The post amnesty dialogue for all stake holders in Niger Delta ,organized by Vanguard newspapers was early this morning aborted by two explosions outside the perimeter fence of the Delta state Government Annex, Warri, Delta state – venue of the dialogue.
The dialogue, a contribution of Vanguard newspapers designed to promote sustainable peace and development in Niger Delta region was also meant to ginger governments into action and not misconstrue the current amnesty as the final solution to the Niger Delta agitation for equity and justice.
For a successful dialogue, Vanguard had lined up all representatives of all tiers of government to come and discuss their scorecards for development in a way that must ginger all to action. These were supposed to be discussed by the militants, members of the civil society, international organizations and the road map for development clearly re-defined with stated deliverables and timelines. It is therefore most regrettable that this noble project was aborted by the same people for whom it was designed to elevate.
Vanguard, as a public trust had diligently invited all, including the known leaders of the militants to this proactive event.
Vanguard remains committed to peace and development in the Niger Delta and shall purse this noble initiative after due consultation with all stakeholders. We shall not relent in our pursuit of common good, equity and justice in our federation.
Signed:
Gbenga Adefaye
General Manager (Publication)/Editor-in-Chief
Vanguard newspapers, Lagos