Niger Delta Group Urges President Buhari To Withdraw Warships, Fighter Jets From The Creeks To Facilitate Dialogue

Source: Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, M.NIIA

The interim national executive committee of the Congress of United People of Niger Delta (CUPOND), has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to consider withdrawal of warships and fighter jets from creeks in the Niger Delta, as a proactive approach towards the restoration of peace and full economic activities in the region.

The group in a statement by its National Organizing Secretary, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe said the call has become necessary because of the innocent people and children that may be killed in the process of exchange of fire power between the militants, particularly the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), the Igbesu Boys Confraternity (IBC) and federal forces.

CUPOND said it will be more cheaper to negotiate with the militants than for the nation to lose N10.5billion daily as a result of the wanton destruction and vandalization of oil installations.

"We hereby appeal to the Avengers and other vexed groups to dialogue with the federal government and embrace peace. President Muhammadu Buhari has demonstrated sufficient political will power and excellent leadership qualities that suggests positive ability to effectively and prudently manage the resources of this Nation for the good of all Nigerians.

"We do not think that full blown military incursion will restore lasting peace and active economic activities in the region. We are not in support of renewed violence but government must employ result oriented strategies to quell the crisis and move the nation forward.

"Full military action may end up as futile exercise and costly too, if the federal government chose not to negotiate with the Avengers. We believe that involvement of the governors of the Niger Delta region and political leaders will yield better and greater results than full military action.

"We strongly advise the federal government not to move the Maritime University from its present location because that in itself may provoke further internal tribal or ethnic war capable of wrecking complicated economic havoc capable of escalating into wanton destruction of oil installations, choice properties and lost of lives, and at the end it is the poor and innocent people that will suffer.

"The federal government may continue with the investigation of fraud in connection with the land acquired for the University and in the same token continue with the project and open the University with full assurances from the host communities that students of the institution will enjoy peace and stable academic activities.

"We should learn from other nations that nursed internal war for three decades, the loses, the economic sabotage and the rest. The tension in Nigeria today is obvious, ranging from hike in fuel price to super inflation and no money in circulation as a result of poor governance by previous administrations.

"The political class are angry because of the highly restricted political appointments which has further slowed down enthusiasm of party faithful and supporters. There is acute hunger in the land while banks and other organizations are retrenching workers in their thousands. The price of crude oil is falling. The pain is much.

"So, this is certainly not the right time to use full military action as it may provoke massive declaration and increased militancy that may led to partial or full blown civil war. We urge President Buhari to read the evil script of the enemies and use wisdom to handle this matter.

"CUPOND strongly believe that it is cheaper and wiser to negotiate and end this crisis within the shortest possible time. The Niger Delta is not a foreign country at war with Nigeria, therefore the federal government will not take pride to wipe out the people of the region."

CUPOND strongly believe that the Niger Delta is still grossly underdeveloped compared to the rapid development going on in Abuja and other major cities whereas the region produces wealth for the thirty six (36) states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the statement added.