The Federal Government yesterday allayed fears over perceptions in some quarters that its handling of the Niger Delta crises so far has been slow, explaining that it adopted a more cautious approach because of its strong commitment to pursue comprehensive peace deal acceptable to all.
The Vice President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan disclosed this when he received a 9-man delegation of All Niger Delta Peoples Congress, United States of America chapter, led by its Secretary General, Mr. Lincoln Snithers, at the State House, Abuja.According to him �as a government, we are committed to resolving the issue of Niger Delta this time.
We believe that the issue of the Niger Delta will be properly handled this time. We must have a clear roadmap. We no longer want to take things on an ad- hoc basis. That is why sometimes, people feel that we are slow in doing things.
The issue of the Niger Delta is not the type that can be solved overnight. If you attempt that, the peace deal that will result from such attempt will not be sustainable�Jonathan told the delegation that government is working with all stakeholders to ensure that all agree on a common approach so as to ensure that total and comprehensive peace returns to the area in the shortest possible time.
He added that by next year, given the achievements so far recorded, things would surely return to normal, so that people can live in peace and experience development.The Vice President expressed government�s gratitude to the delegation for hosting the All Niger Delta Peoples Conference which held in Houston, Texas, recently, where solutions to the problems of the region was sought, and its potentials exposed to foreign investors.While being presented with two large volume of the Conference reports and awards for President Umaru Musa Yar�Adua and himself, the VP said that as a matter of fact, it is the President that should have been presented with such awards, as it is the president that initiated the most serious and comprehensive plan aimed at solving the problems of the Niger Delta.Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Snithers said they were in the State House to express their gratitude to Yar�Adua, and to the Vice President who found time to attend.While eulogizing the achievements recorded in the conference, Mr. Snithers reminded investors, the federal and state governments as well as local governments in Nigeria of the need to re-invent new ideals, intensify on-going efforts and synergise workable ideas towards consolidating unity among Niger Delta people.
Dec122007