Handle Niger-Delta issue using the stick and carrot approach – Atiku appeals to FG

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appealed to the Federal Government to apply the stick and carrot approach to solve the issues surrounding militant activities in the Niger Delta region. Atiku made the appeal while speaking at the launch of a book titled “We Are All Biafrans’’ written by Chido Onumah‎ today May 31st.
“I think the Niger Delta should be handled with a stick and carrot approach. In 2007, before I ran for president, I met with various stakeholders on the Niger Delta issue and they came up with a policy. Part of the recommendations was that the ministry be moved to the Niger Delta and not Abuja. We have had administrations that did not do their homework on the Niger Delta. If I had won, I would have sold 10 per cent shares in the NNPC; that will give me 20 billion dollars which would build infrastructure for the Niger delta but we will always end up with accidental leadership. Bring peace and development to the Niger Delta then they will stop blowing up pipelines. Then, we will get gas and then power can be stable but until then, we will not get it.’’he said.