Politics
Niger Delta: Ex military Gov Umar cautions Buhari on use of force
A former military governor of Kaduna State, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd), has warned President Muhammadu against the use of military force on the Niger Delta militants.
He said using military force may lead to collateral damage among the innocent civilians because the creeks are heavily polluted with oil, rendering them highly inflammable and will take the firing of a few high explosive shells to set the whole area on fire.
Umar stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Kaduna, also warning that the International community will view any military force in the oil region as unjust and merely aimed at control and exploitation of the region’s oil and gas resources.
The statement which he entitled, “War in the Niger Delta: A most dangerous option” reads, “I am really frightened by the sudden escalation in the Niger Delta region from where there are reports of skirmishes between our security forces and the Niger Delta militants.
“This is happening after the President was quoted as vowing to deal with the militants as he did Boko Haram.
Read also: Militants counter army, declare ‘Operation Crocodile Tears’
“As a retired General, Mr President is well aware of the serious and daunting challenges any military will face in its operations in the most difficult and densely populated Niger Delta region.
“The creeks are so heavily polluted with oil, rendering them highly inflammable. It will take the firing of a few high explosive shells to set the whole area on fire, resulting in inestimable collateral damage among innocent civilians.
“It is also difficult to see how an armed conflict can secure our oil and gas assets in the region, instead it will aid the destructive activities of the militants and lead to total shut down of all oil and gas operations in the area”.
“The Niger Delta militants cannot be said to be terrorists in the real sense of the word and I believe they are amenable to meaningful dialogue.
“I need not remind the President that a war in the Niger Delta will be viewed and opposed by most objective Nigerians and the International community as unjust and merely aimed at control and exploitation of the region’s oil and gas resources”.
By Ebere Ndukwu …
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