Kinsmen of former commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo under the auspices of Gbaramatu Community Chairmen Forum have appealed to resurgent militant group, Niger Delta Avengers and other agitating group to “sheathe their swords” and toll the path of dialogue in a bid to bringing lasting peace to the region.
Recall that the resurgent militant group, Niger Delta Avengers had on several occasions denied claims that it was ready to negotiate with the Federal Government despite reports claiming otherwise.
In a letter sent to President Muhammadu Buhari and signed by Demebi Johnbull, the forum stressed that no meaningful progress can be achieved under an atmosphere of “rancour.”
The community also urged the President to direct oil companies in the region to carry out their social corporate responsibilities and adopt practices that are environmental friendly.
The letter reads in part, “The President should direct the multinational Oil Companies to carry out their Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, adopt environmental best practice, comply with the Local Content Policy of the Federal Government and give employment to people from the host communities, as our people have been shortchanged for too long in the scheme of things.
“The Niger Delta Avengers and other agitating groups should sheathe their swords to engender the peaceful resolution of the logjam as no development can be achieved in a rancorous environment.
“We affirm that we are ready and willing to cooperate and collaborate with the federal government to bring an enduring solution to the incessant pipelines vandalism an insurgency in the kingdom.”
The community also lamented that despite that over 700 oil wells produce about 500,000 barrels per day, “Gbaramatu kingdom is an eyesore in terms of underdevelopment and environmental degradation.
“Gbaramatu kingdom is deliberately deprived and neglected, and we urge you to link us to the national grid.”
The forum also appealed to President Buhari to “engage the traditional institution of Gbaramatu kingdom on issues concerning peace and development, and also kindly direct the Military High Command to respect our traditional institution by returning the items looted during the recent military invasion of Gbaramatu kingdom.”
Comments