The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is excited by the offer of dialogue extended to armed groups by President Goodluck Jonathan in his Democracy Day broadcast.
Consequently, the militant group in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Gbomo Jomo, on Friday announced ceasefire on attacks on oil pipelines in the Niger Delta region.
MEND noted that past attempts to dialogue with the Federal Government were met with insincerity and disappointments.
However, the group said its decision to call off its armed campaign tagged ” ‘Hurricane Exodus’ is conditional and with cautious optimism.
The statement reads, “Our attention was drawn to your olive branch where you said “Our doors remain open to them, (aggrieved armed groups) for dialogue and reconciliation if they renounce terrorism (armed struggle) and embrace peace.
“The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has been disappointed in the past with Governments insincerity. Instead of addressing our concerns and dialogue on the root issues that led us to take up arms, your government, based on bad advisers, arrogantly jettisoned dialogue with our negotiation delegates, the Aaron Team in 2009, arrested and incarcerated perceived critiques.
“Since that slight, your government has known no peace from our region in spite of billions poured into propaganda and security. This slight was also responsible for the Independence Day attack of October 01, 2010, carried out to counter the impression that MEND has ceased to exist just because a few greedy, short sighted and misguided elements within and outside our ranks chose to betray their people.
“Unfortunately, avoidable lives which we regret were lost on that day due to the Security Agencies refusal to act on our advanced warning ahead of the attack. Although it is a natural instinct to support one’s own, our struggle has never been about a Niger Delta President or 2015. We are looking at 2060, when our oil wells may have run dry and the future consequences to that generation yet unborn.”
“We hold you to your words, as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) declare a ceasefire effective 0700Hrs, Friday 30 May, 2014 by calling off our ‘Hurricane Exodus’ campaign and other acts of sabotage; especially our incessant attacks on gas and oil pipelines, erroneously or mischievously attributed to oil thieves.
“We expect from your side, sincerity in dialogue, reconciliation and an act of goodwill when: You suspend Court proceedings and drop all charges from those awaiting trial A Presidential Pardon is given to those already tried and convicted You order the release MEND fighters still in detention facilities; including the Okah brothers, Henry and Charles who will feature prominently in the new dialogue team.”
“Initial discussions will be facilitated through your Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Mr Kingsley Kuku who we will be comfortable to work with. Your response to us in the coming days and weeks may discourage or encourage other insurgent groups to follow suit, bringing about the real peace in our country that comes only after justice.”
