Osinbajo
MILITANTS,
who threatened to recommence attack on oil installations in the
Niger Delta,
October 1, declared a détente, today (Saturday), following the fruitful outcome
of last Thursday meeting between the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo and
Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, led by Chief Edwin Clark, at Aso Villa, Abuja.
Niger Delta
Revolutionary Crusaders, NDRC, the militant group which had earlier sent threat
text messages to Chief Clark, co-chairmen of PANDEF Central Working Committee,
CWC, former governor of Akwa Ibom state, Obong Victor Attah and His Royal
Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, confirmed suspension of warfare.
Spokesman of
the group, W O I Izon-Ebi, in an electronic mail to Vanguard, said: “The Niger
Delta Revolutionary Crusaders and the 21st century youths of the Niger Delta
hereby declare a détente after due consultation with all stakeholders in Niger
Delta borne out of the urgent meeting between the Federal government and
PANDEF.”
“We wish to
state that the détente and the cessation of unleashing the white shark would be
for us to observe the sincerity of the government, so we advise the government
to put speed and haste to its promises and commitments to the Niger Delta
because the white shark awaits in its laird,” the militants warned.
Giving
further reasons for the rapprochement, Izon-Ebi asserted that it was to help
the federal government to deepen the process and for the militants to observe
its sincerity.
His words:
“The NDRC would like to state that this détente period would afford us a period
to judge the sincerity of the federal government of Nigeria considering its
promises towards development of the Niger Delta and its people.”
“We commend
the present federal government under the watch of Prof. Yemi Osibanjo who has
shown understanding even in the midst of numerous challenges to distract the
government.
“We equally
applaud our royal fathers, chiefs and distinguished personalities of the
PANDEF, most especially, Chief E.K Clark who has demonstrated the true
character of an Ijaw leader, even at 90; he is still active fighting for a
better share for the Niger Delta in our God-given resources
“The NDRC
and the 21st century youths of the Niger Delta give kudos to this indivisible
spirit and statesmanship and in support of this stance equally declare a
détente to help in further dialogue and sincerity on the part of the federal government
and its agencies,” he added.
The militant
group applauded the directive of the Acting President asking the multinationals
to relocate their headquarters to the Niger Delta region, saying: “We, the NDRC
and the 21st century youths of the Niger Delta wish to state that the safety of
their men and equipment are guaranteed.”
It added:
“We also use this medium to draw the attention of the federal government to the
menace of erosion and spillage devastation in lots of communities in the Niger
Delta, most especially Ekeni, Ezetu, Foropah, Koluama 1 and 2. Koluama 2, wiped
out by the sea which led them to their present settlement. “
“We call on
the federal government to take immediate steps to ameliorate the condition of
the people living in these communities. We recommend the immediate filling and
pilling of these communities, provision of world -class water projects,
provision of direct light supply to host communities by Chevron because the
activities of Chevron and Bonga Oil Field is inimical to the survival of these
communities,” NDRC stated.
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