Group calls for full implementation of strategic plan for Niger-delta

An advocacy group, the Pan Niger Delta People’s Congress, has urged the federal government to treat issues in the Niger Delta as top priority to ensure continued peace in the region.

The group, reportedly mandated by the Coalition of Niger Delta Militants, and youths of the region to negotiate on their behalf, asked the federal government to, as a matter of urgent national interest, begin a full implementation of its strategic plan for the region without delay.

It will be recalled that recently, the militant groups such as the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers; Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders Council; Niger Delta Supreme Egbesu Fighters; Niger Delta Red Scorpion Fighters, among others, allegedly pulled out of Chief Edwin Clark-led Pan Niger Delta Forum and mandated PNDPC to discuss with government on behalf of the region.
The Coordinator, PNDPC, Chief Mike Loyibo, in a statement on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government to treat the funding of the Presidential Amnesty Programme as a security issue and that the Ministry of Finance should be directed to release amnesty funds promptly.
Loyibo also demanded the upgrade of the Oron Maritime School in Akwa Ibom as well as commencement of the Maritime University in Delta State.
He urged the federal government to complete the East-West Road, a major expressway linking the South-South region to other parts of the country as well ensure massive creation of jobs in the region.
”The federal government should properly coordinate the various intervention agencies in the region for viability and maximum gains.
”President Muhammadu Buhari should not ignore the clamour for the restructuring of the nation. He should bring all Nigerians together to discuss the direction they want the country to go.”
Loyibo seized the opportunity to welcome the President back to the country after over 100 days of medical attention in the United Kingdom, saying that the President’s return was an indication that prayers of Nigerians had been answered by God.
He added, ”With great joy in my heart, I welcome our President back to the country. Our prayers have been answered by God and we are indeed thankful and excited. The love and unity displayed by Nigerians of all ethnic nationalities while Buhari was away goes a long way to demonstrate that the people remain committed to him for bringing integrity to government.
”This should be sustained and Nigerians should continue to support him and the policies of his administration to drive away the bad and corrupt people.”