JTF defends presence in N’Delta

Posted by admin Headlines, Niger Delta Sunday, June 26th, 2011

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) code named Operation Restore Hope has defended its continued presence in the Niger Delta region.
The JTF, reacting to recent comments by a Niger Delta activist, Mr Tony Uranta that peace can only return to the region if the security outfit returns to the barracks, noted that contrary to his submissions, the insurgence in the region had not completely receded.

The spokesman of JTF, Lt. Col Timothy Antigha said Uranta’s argument that JTF should be pulled out of the Niger Delta failed to take cognizance that “some renegade militants admitted publicly that several thousands of assault rifles, anti-aircraft guns and rocket propelled grenade launchers and other military grade weapons, were not submitted to the amnesty committee”

Dismissing Uranta’s declaration that the presence of JTF hinders peace and progress in the region, Antigha pointed out that the security outfit was an instrument of peace in the region which had been severally commended by the people. “In order not to make it appear like a serious national issue raised by Mr Uranta , let us assess more closely the issues in question. Mr Uranta is of the view that the presence of the JTF in the Niger Delta does not aid peace and progress. Indeed, this is nothing but falsehood.

The JTF is an instrument of peace in the region. Content analysis of media coverage of crime and acts of violence, which were daily occurrences, will indicate that in the 2 years (2009-till date) that the reconstituted JTF has functioned, the region has been relatively peaceful.

Therefore, against the background of a region where people could not come home to bury their dead or visit during festive seasons, I believe the JTF deserves commendation. Indeed, the commendation was not long in coming, as listeners in a phone –in radio programme in Port Harcourt, last December, declared the JTF the best contributor to peace in Rivers State.

-Sunwp_posts