We Will Reveal More Sordid Details If Jonathan Provokes Us Again – Splinter Group, RNDA Threatens

The alleged splinter group of the Niger Delta Avengers, Reformed Niger Delta Avengers, RNDA, in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Cynthia Whyte has insisted former President, Goodluck Jonathan is the grand patron of the Niger Delta Avengers, threatening to reveal more details if he continues to deny it.

The statement reads in full…

”To cut a long story short, NDA was formed to counter MEND but failed. The statement, however, said that the RNDA is not surprised that the alleged grand patron of the NDA, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has distanced himself from the NDA.

”It therefore did not come to the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA) as a surprise that the Grand Patron of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has distanced himself from the NDA.

”Like every sponsor, sympathizer and operative earlier mentioned who has equally denied links with the Avengers, we can understand the wisdom behind their decision; as their participation was always meant to be covert.

”After a clandestine meeting in Otuoke, Bayelsa state in 2014 between the Grand Patron and several unidentified persons ahead of the Presidential election campaign of 2015, it was agreed that the Okah brothers should be contacted to reach out to the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to endorse former President Goodluck Jonathan, and work with the group of persons to ensure victory for the PDP and President Jonathan.

”At the time, because MEND was the suggested tool, the NDA as a body was not yet formed.

”Mr Kingsley Kuku and Mr. Gordon Obuah, SA on Niger Delta and Chief Security Officer to President Jonathan, respectively were selected to visit Charles

Okah in Kuje prison. Mr Daniel Alabrah was given the assignment to draft an endorsement statement for Charles Okah to go through and pass on to MEND.

”The duo reported back that they had visited Okah in Kuje prison at night with the promise of his release along with others should he cooperate to get MEND to endorse Jonathan.

”It therefore came as a shock when MEND did the opposite and endorsed Buhari. Mr. Jonathan was livid with anger and swore that the Okah’s would rot in prison.

”It was also agreed that a show of force be put up in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state where ex-militants led by Government Ekpemupolo and Kingsley Kuku would threaten war should the electorate vote in Buhari’s favour.

”It was around that period the idea of forming the Niger Delta
Avengers was conceived. In fact the name “Avengers” came from the lips of Goodluck Jonathan.

”As election day approached, certain stakeholders were mobilized to form a force to standby and ensure total anarchy in the South-South and South-East within 24 hours if the election results were not favourable to Jonathan. It took everyone by surprise to learn that Mr Jonathan had conceded defeat even before the final results were released. The standby force who were to attack specific targets were told to stand down. They were all compensated in US dollars cash.

”The Niger Delta Avengers was born from the failure at the polls and would now be used as an organ to make the Buhari government ungovernable, bring economic hardship and cause hatred for the administration towards failure at the 2019 general elections.

”MEND was aware of this plot through a spy that could not be identified, and the group began its campaign to counter every effort of the NDA and the Biafra agitators to this day. MEND has been a thorn in the flesh because MEND’s successful propaganda has caused the split in our ranks today.

”If former President Jonathan provokes us further with denials of this revelation, we will reveal more sordid details. The prison authorities in Kuje who witnessed the closed door meeting from the outside can attest to that night visit of November 2014.”

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8yrs After Creation, N-delta Ministry Completes Only One Project— Minister

Mr Uguru Usani, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has said that the ministry had successfully completed only one project since its creation eight years ago, the minister stated this in Abuja.

He further noted that it was regrettable that no project had been commissioned or completed since the establishment of the ministry in 2008, except a cassava processing plant in Ondo State by the present administration.

Mr. Usani also lamented the destruction of oil facilities by Niger Delta Avengers, arguing that no matter the provocation, it was wrong for the group to destroy the environment that bore the peoples’ heritage.

“Let us come together as one to protect our communities. Let us preach love, peace, tolerance, patience and dialogue with one another. Let us convince ourselves that it is our region and that we have nowhere to go to, if we destroy it,” he said.

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Ex-Delta Governor, Uduaghan Reveals How FG Can Handle Niger Delta Avengers

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the immediate past governor of Delta State, at the weekend in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, at the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE conference, called on the Federal Government to involve governors from the Niger Delta in the efforts to resolve the crisis the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, has caused the region and the nation’s economy.

According to him, “The Amnesty did not achieve what it was to achieve because the governors were not involved. The states should be involved. The biggest threat in Niger Delta is that our land is seriously polluted, especially the water. In those days, you could see the sand under the water. We used it to wash our teeth. But it is not so anymore.

“Niger Delta Avengers are busting our pipelines for whatever reasons; anger. Nigerians are looking at it as something just affecting only the economy; it goes beyond that. Our environment is being ruined.

“Dealing with the Niger Delta challenge should be a carrot-and-stick approach: engagement first and force, where necessary. Engagements should be deepened. The governors should be part of it.

“I want to appeal to our brothers in Niger Delta Avengers that what they are doing is not just damaging the economy but the waters. I appeal to them to stop. The media should also help to appeal to them to stop it,” the ex-Delta governor said.

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Goodluck Jonathan Cries Out Over Plots To Assassinate Him

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in a statement made by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze has raised an alarm that his life is under threat by the militants group MEND.

The statement by Jonathan also said the list of sponsors by the splinter group Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA) was political, adding that it was part of an attempt to assassinate him.

The statement read in part: “Since it is not in our place to speak for all those named in the obvious fabrication, we are only intervening to the extent that its hidden intent poses a violent threat to the life of former President Goodluck Jonathan, a committed patriot.

