RIGHTS activist, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, has called on the Niger Delta Avengers to stop the destruction of oil pipelines in the Niger Delta region, noting that interventionist agencies in the region should be held responsible for failing to make judicious use of funds appropriated for the region’s development.

Lori-Ogbebor, who lamented that the renewed militancy would only exacerbate the environmental and socio-economic problems in the region, noted that only the cessation of hostilities by the militants would pave the way for peace.

Also, Ijaw National Congress, INC, apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, has called for unconditional cease-fire between government forces, Niger Delta Avengers and other affiliate groups to create enabling environment for dialogue. INC in a statement, weekend in Warri, Delta State, over the state of the Niger Delta and negative impacts of the crisis on the people and region, restated its earlier resolve for peaceful dialogue as panacea for resolving all grievances by various groups and interests in the region.

This is as prominent Ijaw leader in Gbaramatu kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta state, Chief Beck Hitler, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the withdrawal of soldiers from Gbaramatu communities and called for sustainable peace in the area. Speaking in Warri, he appealed to President Buhari to find a lasting solutions to the sufferings of the people of Niger Delta region, adding that it was time the Federal Government sincerely embark on the development of the region. “I thank President Buhari for the withdrawal of soldiers from Gbaramatu communities, and let me also urge President Buhari who is the father of the nation to see the people of Gbaramatu as his children. Our appeal is that there should be peace in Gbaramatu kingdom,” he said.

Meanwhile, briefing newsmen yesterday in Lagos, Lori-Ogbebor said that neither the present government nor its predecessor should be blamed for the resurgence of militancy, stating that political leaders in the region failed to make use of the gains of past interventions in developing the region. She said: “The failure of interventionist agencies to have a focus, plan and will to implement plans in addition to high degree of greed got us to this level.

These Avengers are young men, who are being used and who have not been given proper direction. It is the same leaders, who embezzle money meant for the development of the region that instigates these boys to take up arms. I have never made any mistake about my belief that Niger Delta leaders are the cause of the present crisis. They are not genuine. They should go to other states especially in South West states and see what the leaders are doing but that is not the case with Niger Delta states.

Those of us who produce oil should go back to the drawing table and look at ourselves and ask ourselves if we want to really develop the Niger Delta or our homes.” On its part, national president of INC, Boma Obuoforibo, condemned the use of violence by both the Avengers and government in their approach to the crisis in the oil-rich Niger Delta, which is the soul of the nation’s economy.

It called on the Federal Government and Avengers as well as affiliate groups to respect the sanctity of human life, livelihood and environment of the Ijaw people, noting that several people have been displaced in the forest of Gbaramatu Kingdom and environs and whereabouts of many are unknown as a result of the invasion by government forces of 10 communities. INC called on all Ijaw people irrespective of political affiliations to rally round the body in the forthcoming stakeholders meeting which would afford all Ijaws the opportunity to decisively move the Ijaw nation forward.

VANGUARD

K

Thank God that leaders of Ijaws too have seen and are saying what other sane minda from other parts of the country are saying.

This will be a sad news to Red Mudsters and wailers that were hailing the bombing.

this ll give Igbos serious migraines.

SuperS1Panther:
Thank God that leaders of Ijaws.

Not that it matters though; Chief Rita Lori-Ogebor is not an Ijaw, She is an Itsekiri. She owns a very big Hotel somewhere at Surulere in Lagos.

Arch1:
Not that it matters though; Chief Rita Lori-Ogebor is not an Ijaw, She is an Itsekiri. She owns a very big Hotel somewhere at Surulere in Lagos.

Do u knw why? These itsekiri's are only concerned about their fortunes in Chevron which they have big stakes.

Arch1:
Not that it matters though; Chief Rita Lori-Ogebor is not an Ijaw, She is an Itsekiri. She owns a very big Hotel somewhere at Surulere in Lagos.

Why will she have the hotel outside SS?

Why will Dokubo have virtually all his investments outside SS?

How will investors come into the region, if the sons and daughters of SS are not investing there?