He made the appeal at the weekend in Uyo while speaking with journalists on one year anniversary of All Progressives Congress (APC) government and 17 years of unbroken democratic rule in the country.
Enang who noted that the Avengers current activities was a serious threat to the country’s economy assured the youths of Nigeria of federal government’s good intentions. He also noted that the actions of the militants would drive away prospective investors from the region.
He drew their attention to negative effect their actions was already creating to the country’s economy, saying that, before their action, the country’s oil production was at 2.2 million barrel per day, but that, now it has gone down drastically to about 1.6 or 1.4 million barrel per day.
“I want to plead with the people of South-South and Akwa Ibom, especially the youths, the ex-militants, the Niger Delta Avengers and other persons who are in one way or the other fighting for the welfare of the people to please withdraw from the creeks and stop destroying and damaging pipelines.
“They should lay down arms, should stop targeting refineries, oil installations, gas pipelines used in producing oil and oil workers. I want to say that, it is in the interest of the people of South-South and Nigeria to do this. The federal government is listening and watching and working out modalities to meet the demands of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria’s economy is bleeding, as you blow up one pipeline, gas pipeline or you destroy one flow station.