Excel Torimo (AKA General Monday), the leader of the protesters, stated, "NDDC officials have refused to pay us for our work removing Water Hyacinths even though we have already completed our jobs.”
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as "Dan Abia, No Joy in Niger Delta" and “Pay Us Our Right". However, when the protesters moved forward to officially register their complaints with the NDDC, soldiers and police officers blocked them using an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC).
An ex-militant from Bayelsa State, Jacob Told Bloom Gist that if demands are not met violence could ensue. “For 7 weeks we [the protesters] have been pushed back and forth without receiving our pay, we may take forceful steps as Niger Delta people.”
Source: Bloom Gist
