…Urges N/D Communities Not Succumb to Whims, Caprices of Politicians

By Francis Sadhere

The federal government has been commended for initiating the ceasefire in the creeks of Delta State after months of military onslaught against rampaging Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).

Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), which gave the commendation, described it as a welcome development.

This is contained in a statement signed by the National Coordinator, CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade,  stating that ‘’most of the crises  are being perceived to be sponsored by the political class to gain more relevance.”

But the Center wants the government not to politicize the dialogue to be led by the National Security Adviser, saying that critical stakeholders from the core oil producing communities should be included in the process otherwise the impact would not trickle down to the grassroots.

The Center observed that several dialogues had been held in the past on the issue of the development of the Niger Delta region, but expressed dismay that resolutions reached at such for a were never implemented to the letter.

‘’We want to believe that this is not another political gimmick but a genuine intention to address the problem once and for all’’.

CEPEJ urged the communities to take advantage of the proposed parley by electing credible leaders to the lead the talks on their behalf and not succumb to the whims and caprices of politicians.

The NGO called on the militants to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue as the only veritable and viable means to resolve conflict and not personalize the Niger Delta question.

‘’Niger Delta Avengers should sheathe their swords and embrace peace. The issues they are fighting for are not personal.  The problem of underdevelopment is encompassing the Niger Delta region. They should give room for dialogue.’’