…says Dialogue remains best option
Bayelsa State Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, has reaffirmed that dialogue
remains the best option to the amicable resolution of the security
challenges bedevilling the Niger Delta region.
He therefore called on the Federal Government to engage in dialogue with
the youths, “because military option is not a solution” to the problems in
the Niger Delta.
The Governor, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary,
Daniel Iworiso-Markson, made the observation on Saturday in Warri, Delta
State, during a meeting of Ijaw leaders and elders of thought to
brainstorm on the way forward for the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
The meting was attended by Ijaw leader and First Republic Minister of
Information, Chief Edwin Clark; Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley
Otuaro; former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby; and one
time Minister of Aviation, Alabo Tonye Graham Douglas.
Others are former Executive Director (Finance) in Niger Delta Development
Commission (NDDC), Pastor Power Aginighan; President of Ijaw National
Congress (INC), Chief Boma Obuoforibo; former chairman, Bayelsa State
Flood Committee, Chief Francis Doukpola; Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom,
King Joseph Timiyan and Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri Kingdom, King Kopul
Orumini.
Dickson who applauded the efforts of Clark and other prominent leaders for
championing the cause of the people, urged them to work together for
peaceful co-existence of the region and the country as a whole.
The governor said he was at the meeting “to lend support to the on-going
discussions for the enthronement of peace, stability and development of
the Niger Delta area.”
According to him, Ijaw leaders and elders have always provided leadership
and support to the various state governments where the Ijaw people are
domiciled towards strengthening the bond of unity and protection of the
collective interests of the Ijaw nation.
Dickson reiterated his administration’s preparedness to continue to
contribute its quota to the wellbeing and development of the Ijaw nation
as leader of the only homogeneous state for the Ijaw people.
He said, “I have always said that there are issues which call for
collaboration that are not to be resolved by war. I have said that there
is no need for war in the Niger Delta; certainly not in Ijawland but
rather we should dialogue.
“A few days ago, most of you must have heard comments that I made to the
right authorities along the same line and I am delighted that our leaders
of the Ijaw nation are thinking along those lines. I am talking about the
need for dialogue, peace and development of our states and ultimately the
country at large.”
Dickson who offered to host the next edition of the meeting in no distant
time, expressed appreciation to all Ijaw leaders for their commitment to
the welfare and wellbeing of the people.