MEND, FG Negotiators Agree To Free Okah, Kanu

There are strong indications that the end to the incessant bombing of oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta, particularly Delta State, might soon come if the statement credited to the spokesperson of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Jomo Gbomo, is anything to go by.

Gbomo, in the statement allegedly claimed that MEND and the Federal Government dialogue through the oil companies and security agencies aimed at ending the wave of militancy in the Niger Delta region has reached some compromises, including negotiating the release of former militant leader, Henry Okah, who is in prison in South Africa and his younger brother Charles Okah.

The statement also said the parties to the dialogue have equally agreed that ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, who is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the controversial Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Delta State, would not be harassed by the Federal Government if he makes himself available as a delegate on MEND Aaron Team 2, while the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, would be released provided he agrees to renounce his agitation for “Biafra Republic.”

However, it is not clear what the stance of Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, is on the proposed agreement.

The statement said that NDA which spearheaded the current bombing of pipelines in the region “still has opportunity to embrace peace failing which a combination of military forces and volunteers in the region, would smoke them out.”

The statement read:

“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. “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.

“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.

Independent newspaper.