Renowned human and environmental rights advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and his Federal Executive to do everything humanly possible to forestall a second wave of militancy in the Niger Delta region.
Mulade gave the advice while reacting to the reported threats which indicate that failure to address the fundamental issues in the region might lead to another round of militancy which could be extremely disastrous to the nation’s economy, as many aggrieved people are looking for avenues to vent their anger.
He expressed concern over the high level of insecurity in the country and called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps towards curbing the rising spate of insecurity ravaging the country, leading to an increase in poverty and hunger.
Mulade, who is also the National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) with offices in Warri, Delta State, and major cities across Nigeria, including FCT, Abuja, also appealed to President Buhari to adopt proactive measures to reduce unemployment and mitigate the prevailing economic downturn in the country.
The CEPEJ National Coordinator, in an interactive section with some Warri-based newsmen, emphasied that the prevailing harsh economic situation in the region and in the country requires a very pragmatic approach to deal with it.
The CEPEJ Boss also stressed the need to put measures in place to eradicate poverty, and that such measures should be publicised through very effective public awareness campaigns.
The Peace Ambassador, however, appealed to Nigerians to be patient with President Buhari to enable him to find the best ways out of the nation’s security challenges and give maximum support to the Government in sharing accurate and timely information with relevant authorities to assist them to deal with the security problems.
He also implored Nigerians to support the Federal Government at this critical time by shunning all forms of secession and separation agitations, urging all to work for a better and united Nigeria.
He further prayed for the repose of the souls of the Late Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru and ten other military personnel that lost their lives in the recent air mishap.
“I commiserate with their families and loved ones. May God grant their families and Nigerians the strength to bear the loss which is very colossal.”