“We are seized by the feeling of déjà vu occasioned by the resurrection of one dim character masquerading as Cynthia Whyte, who had in the past served as the spokesperson for a notorious group that had all along shown its hand to be going after the life of former President Jonathan.”

The former President recalled that in 2007, after he emerged as the running mate of the late President Umar Yar’Adua, the group invaded Yenogoa in an effort to assassinate him.

He added that the members of the group later bombed his compound in Otuoke, Bayelsa state, on a night he was scheduled to attend to an important matter in his country home.

“Do we need to remind anybody that the so-called Cynthia Whyte is the self-declared spokesperson for the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, a violent and murderous underground group led by one Henry Okah, which has not hidden its intention to destroy the former President?” Jonathan stressed.

According to him, the bombing that took place on October 1, 2010 at the Eagle Square, Abuja, showed that the group was violent.

GEJ noted that: “We have no doubt in our mind that MEND, as a group contracted to go after Jonathan with the mind of assassinating him, has yet to abandon this criminal and ignominious craving. It is in this light that we view the purported statement issued by Cynthia Whyte as not only a sadistic continuation of this sick desire, but also a futile attempt to instigate the Federal Government to needlessly go after the former President.

“Those who have been following the unsavoury developments in some parts of the country since the last general election would have noticed that MEND, its paymasters and other unscrupulous elements in the South-South region have been striving fruitlessly to exploit the ensuing confusion by surreptitiously working for the fulfilment of its yet-to-be declared political agenda.

“We are not under any illusion that more accusations and allegations of this nature would not be hurled Jonathan’s way in the future. But we are very positive that he can never be fazed by such negative energy.”

A group, which split from the NDA – Reformed Niger Delta Avengers – had named Jonathan as the grand patron of the NDA.
An online medium, Sahara Reporters, reported that in a statement by its spokesperson, Cynthia Whyte, the RNDA also listed the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, as sponsors of the NDA.

Others mentioned in the list were Chief Edwin Clark, a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio; ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo); the founder, African Independent Television, Raymond Dokpesi; Kingsley Kuku; Kimi Angozi, and Patrick Akpobolokemi.

According to Sahara Reporters, the group said the NDA sympathisers are Daniel Alabrah; Tony Uranta, Daniel; Ms. Annkio Briggs, and a former spokesman for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh.

The Reformed Niger Delta Avengers also named Oyege Nimi Brown, VIP Timothy, Joshua Macaiver, Paul Bebenimibo, among others, as the main operatives of the NDA.

It added that the President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Udengs Eradiri, aka Brig. Gen. Murdoch Agbinibo, served as the NDA’s chief spokesman.

Also, Clark, who spoke through his lawyer, Mr. Dotun Sowemimo, wondered why he would be mentioned as one of the sponsors of such a heinous crime against the nation.

He said: “The allegation is an attempt to undermine the efforts of the Niger Delta leaders to bring true, lasting peace to the region.

“Clark and other leaders in the region believe in the unity of Nigeria. The list is a cheap lie, which is meant to distract the peace moves by the elders and leaders in the Niger Delta.”

On his part, Wike, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, said the list should be ignored by the members of the public.

Dokpesi, also distanced himself from the Niger Delta Avengers. Dokpesi in an interview with The Punch on Sunday in Abuja, said he remained committed to strengthening the unity and stability of Nigeria.

He said, “I don’t know who is giving that report; I have never met any member of the NDA in my life, I have no association with them and I don’t know who they are. I have been committed to strengthening the unity and stability of the country.”

Also denying the allegation, Metuh said he had nothing to do with the NDA . He said: “Ordinarily, I would not have responded to this, but on this occasion, I have chosen to respond, as this particularly borders on matters affecting national security.

“This is a wicked, cruel and devilish plot to link me with such activities, especially as the claim is outright false.’’

A former spokesman for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, also denied being a sympathiser of the NDA.

Alabrah said in a statement on Sunday that the report was a product of mischief designed to distract the Federal Government from decisively addressing the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta.

The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, denied being a sponsor of the Niger Delta Avengers or any other militant group.

In a statement on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Anietie Ekong, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom state described the allegation as “baseless, reckless and senseless.”

The statement read in part, “Senator Akpabio has no link with the Niger Delta Avengers or any other militant group for that matter.’’

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If Boko Haram Kills Christian, Burn Churches, We’ll Slay Muslims, Raze Mosques – N-Delta Militant Group

The Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders, NDRC, in a statement by spokesperson of the group, W O I Izon-Ebi, on Saturday, vowed that it would carry out reprisal attacks on Muslims and mosques in the Niger Delta region if Boko Haram kills Christians and burn down churches in the north, as threatened by its new leader, Abu Masab el Barnaw, last Wednesday.

The group said: “We want to alert Nigerians and the world that the Islamization plot has been proven by the Boko Haram new leader Abu Masab el Barnaw that their new mission is to kill all Christians and burn down all churches.”

“But, we want to warn them that we, the Niger Delta youths, in this 21st century will not accept killing of innocent Christians or burning of churches. That if they try it in the north or any part of Nigeria, we the Niger Delta youths will not see any Muslim or mosque in the Niger Delta,” it said.

Its words: “We are not against President Buhari granting the Boko Haram amnesty if their sole purpose is to own an Islamic caliphate in the north, but they should mot shift it to the Niger Delta.”

“All we know and want is resource control and true federalism, if truly they believe in one Nigeria, and are working harder to build a prosperous One Nigeria, let them shift their Operation Crocodile Tears to the Fulani herdsmen and the Boko Haram that is threatening the unity and peace of Nigeria,” the group asserted.

