The World Assembly of Youth (WAY) has applauded the ongoing military operation in the Niger Delta region code named `Operation Crocodile Smiles’, saying it will usher in peace and development.
WAY, a global youth body, also expressed condolences to the Nigerian Army on the loss of four soldiers, who drowned in a boat mishap during the operation in Brass Water Front in Bayelsa.
Col. Sani Usman, the Spokesman of the Nigerian Army had confirmed the death of four soldiers involved in the military drill when their boat capsized on Monday.
Mr Preye Ketebu-Brown, the Vice-President of WAY, condoled with the military in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
on Wednesday in Yenagoa.
Ketebu-Brown expressed optimism that the exercise would cement civil-military relationships and urged military authorities to collaborate with communities to build lasting confidence in the minds of the civil population.
He said “the army’s “Operation Crocodile Smile” in the Niger-Delta region is a welcome development, provided Nigerian Army will confine its duties to its constitutional role.
“I, therefore, urge youths of the Niger Delta to see the operation as a source of hope and renewed confidence toward a more secured, stable and investment-friendly Niger-Delta environment.
“This is the same goal of all agitations.Youths and indeed the people of the Niger-Delta should display our traditional hospitality to the men of gallantry.
“However, `Operation Crocodile Smile” as a well-planned and organised programme with set objectives to mop-up the region, should have a definite time-table.
“It is important to share details of this laudable programme, including its time-table as obtainable in other military operations in civilian areas,’’ he said.
The global youth leader urged the military to sensitise the public on the time-line of the operation to allay fears and douse the tension and anxiety the operation had brought upon the people.
“It shall also serve the Niger Delta region and indeed the nation best if this noble operation is backed with military establishments that promote development such as Navy Shipyards,” he said.
He expressed the hope that the exercise would bring about the establishment of Air Force airfields and military hardware manufacturing industries.
He added that it would boost security for rapid clean-up and development of the region.
The youth activist, however, appealed for the release of Niger-Delta youths arrested in Gbaramatu, Warri and the environs.
According to him, freeing the arrested youths is in the spirit of reconciliation and in view of efforts toward peace in the ongoing dialogue.
He urged the authorities to charge the suspects to court or release them without further delay.
“It is indeed a welcome development that the Niger Delta Avengers opted for dialogue. I, however, advise the Federal Government that any planned dialogue should include a cross section of stakeholders.
He also urged stakeholders in the region to, in good faith, accept the olive branch of the present administration and give their best for the peace of the region.