The Ijaw National Congress (INC) on Monday urged the Federal Government to opt for dialogue in resolving issues in the Niger Delta rather than military intervention.

The statement was made by the president of the Congress, Boma Obuoforibo in Port Harcourt.

He stated that the Federal Government should consider the interest of the people.

“We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to disregard calls for military campaign against the restive youths as peaceful discourse remains the best option in resolving the issues in the Niger Delta,’’ he said.

Obuoforibo said the militants were ready to dialogue, following advises from elders in the region.

“It is expedient that comments and actions that would aggravate the situation should be avoided.

“ We equally implore the government to urgently demilitarise and withdraw the military from all of our communities,’’ he said.

He commended the President for the launch of the Ogoni cleanup exercise.

“We commend the president for the launch of Ogoni Clean-up and steps taken so far  for its full implementation .

“We hope that other areas in the Niger Delta equally impacted will be given similar considerations,’’ he said.

He said the crisis in the region was caused by neglect and insincerity of previous governments and oil companies.