Leadership (Abuja)
News Agency of Nigeria
22 July 2008
Chairman, Niger Delta Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, Mr David Brigidi, has called for an immediate demobilisation, rehabilitation and reorientation of militants in the Niger Delta region.
Brigidi, a former senator, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, saying such measure would help to restore peace in the region.
"This call has become imperative in view of the fact that the Niger Delta region is losing a whole generation to arms and violence," he said.
Brigidi urged the Federal Government to commence the process of demobilising the militants and reintegrating them into the society.
"This will help to save the region from losing its entire generation of youths to violence and a state of uncertainties," he explained.
Brigidi said his committee had already made a recommendation similar to his call to the government for possible implementation.
He also advocated that an environmental audit of the Niger Delta be carried out to check environmental degradation in the region.
Brigidi said environmental pollution had made it almost impossible for the people of the area to engage in farming and fishing.
"Most farmlands and fishing ponds have been polluted as a result of oil exploration activities," he noted.
Brigidi suggested the creation of a special account from oil revenue allotted oil-producing states to address the infrastructure deficiencies of the region.
He also called for a review of some existing laws that were inimical to the development of the region.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the Brigidi-led Niger Delta Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee on Friday, submitted its 2008 report to Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan.
The committee said it toured the Niger Delta region, including all the camps of militants, before submitting its report.(NAN)
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