Bayelsa elders seek end to militancy in Niger Delta; ...writes President Buhari

Political and traditional leaders in Bayelsa State on Sunday argued that the growing unemployment and general frustration in the Niger Delta region were partly responsible for the resurgence of armed agitations in the region.

In a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari over the rising incidence of sea piracy, oil and gas pipelines attacks and other violent crimes, the elders noted that fighting unemployment would substantially reduce anger in the oil-rich area.

Specifically, the elders and traditional heads from Bayelsa East Senatorial District, noted in the letter that the permanent solution to ending the criminalities in the area was to ensure the take-off of the Brass Liquefied Natural Gas Project (Brass LNG).

They noted that though the local and state governments have tried in their own ways to provide employment, initiate security and peace along the waterways, the delay in the take-off of the project has left many youths jobless, restive and involved in the renewed violence in the region.

The letter signed by Chief Newton Ayibatare and others, stated that when fully established, the gas project would employ over 16,000 restive youths and improve revenue to the Local Councils, State and Federal Governments.

Credit: ThisDay