How to sustain peace in Niger Delta, by stakeholders

Niger Delta Stakeholders Forum and Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities have called for sustenance of peace in Niger Delta.

They urged Federal Government to “learn from history,” correct ‘‘current imbalances, protect peace-building institutions from politicisation and restore fairness and confidence’’ in the system.

On Presidential Amnesty Programme, the stakeholders called for reforms to prevent political interference and restore transparency.

They demanded upward review of the N65,000 monthly stipend paid to  former agitators, citing inflation and declining value of the naira.

The stakeholders called for a comprehensive probe to ensure accountability and sustainable peace in Niger Delta.

The groups warned that fresh conflict could erupt in the region if perceived imbalances, especially in pipeline surveillance contracts and the Amnesty Programme, are not addressed

In a communiqué after a strategic meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday, the groups said signs of unrest similar to past crises in the region were already emerging.

The meeting involved community leaders, youth representatives, former agitators, opinion leaders and stakeholders from Niger Delta.

They said they were speaking from experience, having witnessed conflict, peace efforts, accountability and reconstruction in the region.

They described the communiqué as a warning and an appeal to Federal Government to prevent another crisis.

According to them, failure to act could be severe not only for Niger Delta but also for Nigeria’s economy and security.

A major concern raised was the centralisation of pipeline and oil infrastructure surveillance contracts.

The stakeholders argued that under former President Goodluck Jonathan, surveillance contracts were decentralised among local stakeholders and communities, creating a sense of ownership and responsibility.

They claimed the arrangement helped stabilise Nigeria’s crude oil production at between 2.4 and 2.5 million barrels per day before May 2015.

In contrast, they said the current centralised system has failed to deliver results despite huge spending, noting that Nigeria still struggles to meet its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota.

The communiqué recalled the period when renewed tensions in the region led some leaders to return to the creeks and form militant groups such as the Avengers, which attacked oil installations.

According to the stakeholders, some former agitators and leaders worked to contain violence and maintain peace, yet were allegedly sidelined while those who fought the government were rewarded with surveillance contracts.

The position paper was signed by President, Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Dr. Alaye Tari Theophilus; President, Ogoni Federated Youth, Comrade Emmanuel Goteh Bieh; President, Ibom Youth Council, Lord Mammoth Knight; President, Ikwerre Youth Assembly, Chief Henry Assor; National President, Oro-obolo Youth Assembly, Comrade Joseph Etim Antai.

Others were President, Isoko Leadership forums, Comrade Usiwo Oghene Efezino; President, Coalition of Ndokwa Youth Leaders, Chief Chika Obielumani; Chairman, Warri Indigenous People’s Movement (WIPM); National Chairman, Odavwe R’Urrhobo Group, Chief Mathias Efe Olowu and National Coordinator, Ndokwa Advocacy for Development and Good Governance, Prince As Obi Oyemike.