Avengers are economic warriors, not freedom fighters, FG says

The Federal Government says it will not negotiate with the militant group Niger Delta Avengers, because they are economic warriors who are fighting for their own pockets.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said government would negotiate with the Avengers if they were freedom fighters, but since they are not, it will be pointless talking with agitators who are only interested in enriching themselves through agitation.

Professor Osinbajo said this during the second foundation lecture of Elizade University,Ilaramokin, Ondo state entitled “The Future is here earlier than we thought.”

He argued during the lecture, that “the so called avengers are not freedom fighters but fighting for their own economic benefits. They are avenging for their private pocket and that is why government is not talking with them”.

Read also: Mayhem in Niger Delta continues as militants again attack Agip pipelines

Avengers on the other hand are not shifting ground. The group has continuously vowed not to beg government for negotiation. Often, they have clearly stated that they want to crumble the country’s economy even as they are also demanding for the republic of the Niger Delta region.

While it has continued its uninhibited spree of bombardment of oil installations in the oil region, government with all its military might has done little or noting at stopping their attacks.

Another reason government will not negotiate with the Avengers according to President Muhammadu Buhari, is because there are many groups and government said it does not know the ones that are genuine. The government is asking that the militant groups unite to make negotiations possible.

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