Don’t Try It, Navy Warns Militants Threatening To Resume Hostilities

The Nigerian Navy has warned Niger Delta militants, who last week threatened to resume attacks on oil facilities over alleged Federal Government lackadaisical attitude to the development of the zone to have a rethink and toe the path of dialogue or be dealt with decisively.

This came as South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, asked the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio, to stop his constant interference with the activities of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for effective performance and service delivery to the people of the zone.

In another development, the controversy trailing the appointment of a sole administrator for NDDC, took a twist, as a lawyer and indigene of Edo State, Dr Washington Osifo, has initiated a suit at the Federal High Court, Benin City challenging the appointment of a sole administrator for the commission, praying the court to declare it “illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.”

He argued that the decision negates the provision of the Act setting up the commission.

It would be recalled that some former militant groups had in recent times threatened to attack oil and gas installations in Niger Delta over Federal Government’s alleged interference in the management of NDDC and Presidential Amnesty Programmed, PAP.

Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Central Naval Command, CNC, with headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Saidu Garba, handed down the warning in Yenagoa shortly after the official commissioning of housing projects at the command for naval personnel.

Garba, who represented the special guest of honour, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, on the occasion said: “The Nigerian Navy and indeed the Nigerian military is poised to deal decisively with any person who in any way undermines the unity of this country. Specifically, the destruction of oil and gas infrastructure is economy sabotage.

“I will advise that whoever is thinking of that should please heed the way of dialogue, discuss with government as to what their grievances are and I am sure the government will find a way to solve such problem.

“I am aware that components of the government are already in touch with the relevant bodies in Niger Delta and other places to ensure that the problem (threats) does not rear its ugly head.

“I want to assure that we are ready to tackle any problem in line with our statutory responsibility.”

Vanguard