NDRC called on President Muhammadu Buhari to demonstrate that leadership as the current leader and the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, just as former President Goodluck Jonathan showed by visiting him (Buhari) to indicate that he believes in the unity of Nigeria and was not part of the planned declaration of the Niger Delta Republic.

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No Crack In Our Group – Avengers

The Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, responding to a reported split of the group, has said they are united and together, distancing itself from Jude Kekyll.

The militant group in a retort this morning to Vanguard inquiry, said: “The NDA is too busy at the moment to be distracted by people like Jude Kekyll, he is not part of us and cannot be part of us. All our operatives are united and we are all together.”

Recall that yesterday, a group, Reformed Niger Delta Avengers, RNDA, broke out of the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, and threatened to expose the identities of NDA fighters and their sponsors if the militant group does not stop bombing of pipelines.

The breakaway faction in a statement by Cynthia Whyte, said it dumped the NDA because of the recent personal appeal of former President Goodluck Jonathan, peace efforts of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, guilt feelings over the damage wrecked on the environment and President Muhammadu Buhari’s demonstrated political will to clean up the environment.

“We have decided to join the MEND Aaron Team 2 peace initiative through the clearing house of Niger Delta Dialogue and Contact Group (NDDCG) headed by HRH King Alfred Diette-Spiff,” the group said.

It asserted: “We will also cooperate with the government by exposing the identities of our comrades, who remain stubborn in their insistence to continue attacks. For example, it will shock the nation to know the Jekyll and Hyde personality behind the pseudonym 'Brigadier General Murdoch Agbinibo' and our sponsors.”

In a related event, the Ijaw People Development Initiative, IPDI, in a statement by the national president, Austin Ozobo, has urged NDA to come out with its preliminary conditions for dialogue just as it condemned the threat by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, to join forces with government to deal with the militant group.

IPDI said: “Our attention has been drawn to the preliminary conditions for dialogue and purported threat to smoke out Niger Delta Avengers ,NDA, by the defunct Movement For the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, if NDA fails to embrace the proposed dialogue with federal government.”

“Our preliminary study of the above shows that MEND preliminary conditions and threat to join government to smoke out NDA if they fail to embrace dialogue falls below expectation.

“It is a plot to rob the region of their genuine struggle as they failed to draw all inclusive preliminary demands such as immediate commencement of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, reopening of NIMASA Technical College, Okoloba, Delta state and acceptance to conduct referendum.

“It did also include release of alleged NDA members, including Oporoza 10 youths, agreement not to harass and arrest members of NDA if they come out, seizure of further military operations and arrests pending the final resolution of the dialogue, agreement to revoke oil blocs and greement to implement Niger Delta Development blue print ,” it said.

IPDI asserted: “Though, we are not against the release of Henry Okah, Charles Okah, Edmund Ebiware, and others but since they were not arrested in active struggle, it is wrong to have use their release as a preliminary conditions to begin dialogue of Niger Delta demands of resource control and self-determination.”

“If MEND is not fighting for its affairs, why did it fail to include revitalization of seaports in Niger Delta and relocation of headquarters of oil companies to the region?

“It is also wrong for MEND to threaten to join force with Nigeria military to fish or smoke out Niger Delta Avengers if they fail to yield to its line of dialogue. This exposes the shallow interest of miscreants under the banner of defunct MEND,” it added.

“This further shows that they are mostly interested on the release of their members, who are currently undergoing detention. MEND definition of the current struggle is an attempt to undermine the evergreen struggle for better Niger Delta region. It is an attempt to hijack the efforts of NDA to free their members arrested on issues not connected with the struggle.

“Why MEND decided to condemn NDA to the firing squad and exonerate their members who were arrested and detained on account of their personal deals and why it feels that they are better than NDA members beat imagination. How did MEND expect genuine people and NDA to queue behind their self-centered preliminary conditions for dialogue when such preliminary demands do not guarantee the future of the region? The group stated.

It added: “MEND should review its preliminary conditions for the proposed dialogue, one thing MEND should understand is that government may decide to accept their shallow and selfish preliminary conditions, but what would they do if government fails to agree on the real demands of the region on the course of the dialogue.”

“MEND is doing another injustice to the region. You do not just make demands, you must consult resources persons, you must consider tomorrow when making preliminary demands. MEND preliminary conditions fall short of expectation and it does not represent the general interest of Niger Delta people,” IPDI said.

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Avengers Split As Faction Threatens To Expose Sponsors, Members

A new militant group, Reformed Niger Delta Avengers, RNDA, claiming to be a breakaway faction of the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, have emerged.

The group in a statement by Cynthia Whyte, threatened to expose the identities of NDA fighters and their sponsors if the militant group do not cease hostilities.

The statement said: “Permit us to begin by introducing the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA), a breakaway faction of the Niger Delta Avengers.”

RNDA, however, said: “A majority of us in consideration of the recent personal appeal by His Excellency, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the peace efforts and initiative of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the feeling of guilt over the damage being effected on our environment.

“And at the same time, the government of President Buhari has exhibited political will and backing words with action to clean up the environment, we have decided to join the MEND Aaron Team 2 peace initiative through the clearing house of Niger Delta Dialogue and Contact Group (NDDCG) headed by HRH King Alfred Diette-Spiff,” the group said.

It asserted: “ We will also cooperate with the government by exposing the identities of our comrades, who remain stubborn in their insistence to continue attacks. For example, it will shock the nation to know the Jekyll and Hyde personality behind the pseudonym ‘Brigadier General Murdoch Agbinibo’ and our sponsors.”

“It added: “We also use this opportunity to call on the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to take advantage of the olive branch concession secured by MEND and renounce the Biafra question which is an anachronism.

