Posted on 08/16/2003 10:02:13 AM PDT by BlackJack
We are appalled by the revelation made by the Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha that the federal government has been subjected to pressure to deploy United States (US) Marines to the Niger-Delta region. The US marines are to come and protect American oil companies' installations in that restive region.
According to the governor at a forum on Sea Piracy and Oil Pipeline vandalisation in Yenagoa, the federal government has lost patience with the menace of oil installation vandalisation and the measures introduced to curb it. As a result, in his words; " even the Americans are asking to be allowed to come and protect their installations in the Niger- Delta."
The activities of illegal bunkerers and oil pipeline vandals that is costing the nation about 300,000 barrels of crude oil wastage every day is condemnable. This waste, in financial terms, translates into $ 3.6 billion annually.
We disagree that foreign help will aid resolving the problem in the Niger Delta region. We are particularly piqued by the fact that the US had suggested bringing in its marines into Nigeria to come and protect her economic interest. It is indisputable that in this country, the larger interest of Nigerians outweighs the small economic interest of any nation; even that of the Americans that they are so eager to protect. Moreover, encouraging such adventure will mean a degradation of the sovereign pride of Nigeria as a country.
The United States in all sense of humility should deploy more of their Marines and other military resources towards ending the deepening crisis in their enclave in Africa, Liberia.
This request by America should serve as a signal admonishing the Nigeria government to conscientiously fight the oil pipeline vandalisation. There is the need to urgently find internalised solutions to the Niger Delta region problem. The establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is not enough. Physical monitoring of NDDC activities by another body is pertinent. Top on the list of grievances of Niger Delta combatants is the wretched frightening looks and poor infrastructural development of the area. This must be earnestly addressed by the government.
We also call on the government to call in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), to monitor closely its pipelines and order the arrest of saboteurs caught damaging it. Otherwise, head must roll if this function is not well discharged.
We want the government to sustain the nation's internationally recognised right to self determination.
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