Niger Delta Militancy: Buhari Meets With Security Chiefs; South South Contact Leaders

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Friday, July 1st, 2016

…Promises To Review Amnesty Programme

By Seun Adebosin

ABUJA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – President Muhammadu Buhari, his Vice Professor Yemi Osinbajo Thursday met behind closed-doors with the country’s Security Chiefs.

Although, none of the head of security volunteered comments after the meeting however, it was learnt that the crucial parley was meant to assess the military operations in line with the activities of the Niger Delta Avengers in some South south States.

In attendance at the meeting were the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff (CAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ibas; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura; Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Mr. Ayo Oke; and the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris.

Others who attended the strategic meeting were the Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan Ali (retd.); National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Munguno (retd.); Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal and the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Abba Kyari.

Meanwhile, President Buhari has assured that his administration would rebuild Nigeria, including the Niger Delta region, therefore solicited for patience and understanding from the citizenry.

Receiving a delegation of Niger Delta Dialogue and Contact Group, led by His Royal Highness, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, Bayelsa State, at State House, Abuja, Thursday, Mr. President pledged that under his watch, Nigeria would witness judicious utilization of resources.

“We intend to rebuild this country; so that our children and grand-children will have a good place they can call their own. A lot of damage has been done, so I want you to tell the people to be patient.

“When you get together with other leaders, please pacify the people. We will utilize the resources of Nigeria with integrity and rebuild the country” President Buhari said in a statement issued by his SA on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adeshina.

The President said the gazette on the Niger Delta amnesty programme by the Umaru Yar’Adua administration was being studied with a view to determining what had been fulfilled, promising that whatever is left would equally be addressed.

“I want to get as much intelligence as possible on the situation in the Niger Delta. I have encouraged law enforcement agencies to contact leaders like you in order to have enough information to deal with the issues once and for all, “the President restated.

He sympathized with investors who borrowed lots of money to invest in the Niger Delta region and have not recouped their investments due to insecurity.

He used the occasion of his audience with the Group to reiterate his appeal to those who perpetrate violence to embrace peace and give government a chance.

The leader of the Group, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, said the group was made of peace builders, dedicated to peace and stability in the region.