“Those advising Mr. Nnamdi Kanu to do otherwise neither love him nor appreciate the level of treason this simple act of common sense and humility can extricate him from,” the new group pointed out.

It stated: “ The Niger Delta will no longer be your proxy war to achieve your ambition. To our comrades in the NDA, we urge you to stop being defiant and embrace peace and the wise counsel we all received from former President Jonathan.”

In a related event, Fred Brisibe, Coordinator of the Ijaw Human Rights Monitors, IJHRM, in a statement has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to liaise with former President Goodluck Jonathan to help him in resolving the Niger Delta logjam.

The group  said: “We noticed from the body language of former President Goodluck Jonathan after his meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari that there are flickers of light at the end of the tunnel for the bleak situation of uncertainty around the agitation for restructuring.”

“However, this hope may fizzle out too soon if certain ugly trends are not arrested without delay. Truth is, certain characters who are members of the so-called Niger Delta Contact and Dialogue Team are on a mission to thwart the peace initiative.

“They frolic daily with the fraudulent MEND and use the opportunity of their membership of the committee to extort money from unsuspecting government officials for self enrichment. This is adversely affecting the peace process and may completely frustrate the dialogue,” he said.

The group asserted: “It is important, therefore, that for any meaningful and pragmatic solution to emerge, President Muhammadu Buhari should liaise with Goodluck Jonathan to get a proper team of delegates from the region to dialogue with.”

“We wish to use the opportunity to call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the DSS to arrest and prosecute anyone who is involved in this syndicate,” it added.

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How Niger Delta Avengers, Others Acquire Detonators, Explosives

Major General Babagana Mongonu (rtd), the National Security Adviser, today disclosed that explosives experts dispatched to conduct investigations into the incessant bombing attacks on oil facilities in the oil rich region have uncovered the diversion of about 9, 000kg of high explosives and 16, 420 pieces of detonators for illegal use.

The NSA made the startling revelation at a meeting with local manufacturers of fertilizers just as he read the riot act to two fertilizer companies, Notore Petrochemical and Indorama Eleme Petrochemical companies for allegedly shortchanging Nigerians by causing Fertilizer shortages, through the illegal exportation of the product outside the country.

Throwing more light on the explosives and detonators in Abuja, a visibly worried NSA said, “The major actors, including the store man of a major explosives distribution company in Nigeria, an accomplice and five (5) security operatives have been arrested and handed over to appropriate authorities”.

“Right now, investigations are being conducted and I can assure you that they are deeply culpable and necessary actions will be taken on conclusion of investigation.

“Let me also reiterate that any individual or company that operates outside the confines of legitimacy or illegality will have itself to blame. We also want to add that the government of the day will not want to listen to any influence peddler in the society on behalf of any company that decides to sabotage National Security”.

On the fertilizer scam, the NSA said, “Nigerians should recall the discovery that improvised explosive devices (IED) being employed by terrorists for their bombing campaigns were developed mainly from certain grades of fertilizers with particular reference to some nitrate based types including Urea Nitrate (synthesized from Urea).

“Accordingly, it was discovered that the indiscriminate importation of these items by all and sundry resulted into lack of control and it eased their availability to mischievous elements for use to perpetrate insecurity. This indiscriminate importation further reduced the prospects for the local manufacture of these materials and by extension, the loss of foreign exchange to avoidable imports. This ultimately culminated into the ban on importation of fertilizers to the country”.

“In keeping with the commitment of the federal government to boosting national economy, Notore Petrochemical and Indorama Eleme Petrochemical were licensed as the sole manufacturers of Urea blend of fertilizers in Nigeria. Furthermore, the office of the NSA in collaboration with federal ministry of agriculture and rural development facilitated necessary importation of raw materials and also secured distribution networks’.

“This move was aimed at solving the national security problem on one hand by easing control of the items and on the other hand, boosting economy by encouraging local production”.

“The cumulative annual production of the two companies is estimated at 2. 05 million metric tonnes, while Nigeria’s estimated consumption rate is 1.1million metric tonnes, which is 53 per cent of production. Accordingly, the companies have the opportunity to cumulatively export about 47 per cent of their production”.

“However, this office has observed with total dismay some unpatriotic act and abuse of goodwill of government. Reports of activities of these companies have indicated that about 71 per cent of the 2. 05 million metric tonnes cumulative annual production is being exported to the detriment of our national economy. This has resulted in a spike in the price of urea-based fertilizers in Nigeria with obvious implications on food security in the country”.

“In view of the forgoing, I wish to categorically state that government will continue to adhere to the rule of law. However, it must be noted that the rule of law is not akin to anarchy”.

“Accordingly, this office (ONSA) will not hesitate to close and withdraw the operating license of any company that exports products without first meeting local consumption. This office and the ministry will work to put in place, measures to access production and determine exportable quantity by the respective companies”.

Continuing, General Mongonu said, “I must say at this point that the goodwill showed by the government of this country should not be taken for granted. The fact that we are in a difficult time and complicated situation in our economy and security does not mean that companies and individuals with vested interest will take the goodwill of this country for granted”.

“The President (Buhari) came to power with specific mandate which is clear to all Nigerians and indeed the international community. We will view with very serious consequences, any company that falls out of line and behave in a manner that will bring to its knee, the economy of this country and indeed the security of this country”.

“We will not hesitate act and it is an action that will be taken with immediate effect. It is important to for us to also know that all farmers are suffering in all the communities throughout the country” he concluded.

