By Okiemute Okpomor The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has called on the Federal Government to ignore the communiqué issued by the elders and stakeholders of the coastal states recently at the end of one-day meeting in Warri.
MEND advised the federal government to ignore the communiqué because according the group; it “failed to categorically condemn the criminal and treasonable activities of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).”
The group accused the convener of the meeting, Chief Edwin Clark, of allegedly being a major supporter of NDA.
The group in a press statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo made available to our correspondent; Clark lacks the moral authority to lead a discussion on the so-called “re-structuring” of the Nigerian Federation.
According to the militant group, “Chief Edwin Clark lacks the moral authority to lead a discussion on the so-called “re-structuring” of the Nigerian Federation, at this critical point in the country’s history; given the fact that, through-out the 6 years his “son” former President Goodluck Jonathan was in power, the elder statesman kept mute and actively participated in the economic dismemberment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In fact, Chief Clark’s Abuja residence was an extension of the State House.”
The group spoke further, “none of the persons who attended the Stakeholders meeting convened by Chief Clark and Governor Okowa have the capacity to persuade the people of the Niger Delta region tosupport the current efforts of the Buhari Administration to bring peace and development to the region.”
The group added, “Consequently, MEND re-iterates its full support for the ongoing military presence in the Niger Delta region; even as we prepare to tour the region to drum support for the current Administration in an exercise code-named “OPERATION MOSES.
“MEND shall continue to insist that; so long as these elders and stakeholders do not categorically and publicly denounce the NDA, the Federal Government should also continue to ignore them.”
