Date Published: 05/24/09
PRESS RELEASE
Call for a Halt to the Pogrom in the Niger Delta
By Chief Anthony Enahoro
Elder Statesman and Leader of Pro National Conference Organization (PRONACO), Chief Anthony Enahoro calls for immediate and unconditional stoppage of the wide scale killings and destructions in the Niger Delta following the face-off between militants and the Joint Task Force of the Nigerian Military.
Chief Enahoro unequivocally condemns indiscriminate use of force by the Nigerian Military to resolve internal conflicts in the Niger Delta region. The elder statesman regrets the worsening state of anarchy in the Niger Delta following activities of militant groups in the last couple of years.
It is regrettable that genuine and legitimate demands of the people of the Niger Delta have been beclouded and undermined by needless cases of kidnapping targeted at foreign nationals and Nigerian citizens alike. It is painful that while the conflicts in the Niger Delta were degenerating into anarchy, the Nigerian State jettisoned reasonable options for enduring intervention as well as resolutions.
It is evident that the Federal Government failed to act promptly to curb the proliferation of arms and dangerous weapons by political actors in the Niger Delta. The recently released report of the Justice Kayode Esho inquiry in Rivers State has openly attested to the culpability of political actors in the violent conflicts which preceded uncontrolled activities of militants in the Niger Delta.
It must therefore be emphasized that the failure of the Federal Government of Nigeria to genuinely intervene in the conflicts as well as in arresting proliferation of arms and deadly weapons brought the Niger Delta to its present state. It must therefore be categorically stated that ongoing activities of the military is diversionary, evasive and an indictment of the Nigerian State. What has been demonstrated in the last one week is an aggression against impoverished people of neglected communities of the Niger Delta who have, over the years; bore the brunt of extractive activities which negate international standards as well as natural justice.
PRONACO join Nigerians and well meaning people of the world in condemning the hardship which inhabitants of Ijaw communities of the Niger Delta have been subjected by Nigerian Military in the name of haunting for militants in the Greeks of the Niger Delta. There is no doubt that ongoing killings of innocent citizens, destruction of properties as well as agonizing condition of internally displaced inhabitants would further worsen the situation in the Niger Delta. Given the experiences in Odi and Zaki Ibiam, it is doubtful if the current action could be in the best interest of the communities and stakeholders in the Niger Delta.
PRONACO calls for immediate ceasation of hostilities by the military and the militants in the interest of innocent citizens who are caught in the cross-fire. PRONACO also demands increased humanitarian assistance in the affected communities without any form of inhibition by the military. The Federal Government and governments in the Niger Delta should declare emergency and provide relief materials in the affected communities without further delay.
Finally, PRONACO affirms belief in true federalism, resource control and equitable distribution of wealth as more effective intervention and resolution of the crises in the Niger Delta.
Signed
Olawale Okunniyi
PRONACO Spokesperson
08033993867
