Former militant leaders, Saturday urged the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to stop unnecessary destruction of pipeline and other oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta region.
The ex-militant warlords under the aegis of Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI), told the avengers that their actions would only compound the suffering in the region.
In a statement signed by the National President, LPCDI, Reuben Wilson, popularly known as ‘General Pastor’ the former militants said that the use of violence to agitate for the betterment of the region was no more necessary and had been overtaken by events. Instead, he advised the NDA to channel their grievances to President Muhammadu Buhari through the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh (retd.) to achieve better results.
Wilson urged the Niger Delta people to give President Buhari the opportunity to fulfill his promises to the region by maintaining peace.
“The Niger Delta struggle has advanced beyond the use of violence. We had in the past used violence to attract the entire world to the plight of the region.
“We, therefore, need to utilise other peaceful and civil means to build on the sympathy of the world towards the Niger Delta for more effective results rather than resorting to violence.
“That the current resurgence of militancy is an unnecessary distraction to the current administration.
“That all groups and individuals actively involved in the Niger Delta struggle should channel their grievances to Buhari through Paul Boroh for more effective coordination and positive resolution of their grievances.
“That every Ijaw group or persons involved in region’s struggle that for any reason is unable to utilise the office of the SA to President on Niger Delta Affairs to resolve issues bordering on the betterment of the region or Ijaw ethnic nationality should utilise the platform of Ijaw Youth Council or reach out to Victor Ebikabowei, aka General Boyloaf, to mediate in the resolution of such issues,” he said.
