Buhari begs Ijaw communities over pipeline vandals

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has called on communities in the Niger Delta area harboring suspects recently involved in a three-day bombing of crude oil and gas pipelines in that area to hand over such suspects in their communities to security agencies.

The presidency asked the Ijaw speaking communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, not to however entertain fear of bombardment by security agencies, but to demonstrate patriotism by handing over suspects behind the recent bombing.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, who handed down the presidential directive Sunday night,

Adesina said: “Ijaws are Nigerians and good ones too. They should not allow a little leaven to destroy the whole lump. Rather, they should demonstrate patriotism by giving up evildoers. Such exists everywhere, and the onus is on good people not to shelter them.

“There are rules of engagement for every operation, and you can be sure that the Nigerian military will do what is right,” he stated.

Read also: Review… Niger Delta militancy: Aggravating a bad situation

On claims that the Presidency was out to disgrace ex-MEND leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, because of his alleged closeness to former president Goodluck Jonathan, Adesina said: “The question of anybody being humiliated due to closeness to the former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan does not exist.

“This is not a vengeful government, and right on inauguration day, President Muhammadu Buhari had indicated that nobody needs fear that he would be out for vengeance. In his National Day broadcast on October 1 last year, the President also said people should not be afraid of his person, but fear the consequences of their actions. Therefore, nobody should fear humiliation on account of being close to anybody, as long as such person has clean hands.”

He, however, pointed out that “if anybody has committed a crime, he must be ready to answer for it. Being open to political solution does not mean indulging criminality. Do not forget, people must always be ready for the consequences of their actions. It is only natural.”

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