Among those present at the meeting was the minister of state for Agriculture, Senator Hieneken Lokpobiri, Mr. Appolo Goma, Chief Operating Officer, Indorama Petrochemical Company and Mr. Oscar Okpe of Notoro Petrochemical Company.

Lay Down Your Arms, Timi Frank Begs Avengers

Mr Timi Frank, acting National Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress, APC, in a statement yesterday, in Abuja, called on the Niger Delta Avengers and other militant groups in the Niger Delta region to lay down their arms and give the Federal Government a chance to redeem its promises to the region.

The acting National Publicity Secretary also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the approval and composition of a 13-member Governing Council and 10-member Board of Trustees for the cleanup of Ogoniland in Rivers State.

He called on the various groups in the region to lay down their arms and give the president the benefit of doubt, saying that President Buhari will surely deliver on his promises to the region.

He said the president has demonstrated to the people of Niger Delta that his commitment to the cleanup of Ogoniland was not a political rhetoric.

Frank further urged leaders in the region to take advantage of “a sincere president like Buhari who has started doing for the region what their son, former president Goodluck Jonathan, could not do for six years as president.”

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Ex-Militants’ Protest: Army, DSS, Police, Navy Take Over Warri, Effurun

The Nigerian Army, Navy, Police and Department of State Services, DSS, have deployed personnel in strategic locations in Warri, Effurun and environs in Delta State, following intelligence report that ex-militants plan to protest the non-payment of their monthly allowances.

Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (retd), the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, while reacting to the development, said that there was no need for the protest.

He said: “It is true that there are some debts, but the money has come. The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, will start payment from today or tomorrow. I have long passed this information to the ex-militants that payment will start soon. I do not know why some of them are still insisting on the protest.”

Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Joseph Dzunve, who also spoke to Vanguard, said: “The reported planned protest is already in the media which seems to be ahead of others in sharing the alert. And you would have noticed that since Saturday, the Army, Police, Navy and other security agencies have mobilized their men to be on ground to check any unruly act.”

Also, a DSS source in the locality explained that the ex-militants planned to carry out the protest last Wednesday and Thursday, but security operatives aborted same.

He said: “With the feelers we now have, anything can happen as they withdrew into their shell in the last few days. But I think it is not even a security concern to stop their protest. The fear is whether they will be lawful about it, added to concerns that hoodlums can take advantage of the situation.”

Soldiers of the 3 Battalion, Effurun, David Ejoor Barracks, were seen patrolling major roads in Effurun and Warri with military trucks, while some were stationed at the DSC Roundabout.

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DONE DEAL: Henry, Charles Okah, Nnamdi Kanu May Be Freed As MEND, FG Strike Deal To End N-Delta Crisis

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the Federal Government have allegedly reached initial agreement, including the release of former militant leader, Henry Okah, in prison in South Africa and Charles Okah, incarcerated in Nigeria.

The agreement also includes that ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, would not be harassed by government if he makes himself available as a delegate on MEND Aaron Team 2, while the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, would be released on condition that he renounces the agitation for “Biafra Republic.”

MEND in a statement by spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, today (Saturday) said: “The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is the only militant group from the Niger Delta region who are presently engaged in a dialogue with the Federal Government of Nigeria - through oil companies and security agencies -with a view to resolving the current Niger Delta crisis.”

“Thus far, the deliberations have been fruitful, various concessions and guarantees have already been secured. Some of which include, but are not limited to: Release of Henry Okah, Charles Okah and Obi Nwabueze; Review of the life sentence handed to Mr. Edmund Ebiware based on a proposal put forward by the Aaron Team representative for Abia and Imo states, Senator Adolphus Wabara.

“Also, conditional release of IPOB leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu and others if they renounce their agitation for a “Biafra Republic,” the group said.

Furthermore, MEND said they agreed: “That Mr. Government Ekpemupolo shall not be arrested, harassed and/or intimidated whenever he makes himself available as a delegate of the MEND Aaron Team.”

It added: “That international arbitrator and conflict negotiator, American Dr. Judith Asuni shall be accepted as the representative of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) on the MEND Aaron Team; that the criminal charges against Urhobo freedom fighter, Mr. Kelvin Prosper Oniarah shall be reviewed.

“That the life sentence which was handed to seven soldiers in 2008, who actively supported the Niger Delta struggle be reviewed under the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The affected persons are: Suleiman Alabi Akubo, Major. Mathias Peter, SGT, Alexander Davou, L.Cpl., Moses Nwaigwe, L.Cpl., Nnandi Anene, L.Cpl. Taatihi Emmanuel, L.Cpl and Caleb Bawa, PTE,” it said. .

“However, one of the most immediate and urgent fallout of the ongoing dialogue is the imperative for the Federal Government and MEND to jointly and separately take proactive steps to rescue and secure the region. This is in the event that the recalcitrant Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) continuing on its senseless and politically-motivated path of attacks on the country's oil assets,” it noted.

MEND asserted: “To this end, both parties agreed that the Special Forces of the Nigerian Army should commence the purely routine but strategic military exercise code-named "Operation Crocodile Tears"; while MEND would commence a meet-the Government-Actors-and-People tour of the Niger Delta region code-named "Operation Moses".

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Buhari Approves BoT For Ogoniland Cleanup

The Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Bukar Hassan have announced that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a 13-member Governing Council and 10-member Board of Trustees for the cleanup of Ogoniland in Rivers.

The minister speaking in Abuja on Saturday, said the structures would ensure inclusiveness, accountability, transparency and sustainability of the exercise.

Mohammed acknowledged the concerns raised by stakeholders on the perceived slow pace of the clean up, saying “Nigerians have a right to voice their concerns”, but called for patience.

