MEND sets Okah, Tompolo as conditions for peace in Niger Delta

MEND in its memo to President Muhammadu Buhari, signed by spokesperson of the group, Jomo Gbomo, emphasised the importance of Tompolo for peace to reign in the troubled region.

The group said, “High Chief Government Ekpemupolo’s inclusion in the final list was principally because of the key role he continues to play in the Niger Delta as a notable ex-militant leader; philanthropist; traditional title holder and mobiliser of amazing capacity. It will therefore be counter-productive if the Federal Government ignored such an individual who may be capable of talking to the militants in the creeks to ceasefire.

“We are very much aware of the pending criminal charges against Government Ekpemupolo by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, we strongly advise that the charges be suspended until after the conclusion of the Aaron Team assignment.

“This is to ensure that Mr. Ekpemupolo devotes his time, energy and resources towards the resolution of the current Niger Delta crisis without any fear of arrest, intimidation or harassment.”

On Okah brothers MEND said, “Your Excellency, the MEND Aaron Team 2 dialogue and peace initiative would not have materialised if not for the tireless work and support of the Okah brothers – Henry and Charles who are currently in prisons in South Africa and Nigeria, respectively.

“ It is our humble submission that the release of the Okah brothers is a crucial factor in the peaceful resolution of the Niger Delta crisis.

“If Senator Ali Ndume facing terror charge for sponsoring Boko Haram can be granted bail by the Judiciary and thereby permitted to participate in nation-building at one of the highest levels as Majority Leader of the Senate. Then, we see no reason why the Okah brothers that have enormous capacity to help government end the Niger Delta crisis would still be in prison.”

Also contained in the memo is the final list of its dialogue team, Aaron Team 2, which will be led by Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, SAN and HRH King Alfred Diette-Spiff.

Read also: Anxiety as Tompolo rallies MEND commanders

It gave members of the Aaron Team 2 dialogue, peace and development initiative inaugurated by MEND on June 12, 2016 as follwows:

Members of the apolitical team include: Mr. Henry Odein Ajumogobia, SAN (Rivers – Team Leader), HRH King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff, Amayanabo of Twon-Brass (Bayelsa – Deputy Team Leader & Representative of the Niger Delta Dialogue and Contact Group – NDDCG), Senator Florence Ita-Giwa (Cross River – Representative of all aggrieved militant groups and communities from the Bakassi axis and. Mr. Ledum Mitee, Esq. (Rivers) Others are Senator Adolphus Wabara (Abia – representative of oil-bearing communities in Abia and Imo states), High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Delta state), Mr. Ibanga Isine (Akwa Ibom), Mr. Alfred Isename (Edo) and Mr. Timipa Jenkins Okponipere, Esq. (Bayelsa – Team Secretary).

Allegation is rife that Tompolo is behind the Niger Delta Avengers militant, a group MEND has unequivocally condemned claiming they are out to distablise the present administration.

For those who feel Tompolo may actually have something to do with the Avengers, the call for government to drop charges against him as an option for peace in the oil region by MEND, may mean more than ordinary.

Ebere Ndukwu …

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