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Despite Buhari’s peace moves, militants dare Shell, NNPC to reopen bombed pipeline

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Despite efforts by the Federal Government to hold dialogue with Niger Delta militants, they have continued to threaten International oil companies in the country.
The Greenland Justice Mandate, a Niger Delta militant group, has warned Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, against reopening of the newly repaired Trans Forcados pipeline.
The subsea pipeline, located in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, was attacked in February this year was due to resume operation in a week’s time after repairs.
The group however warned that it must seize operation until it gives the go ahead.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government had slated a meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief Edwin Clark led Pan-Niger Delta Dialogue team for October 29but latter changed it to 31.
There have however been agitations over the composition of the team, with allegations that it does not reflect the diverse ethnic base of the Niger Delta region.
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Aldo Agbalaja, on Saturday, the group said: ‘‘Trans Forcados crude is under force majeure from operator Shell since a militant attack on the subsea pipeline in February and it is due to resume operation this week following the completion of repair works and maintenance.
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“We do not have much to say to the oil companies than to just dare them to reopen the Trans-Forcados pipeline. We are aware that you are experts at testing wills, especially as you believe that you have a military shield. Please, go ahead to restart the facility and see what will happen.’’
Greenland Justice Mandate, also in the statement, kicked against the plan by the Federal Government to meet with the Chief Edwin Clak led Pan-Niger Delta Dialogue Team, adding that the team must not negotiate on its behalf.
The group insisted that the Clark-led Niger Delta leaders lack both the moral right and trust to speak for the region.
According to the group that said it does not have anything personal against the team, it insisted that it would be a grave mistake for the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to discuss the future of the region with the same group of persons responsible for the current parlous state of the region.
It however called on the Federal Government to wait for the list of credible and trusted community leaders, including traditional rulers from the various ethnic groups in the region for the proposed dialogue.
“We thought we should not continue to ignore the grand error being orchestrated by those who are responsible for the current parlous state of the Niger Delta region. These people seem to have succeeded in bewitching and railroading the Federal Government into settling for a dialogue with them in the name of the Niger Delta people”, the group said.
By Timothy Enietan-Matthews….

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0 Comments

  1. yanju omotodun

    October 23, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Edwin Clark should talk to his boys to sheath their swords for a while at least before the dialogue. Buhari can change his mind if they persist bombing oil pipes . to be forewarned is to be forearmed.

    Reply

    • Joy Madu

      October 24, 2016 at 6:08 am

      They should go on with there plan. I doubt if buhari Will change is mind because is decision is final and can not be revast

      Reply

  2. JOHNSON PETER

    October 23, 2016 at 10:28 am

    Sometimes, we can’t blame this Niger Delta militants because truly the region is marginalized, polluted and redundant as well. Especially come to bayelsa and see real suffering. The government is only concerned of what they will generate from this oil rich states but less concerned of our development. All same, we will tell the militants to cool down and see what positive result the dialogue will bring to our region.

    Reply

    • Nonso Ezeugo

      October 24, 2016 at 6:21 am

      Too bad to the Niger delta for treating there people this way. The militants should slow down and watch there action towas the dialogue before taking decisions

      Reply

  3. Animashaun Ayodeji

    October 23, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    These useless militants still have confidence because the federal government refused to deal with them.

    Reply

  4. Margret Dickson

    October 23, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    Militants are criminals, they belong to the same category with those leaders who embezzled public funds, Buhari should bring them down and instill fear in them

    Reply

    • Amarachi Okoye

      October 24, 2016 at 5:54 am

      Are you just knowing that now they belong to the disame group and even do worster than the leaders when it comes to criminalogy

      Reply

    • Amaka Okoro

      October 24, 2016 at 6:01 am

      What can buhari do to stop the criminal if not to give them go ahead on the criminal art

      Reply

  5. Johnson Amadi

    October 23, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    Buhari is only handling these people with levity, he should go out with full force and curb them once and for all. These nonsense they are performing must stop

    Reply

  6. chichi emerue

    October 24, 2016 at 6:34 am

    The Niger Delta militants should please be patients before taking decision less see if our so called president we do something about it before taking a step of regret

    Reply

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