“We have responsibility to deliver. The launch was the first step in a 30-year journey. We continue to make strides toward the implementation.

“We ask for patience as we lay solid foundations for the cleanup.
The context is complex and stakeholders are diverse. All must be taken along”, Mohammed said.

President Buhari inaugurated the clean up on June 2 at Bodo in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers.

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3 Militant Groups Accept To Dialogue With Buhari

Three militant groups in the Niger Delta region, Reformed Egbesu Boys of the Niger Delta, Egbesu Red Water Lions and Egbesu Mightier Fraternity in an electronic mail by the leadership of Reformed Egbesu Boys of Niger Delta have capitulated on their earlier decision not to allow the Niger Delta Dialogue and Contact Group, NDDCG, to represent them in the ongoing dialogue with the Federal Government.

The mail written on behalf of other affiliate groups, said: “A fortnight ago, we responded to this subject matter wherein we stated emphatically that the Niger Delta Dialogue and Contact Group had no mandate to negotiate on our behalf in respect of the renewed hostilities against oil and gas facilities.”

“We wish to state that the leadership of the Reformed Egbesu Boys of the Niger Delta, including the Egbesu Red Water Lions and the Egbesu Mightier Fraternity have been duly consulted and our mandate secured for the negotiation by the Diette- Spiff- led committee,” it said.

On why they reconsidered its position, the militant groups said: “Our decision to accede to the pleas of well-meaning citizens and interest groups to yield to dialogue should not be misconstrued to mean we are intimidated by the military threat to launch Operation Crocodile Tears. We make bold to invite the military to launch the said operation, which they have concluded all logistic arrangements.”

“However, we have it on good authority within the military establishment that the service chiefs of the Armed Forces are averse to dialogue, so as to launch a full-scale military operation to justify the utilization of the defense budget earmarked for the Niger Delta.

ON WHY THEY REMOVED KACHIKWU
“Also, a cabal within the government went to convince President Muhammadu Buh ari while in London on medical vacation to rule out negotiation with Niger Delta militants. This was the reason they removed Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu as GMD of NNPC because he was going beyond the thinking of the military leadership,” it asserted.

The militants noted: “In the history of armed struggle, the Niger Delta had been bombed by successive governments, but this has not solved the problems of the region, as this generation of youths and those unborn would continue to demand and agitate for true federalism and restructuring of the country.”

“These are the minimum acceptable preconditions for the continued passage of our oil and gas to be exported as a national commodity for the development of the arid regions to the exclusion of our communities.

“We never consented that anybody should lump us together with the Nigerian state in the political and constitutional issues that characterized flag independence. Rather, we demanded for a separate government, but the conspiracy of the British imperialists and the Northern monarchy culminated in the establishment of development commissions for the Niger Delta. Today, all these commissions have all failed to develop the region,” they said.

“In the light of the above circumstances,” they added, “we join hands with well-meaning Nigerians and the progressive- minded ethnic nationalities’ self- determination groups to reaffirm that the present political structure of Nigeria is no longer workable and acceptable to the larger interests of Nigerians and that it should be abandoned.”

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N-Delta Is A Lawless Region — Omolubi Newuwumi

Mr. Omolubi Newuwumi, a former Commissioner in Delta State and Itsekri ethnic nationality leader, has said in an interview that there is no rule of law in Niger Delta and government has not really shown interest in deploying police officers to the creeks to protect people.

Newuwumi, said: ”I have critically looked into the problem in the Niger Delta and place it on two things. One, there is no rule of law in place and secondly, there is insecurity of lives and properties.”

He said” “The people of Niger Delta region have been living together without the enforcement of the rule of law by the government and this is because they did not send policemen to this area to enforce law and order in the region.”
Self-inflicted disorder

On why he described Niger Delta as an uncontrolled region, he had this to say: “Let me tell you a short story, I was once in the Nigeria Boys Scout, when I was in primary school I joined the scout just in order to enforce discipline on myself and to be a law- abiding citizen. As a scout at that time, we carry out arrest concerning criminal matters.”

“The Boys Scout and Boys Brigade as at then were like the Police and the Man o War was like the Army known by the people. Today, an army general cannot arrest a common criminal in the same region. What has led to this? Permit me to use this saying by the English man, ‘if it is not a treasure, it cannot be found, if it is not gold, it cannot be seen’”.

“What do I mean by this? I mean that the government and the white men have found a treasure in our villages, which is now the gold (crude oil) ,because the worth of a treasure can raise a country’s economy to the highest in the world, that treasure is now transformed to gold and any quality gold can change the world, not to mention a country. This is the reason behind the lawlessness in this region.

“The reason is because it is not properly handled by the federal and state government. I am using this forum to say that I know and understand that the inability of a country to manage its success. This can result to crisis or anarchy that can lead to the division of the country in parts and this is the case of Nigeria today,” Newuwumi said.

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N-Delta Elders To Buhari: Dialogue With Avengers, Not MEND

The Concerned Niger Delta Elders, CNDE, in a statement by Seigha Manijar and Aureol Viviana, has warned the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government not to enter into any kind of dialogue with the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, but rather, dialogue directly with the Niger Delta Avengers or their appointees.

The group said that whatever resolution reached between the FG and NDA, would be a long lasting one thereby advising against going through MEND, it also appealed to the militants group to sheathe their swords and dialogue with the government.

“MEND should speak for itself and not for others. It can speak on behalf of the Avengers if invited to do so. MEND should not arrogate to itself the authority to speak for others outside its ranks,” the statement said, warning that negotiating with MEND instead of Avengers would have grave implications, such as conflict of interest, mistrust, non implementation of resolutions among others.

