The Federal Government has been advised to suspend its plan to dialogue with the new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers in the Niger Delta region to prevent upsurge of such groups. National President, National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, NCNDE-A, Israel Akpodoro, Friday, in Abuja stated that any effort to dialogue with the militants would give rise to more troublesome groups.
Akpodoro stated that the new militant groups, including the Egbesu Water Lions had engaged in renewed hostilities among which were attacks on the nation’s oil pipelines. He said contrary to advise by the elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, who advised the President Muhammadu Buhari to meet with the militants on peaceful agreement, Clark should make it a responsibility to persuade the militants to sheath their sword and embrace peace.
He added that the statesman should justify his advice by producing Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo, who had been summoned severally by the Federal Government.
The ex-militant alleged that new agitators were drawn from the league of ex-militants, who were on the payroll of the amnesty programme.
