First Republic Information Minister and S/South elder, Chief Edwin Clark, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to dialogue with the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) who have claimed responsibility for a series of bombings in the Niger Delta.
Edwin Clark urged President Muhammadu Buhari to create a platform to listen to the grievances of the militant group.
Chief Edwin Clark urged President Buhari to emulate his predecessors, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, and former President Goodluck Jonathan, by using dialogue with the Niger Delta militants to end the crisis.
“In my many years of leadership at various levels in this country, I know that any resort to violence and insecurity only leaves a trail of tension, neglect, pain and wanton violence in the areas concerned
“Even when security forces move in with the intention of restoring law and order, it is innocent villagers, in particular, women, children, and the old who suffer most.
“The Niger Delta is yet to recover from the season of violence which we experienced between 2005 and 2009.
“I, again, make the same call and appeal, today, this time in a more shrill voice! Though the perceptions have not changed on the evolving kaleidoscope of national political administration, I remain firmly convinced that the destruction of our national economic golden goose is not a viable option,” Clark said.