FG Not Serious about Niger Delta , Says New Militant Group

Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

The Ultimate Warriors, a new militant group in the Niger Delta which emerged two weeks ago, on Monday took a swipe at President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the government’s recent policies concerning the region as ‘contradictory and unserious’.

The group argued that instead of rebuilding the oil-rich region, the government had been busy militarising the Niger Delta like a conquered people.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, ‘Gen’ Sibiri Taiowoh, the group which had threatened to continue attacks on oil facilities until the $16 billion Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project and the Federal Maritime University were completed, noted that the government was bent on annihilating the people of the region.

“You (President) said you needed time and you declared a ceasefire to come out with something. We gave you time but what you did after your medical trip was to make your first comment on bombing of installations after weeks, in an APC Ramadan fast breaking meeting.

“Then you started deploying and redeploying soldiers to war in the Niger Delta communities. You set up a dialogue and contact committee; and same time started deploying security agents to the Niger delta to do what? “, the group queried.

The group alleged that the federal government’s actions have been tailored to favour political associates and family members to the detriment of the entire country, “particularly the Niger delta region”.

It added, “ How can the president claim that he will rebuild the Niger Delta region whereas he is doing everything to annihilate us, whereas he is fanning emblem (sic) of discord in the region using his lieutenants.

“We are aware that this government is anchored on deceit and propaganda but if they continue to shamefully pay lip service to us, we will surely protest by any crude means we can, including totally grounding the oil economy”.

The militant group also accused the federal government of spending the money meant to fast-track already started projects in the region, to empower committees and political jobbers. “That is a miscalculation”, it said.

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