Defunct militant group, Movement for the Emancipation of the
Niger Delta, MEND, says the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government
is interested in the sustainable peace and development of the Niger Delta
region which was neglected by previous administrations.
MEND’s remark is coming ahead of the President’s meeting
with leaders of the oil rich region on October 31.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, the defunct
militant group said the October 31 meeting between the President and leaders of
the region is an indication that Buhari means well for the region.
MEND, however, said despite working hard with other militant
groups to bring about ceasefire which has led to an increase in the production
of crude oil and gas for the country, the government has failed to keep up with
its own bargain of releasing its incarcerated leaders, Charles and Henry Okah.
According to the statement, “MEND hereby welcomes and
endorses the forthcoming meeting aimed at finding solutions to the current
Niger Delta crisis to be held between President Muhammadu Buhari and the Pan
Niger Delta Group (PNDG) led by Ijaw National Leader, Chief (Dr.) Edwin
Kiagbodo Clark on Monday, October 31, 2016.
“The forthcoming meeting vindicates MEND and federal
government’s continued insistence and belief, ab initio, that the
administration of President Muhammadu Buhari meant well for the sustainable
peace and development of the hitherto neglected Niger Delta region.
“MEND reiterates that we were the first and only militant
group in the Niger Delta region who were meaningfully and constructively
engaged in talks with the federal government with a view to resolving the Niger
Delta crisis; as duly confirmed by no less a person than President Muhammadu
Buhari sometime in July 2016 in his farewell remarks to the outgoing German
Ambassador, Mr. Michael Zinner.
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