FG changes gear, offers to dialogue with Niger Delta Avengers

The Federal Government (FG) may have started feeling the impact of the activities of new militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, as it has said it is willing to negotiate with the militants, no matter what their grievances may be.

It would be recalled that the militant group had claimed responsibility for the attack on Chevron Valve Platform in Warri South-West Local government area of Delta State. The group also threatened to cripple the nation’s economy if the government does not respond to its demand.

The Federal Government’s position was made known in Abuja on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Paul Boroh, saying the government was willing to discuss, no matter the grievances of the group.

“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,” Boroh said.

Continuing, the presidential aide 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.”

He also commended security agencies for their commitment to ensuring peace in the region, warning that his office would not hesitate to delist and bring to book any beneficiary of the programme that engages in criminal activity.

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