By Tony Nwankwo

Until the Niger Delta people see practical developmental efforts, any promises by the Federal Government will be taken with a pinch of salt, says National Coordinator, Ijaw Monitoring Group, Mr Joseph Evah.

He spoke during a visit to his office by the political head of the American Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Martin Hardinger.

The visit of the diplomat is coming on the heels of the recent visit by acting President Yemi Osinbajo to the region.

Ag Pres Osinbajo

According to Evah: “We wish to advise the Nigerian government not to embark on divide and rule tactics in our region because some government officials of this administration have started sponsoring groups and individuals to challenge the leadership of Chief Edwin Clark, the united voice of our region, the same way late Gen. Sani Abacha’s administration officials sponsored disunity against the late Chief Anthony Enahoro of NADECO, during the June 12 struggle.”

Evah said the aim of sponsoring self-appointed elements against Chief Clark was to create disunity and later use the so-called disunity as an excuse to deny the region speedy development.

He told the American team that Chief Clark was the undisputed leader of the Niger Delta people, just as the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, during his lifetime, was the leader of the people of the South-West.