Some residents of Port
Harcourt city, the Rivers State capital have expressed joy at the decision of the Niger Delta Avengers to embrace dialogue with the Federal Government.
They believe, the decision will be a sure step that can guarantee peace and end to attacks on the oil installations.
Speaking to our correspondent in Port Harcourt, Mr Godfrey Amanna, who runs a welding shop said, “I can see peace coming after the battle. It is good and I will advise both those representing the Niger Delta Avengers and the government side to make best use of this opportunity to bring enduring peace in the region”.
Amanna said the attack had set the nation back considering the huge loss recorded as a result of the attacks on the oil installations.
Princewill Emmanuel who also commended the Niger Delta Avengers for accepting to dialogue said, “this is the beginning of peace in the region and an end to massive destructions of the oil pipelines which have direct effect on the nation’s economy.
“Let the Federal Government use this opportunity to correct past mistakes especially where it concerns fairness and justice to those from whose land comes the oil that holds the forte of the national economy”.
According to Emmanuel, past experience has clearly shown that the people can no longer allow some obvious things.
“If the people demand ownership and control of oil blocks, why not after all it is deposited in their immediate environment. A situation where only those from other sections of the country have about 90 per cent of the oil blocks as said is totally unacceptable and must therefore be reviewed”, he said.
Justina Okorofor, a school teacher also commended the Federal Government and the Avengers for embracing dialogue saying it is an expression of patriotism and maturity.
“Before the Federal Government’s reaction was that of force aimed at crushing the militants, and the militants themselves, even when government later opted for dialogue, insisted on their attack, but today, the situation has changed with both parties accepting to sort out the difference through peaceful negotiation”.
However, for us to avoid a reoccurrence of the  ugly trend, Okorafor said: “those few elements who have been benefiting from the lopsided policies in the oil sector must be stopped”.
“Niger Delta people should have equitable percentage of the oil blocks, the host communities must have the 10 per cent of the oil proceeds, cleaning up of oil spills on the environment must be reviewed because the natives are farmers. The idea of treating people from a side of the nation as conquered species should be over”, she said.

Chris Oluoh