FG ’ll no longer tolerate violence in N/Delta - Mark

Taiwo Adisa, Abuja - 01.02.2008

The President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has warned that the Federal Government will no longer condone violent activities by the militants in the Niger Delta.

The Senate President, who made the statement while receiving the United Nations Under Secretary-General, Ad Melkert, in Abuja, said that the government would no longer tolerate nefarious activities of groups in the Niger Delta, particularly activities that threaten national security.

He said that such activities undermine the genuine agitation for development in the region. He said: “Government will no longer tolerate criminals terrorizing the people of the Niger Delta. There are genuine agitations for development which the Federal government is trying to address but the activities of criminals must be handled decisively.

“The activities of the militants were undermining the reputation of Nigeria and giving the country a negative image. The militants and their sponsors should know that no meaningful development can take place in a hostile environment, as dialogue remains the best option.”

The Senate President said that Nigeria, having embraced democracy, would do everything lawful to protect and sustain it. He also declared that the National Assembly would be “guided by the desires and wishes of the citizenry in order to improve their lots,” adding that the Senate would solicit the cooperation of the international community for the sustenance of democracy.

Melkert told the Senate President that the UN sees Nigeria as a pivotal nation for the Millennium Development Goals, (MDGs) in Africa.