President Muhammadu Buhari has responded to threats from the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, to attack oil facilities in the region.
Recall that the group had wreaked havoc in the Niger Delta during the first term of President Muhammadu Buhari.
It had relatively paralyzed the Nigerian economy between 2016 and 2018, which plunged the country into recession.
In a statement released on Saturday, the group said it had launched “Operation Humble” aimed at crippling the economy as it has done in the past.
He also pledged to crack down on politicians working with the federal government “to undermine the Niger Delta region”.
But in reaction, Buhari in a statement by his special adviser on media and advertising, Femi Adesina, said on Sunday that he was curious that the threat came less than 48 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari met with Delta leaders. of Niger and the National Congress of Ijaw. (INC), at the Presidential Villa, and the relevant issues had been addressed.
Adesina reiterated Buhari’s speech saying that the call for the restructuring of the federation and the inauguration of a board of directors for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been answered.
“For clarity and for recording purposes, below is the full text of President Buhari’s speech on Friday, June 25, 2021, which makes any saber-rattling rather unnecessary:
“I warmly welcome all the wise men of the Niger Delta and in particular the national executive of the Ijaw National Congress, under the leadership of Professor Benjamin Okaba. Thank you for making this courtesy visit shortly after your election in April and for being sworn in last May.
“I also want to congratulate you all on your election and add that a lot of responsibility is placed on your shoulders, especially as the Ijaw National Congress was almost without leadership for a while.
“As a symbol of the collective voice of the Ijaw people, who are one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria, the existence of a focused and people-oriented leadership would go a long way in articulating the demands of the Ijaw people and in s ‘ensuring that these demands are part of the national discourse.
“I particularly note your ten-point request to the federal government in your inaugural address and assure you that this administration is addressing them head-on.
“I am also concerned about the rate of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta and as you know the Oil Pollution Remediation Project has started to work with remediation efforts on them. Ogoni lands and I asked the Minister of the Environment to ensure that the projects are implemented with a high percentage of local content and the inclusion of surrounding communities.
Likewise, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, which reports to the same Ministry of the Environment, is working to ensure that oil spills are reduced and that new spills are are avoided. As you also know, all responsible government agencies have been tasked with ensuring that they enforce international best practices by international oil companies.
“In responding to your call for immediate restructuring, the National Assembly, whose responsibility is to ensure that our constitution responds to the call for a restructured Nigeria, has already concluded the regional consultations and as soon as they finalize the process, necessary actions will not be delayed. for my part.
“In the same vein, your call for the creation of two more states and more areas of local government for the Ijaw people is a legislative issue, which should naturally be dealt with by the National Assembly and seek approval at the level of the States.
“I fully agree with your call to grant exploitation licenses for the marginal fields to the Ijaw. However, as you know, the licensing process is guided by established rules and regulations, most of which even favor local content and local entrepreneurs. I see no reason why they shouldn’t get such licenses if they qualify.
“On the issue of fair and balanced appointments to reflect the principles of the federal character, I reaffirm that this has always been my goal and will continue to be because I have always viewed Nigeria as a country where everyone should have equal opportunities.
“A contentious issue that has been the subject of speeches among the Ijaw people of late has been the need for the Niger Delta Development Commission to live up to its bill by providing the required assistance to the people of the region. Based on the mismanagement that previously plagued the NDDC, a forensic audit has been put in place and the outcome is expected by the end of July 2021.
“I want to assure you that as soon as the forensic audit report is submitted and accepted, the NDDC Board of Directors will be inaugurated.
However, I would like to implore you that the Ijaw National Congress take a more active role in ensuring that the mismanagement that has occurred in the past does not happen again.
“I am particularly pleased to note your call to promote the ownership of modular refineries by the Ijaw people and I will urge you to speak with your sons who are involved in the processes of establishing these refineries, in particular the Honorable Minister of State of Oil Resources to update this quest.
“As you are well aware, the completion of the east-west road is at the top of my infrastructure program and I will await its early conclusion. Again, the occasional disruption by young people in some communities along the route to construction would require your attention and guidance.
“In addition, we have made considerable progress with the construction of the Bonny-Port Harcourt Bridge.
“I am very happy with the recent affirmation of your belief in a united Nigeria and while I thank you for standing by my side, I also implore you to use your influence to ensure that we continue to work together to keep this united country, indivisible entity, so that we can face our problems together and overcome our challenges together.
“I would now like to congratulate Professor Okaba for the emphasis placed on supporting the fight against insecurity by developing internal oversight mechanisms as well as working with other institutions in the country to address our current security challenges.
“While thanking you once again for this visit, I will continue to count on your support as we work to resolve our current challenges.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “