The South South Reawakening Group (SSRG) has disagreed with the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), over its position about the handling of Niger Delta issues by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The group, in a statement signed by its Convener, Joseph Ambakederijmo, a copy made available to our reporter in Asaba, said PANDEF’s demands for peace to reign in Niger Delta did not reflect the general wishes of the people of the region.
“The demands certainly are not the aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta. If for anything, the people in PANDEF have lost touch with the reality on ground in the region”, it added.
SSRG maintained that what was needed in the region was fresh thinking and new approach to tackle the crisis rocking the region.
“What we want in the region right now is fresh minds, fresh thinking, new approach and thinking out of the box. For instance, you cannot ask an investor to put his or her money in a trouble and volatile environment, no matter the level of persuasion.
“First we need to stop the incessant kidnapping, destruction of oil and gas facilities these must stop, and we move to sustain peace and renewed confidence.
These are the only conditions on which any investor can have a rethink to relocate to the region once again full time, anything short of the stated conditions above would be like pouring water on the back of a duck,” the group said.
The group acknowledged that negotiations and dialogue were an integral part of democracy, which under normal circumstances should give birth to unparalleled development in sane societies and expressed the belief that this is the path the Buhari administration is taking in trying to bring to an end the Niger Delta imbroglio.
It commended the recent visit to the region by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, stressing that it will signal a series of activities to herald genuine dialogue.
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