By Francis Sadhere
The Paramount Ruler of Seimbiri Kingdom, HRM Pere Charles Ayemi-Botu has appealed to the US government to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to resolve the insecurity problem in the Niger Delta region through dialogue.
The monarch made this appeal at his Warri Palace Annex, when The Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy, Abuja paid him a courtesy visit.
The monarch disclosed that following series of appeal and dialogue by traditional rulers and leaders of the region, the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers have agreed to seize fire to pave way for dialogue.
He listed some of the conditions given by the militant group for peace to include increase of the oil derivation to 50%, reallocation of oil block to Niger Delta indigenes, massive development of the region, reopening of the Maritime university, Okenrenkoko, and demilitarisation of the region.
He urged the US government to prevail on President Muhamadu Buhari to dialogue with the militant group for peace to reign in the region.
He highlighted some of the efforts of traditional rulers, including himself, in bringing peace to the region.
Responding, the Deputy Chief of the US Mission, US Embassy Abuja, Mr David Young said the US government is worried over the reemergence of militancy in the Niger Delta Region hence he is meeting with stakeholders with a view to resolving it.
Mr. Young said the US government is ready to collaborate with the Federal Government of Nigeria to tackle the insecurity problem in the Niger Delta region noting that Nigeria is losing a lot of revenue as a result of the problem.
Mr David Young was accompanied on the visit by the US Consul General, US Consulate Lagos, Mr John Bray and Mr Tom Hines.
