The Federal Government has indicated its readiness to dialogue with the Niger Delta militants following a recent attack on Chevron Valve Platform in Warri South-West Local government area of Delta state. Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and coordinator of the presidential amnesty programme, Paul Boroh stated this on Friday, May 6, while addressing newsmen in Abuja.
The recent attack was claimed by the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), a militant group which threatened to cripple the nation’s economy if the government does not respond to its demand. According to Boroh, the government is willing to entertain the group’s grievances.
“Pipeline vandalism is an avoidable self-inflicted agony. It is unreasonable to engage in such criminal activity not only because of the resultant economic effect on the country but particularly as it also negatively affects the Niger Delta environment,” he said.
“The act of vandalising pipelines is counter-productive apart from it being a crime against the state. Those involved in this nefarious activity are economic and environmental saboteurs. It will do well for them to refrain from it, as my office is always open to dialogue regardless of their grievances.
“The federal government already has in place a well-structured reintegration programme for youths of the region, which has helped in maintaining the peace and stabilising security of the region. The Amnesty Programme has made militancy unattractive in the region mainly because of the government’s sincerity and commitment to the programme. The proper thing is for those behind such activity to embrace dialogue.”
While commending security agencies for their commitment to ensuring peace in the region, Boroh warned that his office will delist and bring to justice any beneficiary of the programme that engages in criminal activity.