CLO, monarch caution against deployment of troops to Niger Delta

A group, Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) and the traditional ruler of Bua-yeghe in Gokana Local Council of Rivers State, Chief Barinaadaa Gbaranee, have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently rescind any decision to deploy troops to the Niger Delta area.

CLO in a petition it presented to the House of Representatives Committee on Army, protesting the alleged unlawful invasion of the area by soldiers and political witch-hunt by the military, former Senator Magnus Abe and an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Barry Mpigi, told the panel that if there are verifiable and cogent facts on any form of insecurity in any part of the region, “it should be treated specially and specifically within the rules of engagement.”

In the petition addressed to the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, the group yesterday specifically demanded a full-scale investigation of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Yusuf Buratai, the Brigade Commander of Bori Camp, among others, and ensure justice in the circumstance.

Besides, Chief Barinaadaa Gbaranee of Bua-yeghe who made a presentation before the panel, pleaded with the parliament to intervene and facilitate the immediate withdrawal of military from the Niger Delta.

The traditional ruler also pleaded with the Federal Government to ensure substantial damages and adequate compensation for victims of the military invasion, otherwise, the victims may be forced to seek redress in court.

Meanwhile, defending the deployment of troops to the area, Maj.-Gen. Nicholas Rogers who represented the Chief of Army Staff, told the panel that the military had been carrying out operations in the Niger Delta for the past 15 years, just as he denied political coloration in the deployment.