An advocacy group, the Niger Delta Advocates for Peace and Sustainable Development (NDAPSD) has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and Governors of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers States on their victory at the last general elections.

The NDAPSD also called on stakeholders in the region to work for peace and harmonious relationships in order to engender the much needed infrastructural and economic development the region yearns for.

In a chat with Kristina Reports, National Chairman of the group, which comprises great minds across the Niger Delta region, Arfada Akpan, said its vision was to “create a peaceful Niger Delta and build peaceful relationships among people of ages and cultures from personal to regional, national and international, through education, research and action”.

National Chairman, NDAPSD, Arfada Akpan

Also speaking, an elder statesman, Chief Hassan Tam-Douglas and a leader of the group, Prince Adele Sam-Wobo extolled the achievements of President Buhari and praised the synergy between the President and the nine Niger Delta Governors, which, according to them, has served to fast-track development across the region.

Akpan explained that the NDAPSD aims at “providing a strong platform, based on research and sound infrastructure, for educational, community and international activities; harness commitments and expertise, including the experience of our elders and the vitality of our youths; liaise and partner with others, working for peace; and provide practical tools for peaceful living including skills and methods for conflict resolution and violence prevention”.

The group stated that the wayforward for the region was 1) to assist in the development of a more peaceful, less violent society through education of children and adults 2) to promote the development of interpersonal skills for handling relationships and conflict constructively 3) to work for peace, disarmament and social Justice 4) to network regionally, nationally and internationally 5) to play a monitoring role regarding issues and policies relating to the objectives of the Niger Delta Advocate for Peace and Sustainable development (NDAPSD) 6) to promote peace issues and initiatives through the media/event 7) to encourage the media to promote peaceful and positive community values, and 8) to model peacemaking values within the region and outside.