Posted by From ISMAIL OMIPIDAN, Abuja on
The Senate President, Senator David Mark, yesterday warned that the government would no longer tolerate the nefarious activities perpetrated by the militants and their sponsors in the Niger Delta, saying that government would no longer fold its arms and allow criminals to undermine the genuine agitation for development in the region.
The Senate President, Senator David Mark, yesterday warned that the government would no longer tolerate the nefarious activities perpetrated by the militants and their sponsors in the Niger Delta, saying that government would no longer fold its arms and allow criminals to undermine the genuine agitation for development in the region.
He gave the warning when he exchanged views with the visiting United Nations Under Secretary, Ad Melkert, in his office.
According to him '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."
He also told his visitor that Nigeria has embraced democracy and as such would do everything lawful to protect and sustain it, saying that the National Assembly would be guided by the desires and wishes of the citizenry in order to improve their lots.
He was, however, quick to solicit for the cooperation of the international community towards the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria.
Responding, Melkert told Mark that the UN views Nigeria as a pivotal nation for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Africa. He therefore asked Nigeria to continue to play her key role in the struggle for the development of the continent.