The elders and traditional rulers from the Nine States of the South-South geo-political zones yesterday proffered solutions to stop oil pipeline attacks by new militant groups in the Niger Delta region.
The elders said though the Federal Government have set up negotiating team to discuss the terms of ceasefire, the genuine solutions to stop the new militant groups in the region is to focus on discussing true federalism, equal political participation and fiscal sharing among states rather than discussing mundane issues.
The Elders under the aegis of the Voice of the South-South (VSS) in a statement issued in Yenagoa and signed by its Chairman, Board of Trustee, Engr. Mike Oghiasa, said though past dialogues on issues affecting the Niger Delta have gone down the drain due to misplaced priorities, the new negotiation should focus on issues of true federalism and equal participation in country.
Oghiasa noted that the violent agitation by the new militant groups was triggered by the anger against the lopsided administration of the country. ”Nigeria, as a country, is embedded in hatred, suspicion and inequality. Unless the federating units are allowed to have autonomy, there will continue to be bottled anger.
“The negotiating team should focus on true federalism, equal representation and proper economic sharing of resources. The sharing formula should be arranged along the geo-political system. The system is fool proof and devoid of political under tone. The six zones will have equal opportunities. If Bayelsa with eight local councils is sharing resources with Kano with over 20 local councils, it may trigger inequality.”
On the reasons for silent cry by the Niger Delta people for true federalism under the administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, they argued that though the agitation was silent, “there was less injustice perceived under President Goodluck Jonathan administration.”
