The task force has established to facilitate information flow between the JTF high command and patriotic Nigerians living in the Niger Delta region and beyond. Also the Senate yesterday waded into the war in the Niger Delta creeks with a directive to its Committee on Defence to investigate the crisis in the oil producing region of the country.
“Henceforth, all credible information, calls of SOS and enquiries can be directed to the following numbers: 07030594432 and 07058196070.
We would be very glad to receive and act upon your calls, which will be treated promptly and with utmost confidentiality. The lines are open 24 hours”, Colonel Abubakar said yesterday.
According to him, “this became imperative especially now that the JTF is conducting a Rescue and Search operation in certain militant hideouts in the communities in the Niger Delta”.
Senate wades into crisis
The Senate yesterday waded into the war in the Niger Delta creeks with a directive to its Committee on Defence to investigate the crisis in the oil producing region of the country.
The Senate directive was upon a motion brought by Senator James Manager (PDP, Delta South) seeking Senate investigation into the crisis that has engulfed the region since last week.
The President of the Senate, Chief David Mark who presided over the session, however, refused debate on the issue based on national security considerations. He nevertheless but referred the issue to the Senate Committee on Defence which is to report to the Senate in close session in two weeks.
Following the Senate session yesterday, Senator Manager briefed Senate correspondents during which he articulated the pains of his constituents who he said were bearing the brunt of the military campaign he described as indiscriminate.
He said:
“As a representative of the people, I felt I should draw the attention of the Senate to the plight of my people and that is exactly what I did. The Senate in its wisdom has referred the matter to its committee on Defense to report back soonest.’’
“Although I was not allowed to go into details of what my motion is all about because they are security matters I needed to be guided in writing that is what I did.’’
“As a Senator representing Delta South, I sincerely believe that there is a responsible government that will allow a parallel illegal government to be in place,’’ he said as he affirmed that he would under no circumstance support the emergence of a parallel government in the region.
Calling for a ceasefire, he said: “The appeal I am making is for them to cease fire let there be truce. The militant are scattered. There is general insecurity in the entire region as we speak because these militants have been let loose. That is why I am appealing to the government of Nigeria to withdraw the troops,’’ he said