Niger Delta crisis requires political solution —Tambuwal

The crisis in the Niger Delta region requires more of political solution than military, Govenor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, said on Tuesday.

He made the remark in Sokoto, when he hosted participants of Course 25 of the National Defence College, who were on study tour of the state.

“The crisis in the Niger Delta is one that requires more political engagement by all stakeholders.

“Rather than use military might, we should lay much emphasis on engaging all parties in a dialogue.

“The militants especially, must seize the initiative to restore peace in the region and ensure socioeconomic stability,” the governor said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted him as saying that the ability of the country to rise up to current challenges would ultimately define the true worth of its leadership.

Tambuwal added: “Every country of the world is facing some form of challenges. What is important is the ability of the leadership to rally round, discuss and engage all stakeholders to come to a peaceful resolution of such issues.”

He commended the military and other security services for their efforts in ensuring internal security.

He said the successes recorded in the fight against Boko Haram should inspire them to look for solutions to the challenges of kidnapping and armed robbery bedeviling other parts of the country.

“President Muhammadu Buhari, has good intentions for the country, Nigerians should support his efforts and embrace peace at all times,” the governor stressed.

On the theme of the tour, which is Enhancing food security for national development: The role of state governments, Tambuwal said Sokoto had embraced modern agriculture.

“In the recent past, we have embraced many cash crops because of the need to diversify. In Sokoto today, we are leading producers of crops like millet, rice, sorghum, onions, tomatoes, cowpea and variety of vegetables. From next farming season, we are including sesame among crops to be cultivated because of its economic value,” he added.

In his remarks, leader of the team, Professor Istifanus Zabade, said the participants were made up of Nigerians and their counterparts from other countries.

He stated that they were required to study cultural, social and political environment of chosen localities, to broaden their knowledge base of all sections of the country.