Buhari Tackles Militants …Says You Can’t Hold Nigeria Hostage

President Muhammadu Buhari, has warned Niger Delta militants that they could not continue to hold Nigeria to ransom.
Buhari also said his administration was working hard to reposition Nigeria for prosperity, urging Nigerians not to be deterred by the current economic crisis, which, according to him, will not last.
The president, who recalled the various promises during his campaigns as a presidential candidate, stated that he would not deviate from the hallmark of transparency and honesty.
The remarks were contained in his broadcast to commemorate the 56th independence anniversary of Nigeria.
Buhari’s warning to the militants in the oil-rich region came barely one week after the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) resumed hostilities following six weeks of ceasefire to facilitate dialogue on issues in the area.
On the attacks on oil and gas installations in the Niger-Delta, Buhari vowed to crush militants.
The president said: “A new insurgency has reared up its head in the shape of blowing up gas and oil pipelines by groups of Niger Delta militants. This administration will not allow these mindless groups to hold the country to ransom.
“What sense is there to damage a gas line as a result of which many towns in the country including their own town or village is put in darkness as a result? What logic is there in blowing up an export pipeline and as a result income to your state and local governments and consequently their ability to provide services to your own people is reduced?.
“No group can unlawfully challenge the authority of the Federal Government and succeed.
“Our administration is fully sympathetic to the plight of the good people of Niger Delta, and we are in touch with the state governments and leaderships of the region,” Buhari noted.
He said, “It is known that the clean-up of the Ogoniland has started”, adding that, “Infrastructural projects financed by the Federal Government and post amnesty programme financing will continue.
“We have, however, continued to dialogue with all groups and leaders of thought in the region to bring lasting peace”.