He stated this yesterday while  expressing optimism that the problem in the Niger-Delta could be drastically reduced if certain things are done by the Federal Government.

According to him, ensuring that the money released to the area are used for development rather being diverted, picking those respected by the people both from within and without the region to dialogue with militants and creating employment opportunities through the establishment of industries and provision of amenities would go a long way in dousing tension.

General Useni said Nigeria is not mature  for true federalism as people could use it as an excuse to balkanize the country adding, ““I believe that we are not yet that matured, but that does not stop from doing the right thing.””

He argued that solving the problem in the Niger Delta goes beyond the establishment of a ministry saying, “first, leadership must be sincere, you must be fair and just and you must get the right people to help you in solving that problem. There are people within and outside the Niger Delta who if you pick today, the people will listen to because they have respect for them.”

He said secret trial of leaders of the militant groups could win them sympathy advising that if they have done anything criminal, such activities should be made public and the trial in the open.

Useni said the Abacha Administration and those of them that served it are  being vindicated by many of the revelations about the Obasanjo administration which tried to demonize it, insisting that General Sani Abacha ran the economy better.

He said all the attack the Abacha administration received was a smokescreen by those who orchestrated it to cover their own misdeeds alluding to statements made by some prominent people at the 10th Memorial Anniversary of General Abacha who said he (Abacha) did not steal as a vindication of his position.

The DPP national chairman who left the ANPP to form the new party said the current problem within the ANPP has vindicated the position of those of them that left adding that the then national chairman and some others were fraternizing with the ruling PDP.

Write Comment
Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code.
Name:
E-mail
Title:
Comment:
Code:*
	I wish to be contacted by email regarding additional comments

Comments (3)