Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has called on militants in the Niger Delta to drop their arms and embrace dialogue.
The Federal Government recently ordered the immediate withdrawal of troops from the troubled Niger Delta region.
However, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) denied reports that it is negotiating with the Federal Government.
The Rivers Governor also said the bombing of pipelines is affecting the environment and economy of the country.
Vanguard reports that Wike, through his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, said “If the oil production continues to drop, this country will be in crisis. Blowing up oil facilities also has negative effect on our environment. There is need for the dialogue to go on.
“I believe in one united Nigeria and it is in our interest to have peace for development.”
Wike also threatened to revoke the Certificate Of Occupancy (C of O) of Agip Oil, accusing them of causing most of the problem in the Niger Delta.
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo met with Governors of the Niger Delta and military chiefs on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, to discuss the issues in the Niger Delta.
Niger Delta Activist, Chief Ayiri Emami recently urged the federal government not to negotiate with the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), calling them a bunch of criminals.
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