Stop causing more problems, MEND tells Buratai

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), has described as insensitive, Tukur Buratai’s threat of using force against militants.

MEND in reacting to the statement credited to the Burata the Chief of Army Staff, warned him to stop making inciting statements on the Niger Delta crisis.

The group which said this late Tuesday night, cautioned that such comments can be inciting and asked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Buratai, to understand his job and principal responsibility.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, the group said, “MEND hereby makes it clear that General Buratai’s statement is insensitive, provocative, unprofessional and prejudicial to the fair outcome of the ongoing preliminary talks regarding the Niger Delta crisis between representatives of oil companies and security agencies, on the one hand; and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), on the other hand.

“We therefore, warn the Chief of Army Staff to guard his utterances, refrain from making political and inflammatory statements and stick to his primary responsibility.”

The group then called on the people of Niger Delta region to remain patient with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

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It said, “Keep hope alive as MEND and the Aaron Team 2 Dialogue, Peace and Development Initiative, led by Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, and HRH King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff are working assiduously to secure sustainable concessions for the region from the government.

“While MEND has already kick-started the dialogue process with the ongoing preliminary talks, the Aaron Team made up of distinguished and accomplished personalities from the region, are waiting on the sidelines to conclude the dialogue process.”

Buratai, had on Monday in Port Harcourt said that military authorities would resort to the use of force if ongoing dialogue between Federal Government and MEND to resolve the current Niger-Delta crisis fails.

By Ebere Ndukwu …

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