The paramount ruler of Opume in Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa State, King Amalate J. Turner, has advised the federal government against the use of force or military operation in the Niger Delta in the face of the activities of militants.
Speaking in Yenagoa, today, King Turner, cautioned the government over military option as a measure to tackle the resurgence of militancy and other forms of criminality in the oil-rich region.
He advocated dialogue as part of a comprehensive approach that should be adopted by the government to address the situation, adding that force alone may not bring about a lasting solution to the crisis.
While speaking with newsmen, King Turner noted that though, there was the need to protect the economic lifeline, people and property, the military should tread softly.
According to him, it is important that the Nigerian government explores ways to engage the communities in the, understand the grievances of the people, and also ensure that the various issues are addressed.
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“I
want to advise the government on the need to have what I call, ‘a
comprehensive approach’ to this, in other words we need to have dialogue
and we need to engage the perpetrators of violence down there.“When there is criminal activity, (it) is right that the government should take proactive action against that criminal activity, we strongly support them but we don’t think military solution alone is the final solution to handle issues in Niger Delta.”
“It is also my view that the necessity to engage in peace promotion and human security activities in most inclusive way possible. Solutions to conflicts must be rooted in inclusive political processes, based on the rule of law and respect for universal human rights,” King Turner said.
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