MILITANTS, under the aegis of Watchdogs of Niger Delta, have said the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Rivers state would further worsen security situation in the state, claiming that it failed to look at issues objectively.
According to the report, rather than reconcile the people it has further divided people of the state.
In an online statement to the Vanguard, signed by secretary of the body, Sam Ebiye, the militants wondered why the commission attacked the decision of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to resolve the problems of insurgency in the state by meeting with some of them.
The statement also expressed worries over the commission’s condemnation of the cash-for-arms policy introduced by the administration of former Governor Peter Odili as a way to douse tension and redirect the focus of militant youths in the state.
The statement alleged that the commission deliberately avoided memoranda against activities of some militant groups in Ubima, the governor’s village.
This claim could not, however, be confirmed by Vanguard, as efforts to speak with secretary of the commission on phone, Mr. Oguru, failed.
The group said: “The indiction of former President Obasanjo on the ground of inviting militant leaders to Aso Rock proves that the Eso panel is not well aware of acts of state leaders in resolving conflict in contemporary politics.”
“Obasanjo’s interest at resolving crisis at the grassroot cannot indict him, only malicious and vindictive thoughts can proclaim his indictment on such decisive and nation-saving move.
“By indicting the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, for paying N250.000 for old guns while indirectly empowering owners to buy two new ones, we picture a great bias and hatred against the person of Odili.
“Eso and his crew should have visited history to see that cash-for-arms deal was not initiated by Odili, it has been a strategy of government to disarm insurgents. That of Rivers State was conducted under the supervision of the various security agencies (whom Eso claims to have got useful information from) with the aim of bringing peace to the state.
“The arms in question were destroyed and we cannot remember any militia that stood before the Eso panel to state that N250.000 can or was used to buy two guns. Where did Eso get this information from?
“We know that it is only people that buy the arms directly from the sources or those who sponsor the purchase of the guns that can actually ascertain their cost. Where did the Eso panel get this information from?
“In conclusion, the Eso panel report remains a misleading, biased and unprofessional document aimed at exacerbating the level of insecurity in Rivers State. Rivers People rejects the report in its entirety.”