President to meet Niger Delta elders today

President Buhari will meet elders from the Niger Delta region today, Tuesday, November 1, 2016.

This is in a bid to find a lasting solution to the lingering crisis and alleged degradation of the environment in the oil rich region.

Speaking to newsmen on the meeting, the Minister of state for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu said negotiations will continue to ensure that militancy in the region stops.

According to Punch, Kachikwu said “The threat to the nation’s gas supply from militants and insurgency in the Niger Delta were critical and thought-provoking, stressing that the government was trying to address the situation and others through negotiations with various stakeholders in the Niger Delta.”

Reports say the Niger Delta elders, led by Chief Edwin Clark, rejected the Federal Government’s plan to launch N4tr infrastructural rebirth investment programme.

Speaking on the preparation of the elders, a source told Punch that “All the ethnic groups in the Niger Delta would be represented in the meeting. For stance, Prof. Gabriel Darah, and Prof. Amos Utuamah would lead the Urhobos; the Olu of Warri nominated people including Chief Isaac Jemide for the Itsekiri; a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Olisah Imegwu, will represent Ndokwa; and the President General of Isoko Development Union, Gen. Iduh Amadhe, will represent the Isoko people.”

Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Avengers have threatened to bomb crude oil facilities if President Buhari insists on a military solution to the Niger Delta issue.