By Moses Patience Chat
Ex-Militant Leader and Current Mayor of Uroboland, Eshanakpe Israel, who is also known as Akpodoro, has condemned the recent attacks and damages done to pipelines in Urhobo and Isoko lands by members of the community.
According to him, these actions are rebellious and should be condemed by all well-meaning citizens of the country, particularly Niger Deltans.
Akpodoro disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, where he added that destroying national heirlooms in the region was not the best way to call for the attention of the Federal Government.
He also argued that angry members of the public should not resort to violence but instead speak to the government through credible channels of communication.
The Monarch added that Niger Delta needs peace and development, not violent and rebellious confrontations with government.
A group, Delta Strike Force (DSF), had reportedly claimed responsibility for damage done to a portion of Kokori pipelines at Erhaike and another one in Ozoro, both in Ethiope East and Isoko North Local Government Areas of Delta State.
DSF tied its reasons for the attacks on a pipeline surveillance contract of OML 30 and 34 awarded to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the Governorship Candidate of the All Peoples Congress (APC) in the just concluded general elections in the state.
Valuechain findings revealed that the group was alleged to have given the FG conditions for the resolution of the violent attacks to include: that the contract be withdrawn from the contractor handling the surveillance and awarded to their leaders; that the East-West Road should be fixed for the regional commuters; and that gas flaring in the state be stopped immediately.
Other conditions for peace, according to the group, include the activation of the Delta Steel Company (DSC), and that the same be brought into the mainstream production sector of the Nigerian economy.
It also called for the immediate engagement of all youths who were involved in the war against the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).
Akpodoro further argued that despite the fact that the group has a good case, violence is not a solution and a peaceful approach to a healthy engagement with the authorities must be used.
The Former Militant Leader blamed the Federal Goverment for what he described as its poor reward system and lackadaisical approach to the resolution of grievances of the citizens.