The House of Representatives has cautioned the federal government on its use of force in its attempt to stop the attacks on oil facilities by the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) in the region.
It advocated the formulation of a sustainable plan to end militancy in the region, rather than the confrontational approach being adopted.
The House also appealed to the (NDA), to cease the incessant attacks on oil pipelines and facilities and embrace dialogue.
Hon. Ekpenyong Ayi (Cross River PDP) and 30 others, in a motion, called for improved funding of the amnesty programme and a strategic plan to end militancy on the region.
The amnesty programme of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was instrumental to the rise on oil revenues and curbing militant activities in the region, Ayi recalled.
“The incessant attacks on oil facilities have led to Nigeria losing its place as Africa’s largest oil producer because it’s oil output has fallen to a 22 year low of 1.4 million barrels per day against the budgetary target of 2.2mbpd,” he said.
Ayi added that the huge slash in the budget for the amnesty programme from N55billion to N20billion threatens its sustainability.
“This has led to a resurgence of militancy, as the militants are being owed arrears of stipends which have in turned to slump in oil production, “the lawmaker said
The attacks, he added, have contributed to the low electricity output.
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