Ijaw Youths say multiple militant groups will not hinder dialogue

The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) on Sunday assured that multiplicity of militant groups in the Niger Delta region would not obstruct the ongoing talks on renewed attacks on oil facilities in the region.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Eric Omare, Spokesman of IYC, and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa.

He allayed fears that the existence of several groups will jeopardise ongoing peace talks.

``The IYC is also of the view that the perceived multiplicity of militant groups in the region as stated by President Buhari is not an obstacle to engagement with stakeholders.

``The sort of engagement the IYC expects from the Federal Government is a holistic dialogue with stakeholders in the region with a view to find a lasting solution to the root causes of militancy and other agitations.

``The IYC would only support a dialogue that is geared towards addressing the fundamental issues responsible for militancy in the Niger Delta region,” Omare stated.

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the dialogue rather than through intermediaries.

``IYC welcomes the personal appeal by President Buhari; we state that what is required is for him to in person lead the dialogue with the Niger Delta people towards finding a lasting solution to the recurring militancy in the region.

``President Buhari must come to the negotiation table with stakeholders in the Niger Delta region as was done by his predecessors rather than through his subordinates.

``Therefore, we call on President Buhari to act by starting the process of genuine and serious engagement with the Niger Delta people with a view to address the Niger Delta agitation for resource control once and for all,’’ he said.