“We understand the Avengers’ demand for foreign observers in the dialogue but we appeal to them to pick their representatives from among the numerous trusted individuals from the Niger Delta such as Dr Timiebi Agary, Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (retd), Timi Alaibe, Prof G.G Darah, Dr Otive Igbuzor, Enemo Samiama, Roland Ekperi, Wilson Ajuwa and Joel Bisina, among others."

“However, if they are not comfortable with the suggested names, they should feel free to pick their representatives. That will show the world that they are ready for dialogue. The government should also consider the Avengers’ demand of inviting foreign observers as a show of sincerity.”

On how to stem the tide of proliferation of splinter groups in the region, the statement said: “Once the Federal Government starts a genuine dialogue with the Avengers, who seem to have shown enough capacity and consistency in their acts, we believe that other groups will fall in line by absorption or coercion.”

The group also frowned at Tompolo’s willingness to be part of the negotiation saying, “Tompolo does not necessarily have to be in any negotiation team, whether it is driven by MEND or any other group. What is important is that given the right atmosphere, any group or representatives could discuss Tompolo’s plight, including Henry Okah and others. There is no doubt that Tompolo can be an asset to this government on Niger Delta crisis if well managed.”

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Bombing Of Pipelines: Gbaramatu Youth Leader Appeals To Militants

Timi Oluba, a youth leader in Makaraba oilfield, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State,  has appealed to militants to stop further bombing of oil and gas facilities in the kingdom, lamenting that the attacks were affecting mostly the innocent people.

Speaking in Benin City, Edo state, the youth leader said: “The attacks on pipelines and oil facilities by militants have brought pain and hardship to the people of Gbaramatu and that is why we are appealing to them to allow peace to reign because our people are suffering.

“The Federal Government and its assets may be the target of the militants but honestly our people are the main victims. Most of the people living within the affected communities have been subjected to hunger and can longer feed themselves.

“It is true that oil production may have reduced and is telling on the country’s economy, but a careful assessment also indicates that the attacks have destroyed the little economic activities in Gbaramatu Kingdom and this is making life unbearable for the people of the kingdom. This must not continue.”

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We Have The Capacity To Flush Militants Out Of Niger Delta – Military

Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, the Commander of the joint military Task force deployed to the Niger Delta, code-named: Operation Delta Safe, ODS, has averred that the military has the capacity to flush out militants from the region but was compelled to respect the dialogue option adopted by the Federal Government.

Okojie who made this known at a press conference in Yenagoa stressed that the Defence Headquarters had scaled down military option and declared a ceasefire to pave way for dialogue with the militants, he stated that the operation through the support of the military top brass and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has been effectively curtailing collateral damage to oil infrastructure in the region.

According to him, “We have seen reports emanating from faceless sources that tend to compromise national security in the mainstream media and want to restate our commitment to the mandate given to Operation Delta Safe.

“Our mandate does not include engagement in propaganda with any interest and wish to restate that the territorial integrity of our country is sacrosanct.

“We implore the media to rise to the occasion and subject their security related stories to the dictates of their professional ethics,” the commander stated.

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Niger Delta Crisis: Military Force Not The Best Solution, Dickson Tells FG

Mr. Seriake Dickson, the Bayelsa State governor, speaking to State House Correspondents after a private meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, has appealed to the federal government not to adopt forceful measures against the Niger Delta militants in a bid to quell the violent attacks on oil and gas installations in the area.

The Governor who spoke on varying issues insisted that dialogue remained the best measure, he said, "I have said that the issues in the Niger Delta, the terrain, the historic nature of the issues and challenges are such that military solution may not be the way forward. For us who are products of political system who are at this level, we have a duty to mobilise communal and local leadership, we have a duty to support the work of intelligence and security agencies are doing, we have a duty to ensure that issues are better appreciated and that we fill the communication gap.

"And where there are issues those issues need be addressed and is also our duty to network like I'm doing to ensure that problems that are identified as the root cause of some of these challenges are looked into.

"The military solution as I have always maintained is not the right option. We are hopeful that the ongoing discussions will yield the desired result. I have always been in support of negotiations, of dialogue as the sustainable way forward. Dialogue will bring out the issues and then we will all unite around these common issues to move our country forward", he said.

He said: "I came in this afternoon to have discussions with Mr. President. That is because my position has been and I believe that is the right position every political leader should take which is that after general elections, political leaders and citizens must unite and address common issues and find solutions to the problems of our country.

"All over the world, once nations have crisis, once nations come under attack, leaders unite across political lines. And together, I came in to have discussion with Mr. President and I thank him for that opportunity and we cross fertilized ideas around issues of security.

"Of course, as you know Bayelsa is central to the maintenance of law and order and stability in our country particularly in the Niger Delta region. Bayelsa is the epicentre of the issues that have to do with the Niger Delta. And we had fruitful discussions on the need for political leaders, governmental and political leaders to work together to support the work of the security agencies and foster better understanding of even people who have grievances and that we are committed to do together.

"I also want to use this opportunity to appreciate Mr. President for his non-interference in the political processes that played out in Bayelsa in the last general elections. And as you are also aware, yesterday, the Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja delivered judgement upholding my election and affirming my emergence as a true product of the democratic exercise of rights of our people in the December 5th and January 9th.

"Again, I want to use this opportunity to appreciate Mr. President for his non-interference contrary to the propaganda and the name dropping that some politicians back home and even in Abuja embarked upon. There is no name they didn't call. There is no claim that they didn't make but I'm telling Nigerians, I'm telling Bayelsans to disregard all that propaganda.

