Be patient with me, Buhari begs Niger Deltans

Amidst renewed violence in the Niger Delta, President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday appealed to traditional and opinion leaders in the troubled area to appeal to the people of the region to be patient with his administration.

 

He promised that his government would properly utilise the nation’s resources to rebuild the country, including the region.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President spoke while receiving a delegation of the Niger Delta Dialogue and Contact Group led by the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, Bayelsa State, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari promised that under his watch, Nigeria would witness judicious utilisation of resources.

“We intend to rebuild this country so that our children and grand-children will have a good place they can call their own. A lot of damage has been done, so I want you to tell the people to be patient.

“When you get together with other leaders, please pacify the people. We will utilise the resources of Nigeria with integrity and rebuild the country,” the President told his guests.

Buhari also said the gazette on the Niger Delta amnesty programme by the Umaru Yar’Adua administration was being studied with a view to determining what had been fulfilled, promising that whatever is left would also be addressed.

“I want to get as much intelligence as possible on the situation in the Niger Delta. I have encouraged law enforcement agencies to contact leaders like you in order to have enough information to deal with the issues once and for all, “the President said.

He sympathised with investors who borrowed money to invest in the Niger Delta and have not recouped their investments due to insecurity.

He reiterated his appeal to those who perpetrate violence to embrace peace and give government a chance.

Diette-Spiff said the group was made of peace builders, dedicated to peace and stability in the region.