A group of elders under the aegis of Concerned Niger Delta Elders, CNDE, has in its struggle for lasting peace in the Niger Delta region warned the Federal Government not to negotiate any peace talks with the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, but instead initiate contact with the Niger Delta Avengers militant group.
The group in a statement released by Seigha Manijar and Aureol Viviana urged the President, Muhammadu Buhari to make sure to enter into negotiation only with the Avengers o their appointees
The statement said: “MEND should speak for itself and not for others. It can speak on behalf of the Avengers if invited to do so. MEND should not arrogate to itself the authority to speak for others outside its ranks”.
The statement further read: “We understand the Avengers’ demand for foreign observers in the dialogue but we appeal to them to pick their representatives from among the numerous trusted individuals from the Niger Delta such as Dr Timiebi Agary, Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (retd), Timi Alaibe, Prof G.G Darah, Dr Otive Igbuzor, Enemo Samiama, Roland Ekperi, Wilson Ajuwa and Joel Bisina, among others.
“However, if they are not comfortable with the suggested names, they should feel free to pick their representatives. That will show the world that they are ready for dialogue. The government should also consider the Avengers’ demand of inviting foreign observers as a show of sincerity.
“Once the Federal Government starts a genuine dialogue with the Avengers, who seem to have shown enough capacity and consistency in their acts, we believe that other groups will fall in line by absorption or coercion.”
The group however expressed dissatisfaction with Tompolo’s move to be a art of the negotiation party, it said: “Tompolo does not necessarily have to be in any negotiation team, whether it is driven by MEND or any other group. What is important is that given the right atmosphere, any group or representatives could discuss Tompolo’s plight, including Henry Okah and others. There is no doubt that Tompolo can be an asset to this government on Niger Delta crisis if well managed.”
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