By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South & Perez Brisibe

WARRI—PAN Niger Delta People Forum, PANDEF, the umbrella body of traditional rulers, leaders and stakeholders of Niger Delta region, yesterday, said it was distressing that the Federal Government, through the spokesmen of President Muhammadu Buhari, chose to insult elder statesmen and women, facilitating dialogue and understanding amongst the people of the different geo-political zones, instead of seeking ways of engaging the people.

President Muhammadu Buhari

PANDEF, in a statement by its National Secretary, Dr. Alfred Mulade,  said: “It is sad that instead of seeking ways of engaging the people, the spokesmen of President Buhari’s government had chosen  to insult reputable statesmen and women, who are facilitating dialogue and understanding amongst the peoples of the different geo-political zones.

“Buhari should realise that Nigerians are tired of his appeals for patience and repeated assurances in the face of protracted killings ravaging different parts of the country.

“Resorting to insulting and humiliating those with contrary opinions will also not address the herculean security challenges the country is faced with. What is needed, and urgently too, is a holistic overhaul of the entire security architecture of the country to restore security and stability, as well as to adequately protect the lives and property of citizens.

“The statement credited to Presidential spokespersons to the effect that the Buhari government’s response to the killings was the ongoing military operations and the establishment of new Air Force and Army formations, is not tenable in every respect, in the face of continuous killings of innocent Nigerians.”