President Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that he wants as much intelligence as possible to handle the issues of the Niger Delta region. Speaking to a delegation of the Niger Delta Dialogue Group led by King Alfred Diette-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon Brass in Bayelsa State, Buhari revealed: “I want to get as much intelligence as possible on the situation in the Niger Delta. I have encouraged law enforcement agencies to contact leaders like you in order to have enough information to deal with the issues once and for all.”

He said his government is studying the gazette on the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme of the Umaru Yar’Adua Administration to determine what was fulfilled and that whatever is left will be addressed.

The President used the occasion to plead for peace in the region. He also expressed sympathy for investors who borrowed lots of money to invest in the Niger Delta but have been unable to recoup their money because of prevailing violence and insecurity.

With a voice full of determination, Buhari stated: “We intend to rebuild this country so that our children and grand-children will have a good place they can call their own. A lot of damage has been done. So, I want you to tell the people to be patient.”

A statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, quoted Buhari as also telling the delegation: “When you get together with other leaders, please pacify the people. We will utilize the resources of Nigeria with integrity and rebuild the country.”