Niger Delta Elders Beg Avengers, Others Over Renewing Pipeline Bombings

Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) said in a statement released on Friday, January 13 that only a peaceful atmosphere would guarantee good results in the negotiations.

The statement signed by Dr. Alfred Mulade on behalf of the Central Working Committee of PANDEF said that the group is appealing to all agitators to keep their peace.

Niger Delta elders under the umbrella of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) have pleaded with Niger Delta Avengers and other militants in the south-south region not to renew oil pipeline bombings as earlier threatened.

The group said in a statement released on Friday, January 13 and signed by Dr. Alfred Mulade on behalf of the Central Working Committee that the negotiations would only yield desired results under an atmosphere of peace.

The statement read: “Pan Niger Delta Forum wishes to appeal to all agitators and stakeholders in the region to exercise restraint and remain calm so as to sustain the relative peace enjoyed in the region as it will enable PANDEF deepen its engagement process with the Federal Government. Peace remains the primary factor that can usher in sustainable development.

“However, in the face of all these provocations, there is imperative need for us to‎ continue to embrace peace and sustain the ceasefire deal. PANDEF will continue to engage the Federal Government to respond to the urgent need to initiate dialogue process without delay.

“In the light of Mr. President’s New Year message which he endorsed the primacy of dialogue as a sine qua non for the resolution of the issues in the Niger Delta, the Forum appeals to all aggrieved groups to remain calm and hopeful.”

Recall that the Avengers had threatened to renew pipeline bombings in the Niger Delta after accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of dilly-dallying in the negotiations.

Earlier, ex-militants have declared their total support for President Muhammadu Buhari and promised to expose oil saboteurs bombing pipelines in the Niger Delta region.

This was the resolution reached at a meeting held between the special adviser to President Buhari on Niger Delta and coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig Gen, Paul Boroh (Rtd) and ex-agitators under the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).