Press Releases

Ijaw Group Tenders Unreserved Apology To Lagos Over Atlas Cove Attack

Jul 22, 2009 - The Ijaw Media Forum has formally tendered an unreserved apology to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and the good people of the state for the misdirected attack on the Atlas Cove Jetty.

In a letter to the Governor, signed by the President, Asu Beks, the forum through its executive and entire members expressed regret over the attack on the facility in Lagos, adding that Lagos State is a peaceful state that has over the years continued to play host to persons from all parts of Nigeria, especially people from the Niger Delta.

He said it is regrettable that MEND would choose to disturb the peace of Lagos and put fear into the minds of people living in the Centre of Excellence.

The group urged MEND to take advantage of the amnesty, which has just been offered by Mr. President to Niger Delta Militants, and to tow the path of peace in its resolve to find a lasting solution to the Niger Delta crisis.

“Lagos is home to every Nigerian and we appreciate the laudable projects geared towards the improvement of the lives of Lagosians since the inception of the administration”.

The Group pledged the loyalty of the people of the Niger Delta and Ijaws in particular residing in Lagos and assured that there will be no repeat of the ugly incident at Atlas Cove Jetty.

The Group pleaded with the Governor to please find it in his heart to accept the apology.

In a related development, the Lagos Chapters of the Ijaw National Congress and Ijaw Youth Council have written to disabuse the minds of the State Government and Lagosians in general that freedom fighters from the Niger Delta have shifted the battle ground of their agitation with the Federal Government to the South West zone and Lagos State in particular

In a Press release signed by Denzil Amagbe Kentebe, the Chairman, Ijaw National Congress and Oyas Gbolupei, the Chairman of Ijaw Youth Council, both organizations added that the incident which happened last Sunday should not be construed as an affront on the good citizens of Lagos State or its Government.

They said the South West zone has always been supportive of the agitation for equity, justice and fair play for all Nigerians and therefore there is no deliberate effort to attack its people either now or in the future.

“Ijaws in Lagos remain committed to the peaceful co-existence which currently exists with our hosts and will continue to dialogue with all parties concerned in the ‘Fight for Freedom’ to embrace peace so as to avoid a repeat of last Sunday’s incident”, the groups added.

The groups also called on Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and all well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the Federal Government to withdraw the Joint Task Force (JTF) currently invading the Niger Delta region and to show a sense of sincerity in the ongoing peace process.