From Walter Ukaegbu, Abuja
COMMANDANT General of the Riverine Security, also known as the Coast Guard of the Federation, Commander Bibi Oduku has asked the Federal Government not to negotiate with Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). He said it will amount to weakness on the part of the government as activities of the militants were ill-conceived.
Oduku said it will be a shame for government to descend so low to negotiate with the group and noted that the problem of the Niger Delta has been solved through the amnesty package of late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
“If Nigeria, called the giant of Africa, wants to dialogue with Avengers, it simply means a shame to Nigeria as a country.
“One; when these young men started on a militant platform, the federal government gave them the opportunity of amnesty. What is the meaning of amnesty? It means they are dropping their arms and it means they will never get involved in any criminal activities. If the federal government settles with Avengers, tomorrow, too, other groups will also come up.”
Oduku said the best solution was to plant a particular platform that will go against them and hold them responsible for their nefarious activities.