Yenagoa—The Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Col. Milland Dikio (retd.), has said there is a need to change the approach in the Niger Delta struggle from violent methods to an intellectual approach to make the region more peaceful and prosperous.
According to reports by Punch newspaper, Dikio made the statement while delivering a keynote address on the topic, ‘Peace: A priceless asset for Niger Delta growth and development,’ at the inaugural edition of the Boyloaf annual lecture, the formal launch of the Boyloaf Foundation and 50th birthday celebration of Ebikabowei Victor-Ben also known as ‘General’ Boyloaf in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Dikio noted that peace is sacrosanct in the quest to make the Niger Delta the safest place to live and do business.
He said the struggle for a better deal for the region could be achieved if there was a change of approach and tactics.
He said, “Can we change tactics? Can we rely more on brainpower than muscle power? We need to review our approach so we can attract better deals. What we need here is the peace and development of the region. This can happen if we showcase what we have.
“It is when you are buoyant that you can negotiate. It is when you are buoyant that you can make projections for development. The Niger Delta will be the best place to live and do business in Nigeria.”
The PAP boss stated that he was excited about the achievements of Victor-Ben after leaving the creeks and dropping his weapons.
He, however, urged him to continue to be a worthy example and lead the way for others to follow.
He also extolled Boyloaf and other ex-creek warlords for their efforts which brought the attention of the world to the issues affecting the region, adding that there was still a lot to be done for the Niger Delta.
Dikio further said, “Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, Tompolo, Bibopere Ajube, and others have fought their own battles. This generation and future generations will also have their battles to fight.
“The present and future battles cannot be fought the same way; they are more intellectual and economic battles than muscle. We need to prepare and get into the space where we can win and win for the region and Nigeria in general.”
