The present dialogue between the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, and the Federal Government targeted at bringing an end to militancy in the Niger Delta region have accomplished sweeping bargains.
The shared view so far achieved in the negotiation,
occurring through oil companies and security offices, incorporates the arrival
of previous aggressor pioneer, Henry Okah, in jail in South Africa and Charles
Okah, held in Nigeria.
It was additionally concurred that the ex-MEND officer,
Government Ekpemupolo, otherwise known as Tompolo, won't be captured or
threatened by government in the event that he appears as a representative on
MEND Aaron Team 2, while the previous leader of the Indigenous People of
Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, and those kept with him would be discharged on
condition that they deny the unsettling for the Republic of Biafra.
In an announcement released on Saturday by its
representative, Jomo Gbomo, MEND declared different achievements in the talks
that it said will soon end the disturbances in the South-South and South-East
districts of the nation. It however brought up that there is still space for
the steady Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, to grasp peace falling flat which a mix
of military strengths and volunteers in the district would angle them out.
The announcement reads, “The Movement for the Emancipation
of the Niger Delta (MEND) is the only militant group from the Niger Delta
region who are presently engaged in a dialogue with the Federal Government of
Nigeria – through oil companies and security agencies -with a view to resolving
the current Niger Delta crisis.”
“Thus far, the deliberations have been fruitful, various
concessions and guarantees have already been secured. Some of which include,
but are not limited to: Release of Henry Okah, Charles Okah and Obi Nwabueze;
Review of the life sentence handed to Mr. Edmund Ebiware based on a proposal
put forward by the Aaron Team representative for Abia and Imo states, Senator
Adolphus Wabara.
“Also, conditional release of IPOB leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu
and others if they renounce their agitation for a “Biafra Republic,” the group
said.
MEND further uncovered that it was concurred that: “That Mr.
Government Ekpemupolo shall not be arrested, harassed and/or intimidated
whenever he makes himself available as a delegate of the MEND Aaron Team.”
The announcement reads, “That international arbitrator and
conflict negotiator, American Dr. Judith Asuni shall be accepted as the
representative of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) on the MEND Aaron Team; that
the criminal charges against Urhobo freedom fighter, Mr. Kelvin Prosper Oniarah
shall be reviewed.
“That the life sentence which was handed to seven soldiers
in 2008, who actively supported the Niger Delta struggle be reviewed under the
Presidential Amnesty Programme. The affected persons are: Suleiman Alabi Akubo,
Major. Mathias Peter, SGT, Alexander Davou, L.Cpl., Moses Nwaigwe, L.Cpl.,
Nnandi Anene, L.Cpl. Taatihi Emmanuel, L.Cpl and Caleb Bawa, PTE,” it said. .
“However, one of the most immediate and urgent fallout of the ongoing dialogue
is the imperative for the Federal Government and MEND to jointly and separately
take proactive steps to rescue and secure the region. This is in the event that
the recalcitrant Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) continuing on its senseless and
politically-motivated path of attacks on the country’s oil assets,” it noted.
“To this end, both parties agreed that the Special Forces of
the Nigerian Army should commence the purely routine but strategic military
exercise code-named “Operation Crocodile Tears”; while MEND would commence a
meet-the Government-Actors-and-People tour of the Niger Delta region code-named
“Operation Moses,” MEND stated.
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