The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) has urged the Federal Government to engage credible leaders from the Niger Delta region in the ongoing dialogue with Niger Delta militants.

Mr. Eric Omare, Spokesman for IYC gave the advice in a reaction to a breach of ceasefire by the military to pave way for dialogue with the government. The Federal Government had directed the military to observe a two week ceasefire from last Sunday (June 5) on the ongoing efforts to crackdown members of new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers.

According to figures obtained from two of the oil firms with operations in Bayelsa, the attacks by Avengers have led to a crude oil production loss of 140,000 barrels daily by Agip and Aiteo from its oilfields in the state. At about $48 per barrel, an estimated $6.72 million daily is lost by the two operators due to attacks on oil export pipelines. Omare said on Friday that continued sabotage while talks were ongoing was an indication of lack of confidence in representatives of the Niger Delta region by the militants.

He noted that politicisation of the process was partly responsible for the non compliance to the ceasefire by the militant group. He explained that the Federal Government’s ceasefire offer was part of the confidence building measures but advised government to take further steps by consulting with credible leaders from the region.

“The problem with the dialogue process is lack of proper confidence building and politicisation of the process. Government seems to be engaging the wrong people.

“We strongly advise the government to set politics aside and engage the real people especially to reach the leadership of the Niger Delta Avengers,” Omare said.

•Photo shows IYC Spokesman Eric Omare.

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