N’Delta Youth Threaten To Shut-Down NLNG

Niger Delta Youth leaders
have threatened to shut down facilities of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) of peaceful moves fail to prevail on the company to retrace its decision of building a dry dock outside the region.
The youth leaders under the aegis of  joint Niger Delta Youth Movement (JNDYM) gave this threat Friday when they protested to the Port Harcourt office of the company at Amadi-Ama in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
The youth leaders who were led by Mrs Annkio Briggs said they would mobilize Niger Delta youths against the company if it refuses to reverse its decision on sitting of the ship yard at Badagry in Lagos State instead of Niger delta where the gas is being produced.
Our correspondent reports that over 20 youth organisations took part in the protest and that security officers escorted them to the Port Harcourt office of NLNG where they handed  a letter to the company.
Among them were, Bonny Youth Federation, Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer, Salvation Front, Rivers Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition, Kalabari Youth Federation, National Youths Council of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter and Ijaw Youths Council.
Annkio Briggs explained that their grievances was that against all reactions of the youths of the region and other well-meaning persons, on the issue, NLNG appears to be hellbent on constructing the $1.5 billion shipyard outside the region which is the operational base of the company.
She said the letter handed down to the company contained the feelings and needs of the people and that the youths and people of the region were still open for discussion to avert possible crisis in the region as a result of the controversial project.
She said, “we have given the letter to NLNG and as a peace-loving people, we are going to investigate the claims of NLNG that they have no hand in the decision to build dry-dock shipyard in Badagry. We are also open for any discussion but, like the letter sent to them, we will protest if they take us for granted.
The group said the firm’s decision to build the facility outside the region, contradicts with the situation of things in the region, particularly the colossal unemployment rate.