The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has disbanded its Aaron Team 2, its dialogue and peace initiative, headed by a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odein Ajumogobia (SAN).
The team was to discuss with the Federal Government on how to restore peace in Niger Delta.
MEND noted that the disbandment of the team, which was inaugurated on June 12, had affected the take-off of its Operation Moses, which it indicated had also been suspended.
In an online statement yesterday by its spokesperson Jomo Gbomo, the arms agitators said the disbandment followed its decision to recognise and work with the Ijaw National Leader Chief Edwin Clark as the leader of a pan-Niger Delta dialogue and peace initiative
The group said under its new arrangement, it had nominated renowned Port Harcourt lawyer, Ledum Mitee, who is a former President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP); an eminent journalist from Akwa Ibom State, Ibanga Isine and another lawyer, Timipa Jenkins Okponipere, to work with Clark and other stakeholders.
MEND pledged to monitor the progress of the Clark-led team while it would reserve the right to recall its nominees after six months.
The militant group thanked those who honoured its invitation to serve and wished them well in their endeavours.
The statement said: “We have always advocated that the Niger Delta region must speak with a single voice, under a single umbrella body. Otherwise, the much sought-after peace and development shall elude the region, again.
“MEND is compelled to categorically warn that it is not yet Uhuru. The Chief Edwin Clark-led new initiative should realise that MEND was already in preliminary talks with the Federal Government, as confirmed by President Muhammadu Buhari himself.
“In fact, we have so far been able to secure a number of concessions, some of which include but not limited to the release of political prisoners. We expect that Chief Clark and his team shall follow through with the rest of the dialogue and peace process.”
The group condemned the extra-judicial killings and alleged deception by the Bayelsa State Government-sponsored militia, under the leadership of the militant group’s former Commander, Mr. Africanus Ukparasia (aka General Africa), an ex-militant, whose agreement under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) forbade him to bear arms. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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