well meaning Niger Deltans, the IYC leadership and Ijaws living both at home and abroad would speak against it.
“In the light of the above, we are appealing and also calling on all parties involved to embrace peace and further restrain from all future planned attacks on the Mohammed and the Minister’s image; because the CSO, was only doing his job to protect Nigerians living in the neighborhood and working for the minister.
“Any further attempt to rubbish the image and career of Mr. Abdullahi, a very charismatic Nigerian Police officer, who has diligently served the nation would be tantamount to giving more pain for the minister.
“We therefore urge all parties to embrace a peaceful approach to resolve these sad incidents in other to heal wounds and engender prosperity for all Nigerians,” he said.