"The President never had anything to do by way of negatively influencing the last general elections in Bayelsa and also the outcome of the Tribunal proceedings. That is important because if our nation must move forward, if our democracy must be strengthened, if our nation must move forward, if our democracy must be strengthened, if our nation must be stable, then institutions must be allowed to grow.

"I want to use this opportunity to call on my opponent, brothers and friends and fellow citizens of Bayelsa and all others to join hands with us so that we can render service to our people and a stronger more stable and prosperous Bayelsa."

"There is no doubt that our nation needs a political party in opposition, strong, organised opposition. Opposition that plays by the rule that knows that there comes a time when people across divides must unite for the sake of our country. And we are working hard to ensure that some of the issues and disputes in the party.

"You expect to see those types of issues and disputes in any political party and we are working hard to address them. And we believe that the convention will come and go and we will have a virile, credible opposition party that will work for our democracy and our the Nigerian nation", he said.

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Niger Delta: Stop Threatening To Use Force On Us – MEND Warns Buratai

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, in a statement by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, has warned the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Burutai against making political and provocative statements that could cause nationwide unrest.

MEND criticised the army chief over a comment credited to him that the military authorities would resort to the use of force if dialogue to resolve the current Niger-Delta crisis failed, describing it as insensitive, provocative and unprofessional.

According to Gbomo, “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.”

On its controversial dialogue with the federal government, it said, “We use this medium to appeal to the good people of the Niger Delta to remain patient with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

The group urged them to “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,” it said.

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Plot To Overthrow Buhari: DSS Arrests Alleged Mastermind

The Department of State Security Service, DSS, in a statement by Tony Opuiyo, unveiled the Niger Delta militant, who allegedly threatened to overthrow President Muhammadu Buhari and bomb key public institutions, including Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The service gave the name of the suspect as Jones ABIRI, aka General Akotebe DARIKORO, who is the leader of the Joint Revolutionary Council of the Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force (JNDLF), he was arrested in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The agency said DARIKORO, “who operates under the pseudo name of General-Kill and Bury”, had confessed to some criminal activities committed by the NDLF,” including the vandalism of Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) trunk line in Ogboinbiri, Southern Ijaw LGA and bombing of oil pipeline belonging to Shell Development Company (SPDC) at Brass creek on 8th July, 2016, all in Bayelsa State”.

“ Similarly, on 21st July 2016, one Stephen MAMAYEBO, aka OSCAR, a suspected militant was arrested at OMPADEC Primary School in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. MAMAYEBO was arrested in connection with the kidnap of an expatriate staff of Setraco Construction Company and subsequent murder of two (2) soldiers, namely Garba UMAR/Sgt and Bashir KABIRU/Pte, along Ogbia-Nembe road on 5th April, 2016,” the DSS added.

“ Furthermore, on 20th July, 2016, at Travelers Mosque, along Kaduna-Zaria Highway in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State, the trio of Ismaila SHUAIBU, Kabiru NASIRU and Inusa ABDULLAHI were arrested during a tactical raid by this Service.

“The trio were members of a notorious kidnap gang which has been terrorizing innocent citizens along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, and other environs within Kaduna State.

“On 22nd July, 2016, about 1730 hours, at Total Petrol Station, along Aba road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, one Chukwunyere Austin OKWAA was apprehended by the Service. OKWAA has been issuing death threats against the former Acting-Managing Director, NDDC, Ibim SEMENITARI (f).

“ In continuation of its fight against terrorism, on 21st July, 2016, this Service apprehended one Bulama Mohammed RAMAT aka Muhammad Bashir MUHAMMADU at Jabi Motor Park, in Utako, Abuja.

“ Prior to his arrest, MUHAMMADU was planning to attack the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs, in collaboration with other elements of an extremist cell of the Boko Haram group.
“On 22nd June, 2016, a raid on suspected criminals/miscreants hide-outs behind Ado Bayero Quarters at Naibawa area of Kumbotso LGA of Kano State, resulted in the recovery of one (1) AK-47 rifle with 28 rounds of live ammunition. Other items recovered during the operation are one (1) Browningmodel pistol with two (2) rounds of live ammunition and a P5 pistol with ten (10) live rounds.

“Also, on 22nd July, 2016, the Service apprehendedone Saidu YAHAYA, during the screening of prospective Hajj pilgrims at the Muslim Pilgrims Board in Jos, Plateau State. YAHAYA has been under the radar of the Service as a black-market and illegal gunrunner who has been supplying arms and ammunitions to criminal and ethnic/religious bigots in Plateau, Taraba, Benue and Nassarawa States.

“ In another development, on 19th July, 2016, one Samson Chijioke NZEGWU was arrested at Obuofia village, in Nkanu-West LGA of Enugu State. NZEGWU is the ring-leader of a criminal-syndicate which has been using cloned/forged paraphernalia of the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Lawrence UGWUANYI, to defraud members of the public. During his arrest, the sum of One Million Naira, three (3) laptops, ten (10) different mobile phones, and other incriminating items were recovered from him.

“ On 17th July, 2016, at Idi-Mango Ore area in Odigbo LGA of Ondo State, one Esan Abiodun CHRISTOPHER aka MAIYEGUN was arrested by this Service. CHRISTOPHER is a member of the Reuben AKINBEHINJE-gang which masterminded the kidnap of two (2) Catholic nuns and their driver in Akure, Ondo State. The suspect was apprehended while coordinating plans to hijack fuel-supply tankers in Oyo State. He is currently under detention with five (5) other members of his criminal gang, with whom he had masterminded the hijack of several fuel tankers in Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Kwara and Kogi States respectively.”