FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has advised Niger Delta youths not to cause any breach of the peace in the region, saying any disruption will impact the country’s economy.

He gave the advice when the executive of the Movement for the Survival of Ijaw (Izon) Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta paid him a visit in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Tuesday, to express their concerns over the state of the nation.

Jonathan urged the youth to shun violence and realise that the region supports the nation through oil and gas proceeds, adding that any restiveness would affect the country’s economy.

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Jonathan said, “The future belongs to the youths, who are at the centre of most developmental endeavours and policies of government. So, the diversion of youthful energy towards violence is not desirable at all.”

Earlier, the President of MOSIEND, Mr Kennedy Tonjo-West, had told Jonathan that the group was seeking the advice of statesmen on the challenges bedeviling the Ijaw nation, Niger Delta and Nigeria.

He appealed to the ex-President to mobilise members of the National Council of State to prevail on the Federal Government to reverse the hikes in the pump price of petrol and electricity tariffs.