The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) on Sunday
wrote President Muhammadu Buhari, submitting the final list of its
dialogue group, Aaron Team 2.
In the letter signed by its spokeperson, Gomo Jomo, the group
announced the inclusion of the leader of the Niger Delta Dialogue and
Contact Group, Alfred Diette-Spiff, as its deputy team leader.
It also named its former Commander, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, as representative of Delta State in the dialogue team.
Other members of Aaron Team 2 include: Odein Ajumogobia, team leader,
Florence Ita-Giwa, Ledum Mitee, Adolphus Wabara, Ibanga Isine, Alfred
Isename and Timipa Okponikpere.
“The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), hereby
submits the final list of members of the Aaron Team 2 dialogue, peace
and development initiative inaugurated by MEND on June 12, 2016 to find
sustainable solutions to the Niger Delta crisis,” the letter reads.
It said the team’s leader, Mr. Ajumogobia, has unblemished record,
character and integrity and is widely respected throughout the entire
Niger Delta region.
Besides these qualities, MEND said the former foreign affairs
minister appreciated the problems and challenges facing the region.
“He is therefore our chief negotiator in the proposed dialogue with the Federal Government,” the statement continued.
“HRH King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff was the first military
governor of the old Rivers State and is currently, a 1st class
traditional ruler in Bayelsa state. He is the Deputy Leader of the Aaron
Team as well as the representative of the Niger Delta Dialogue and
Contact Group (NDDCG).
“Consequently, the NDDCG, as the name connotes, shall serve as the
contact and clearing house for all mushroom and internet-based militant
groups in the region; all aggrieved oil-bearing and coastal communities
affected by the menace of oil spillage and related environmental
challenges. The NDDCG shall also accommodate all repentant Niger Delta
activists, elders and tribal assemblies who actively supported the
neglect and corruption perpetrated during the era of former President
Goodluck Jonathan but who are now ready to join hands with your
Government to bring peace and development to the region.
“However, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa from Cross River state shall be
representing all Bakassi militant groups and aggrieved communities from
that axis of the Niger Delta, who see her as their mother.
“Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara is in the Aaron Team to
represent Abia and Imo states. He is widely respected across both states
and shall deploy his vast wealth of experience for the benefit of the
dialogue, peace and development initiative.
“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 mobilizer 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 filed against
Government Ekpemupolo by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC). However, we strongly advice that the charge 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.
“Your Excellency, the MEND Aaron Team 2 dialogue and peace initiative
would not have materialized 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 who is still facing a terror charge of
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 who have enormous capacity to help Government bring the Niger
Delta crisis to an end are still held in prison.
“Sir, cases abound in history where prisoners were released from
prison to help save the nation in times of crises. Examples include the
likes of the Hebrew slave Joseph who was released from prison to help
save ancient Egypt from famine. Nelson Mandela was also released from
prison in 1990 to help restore multi- racial democracy in South Africa
in 1994.
“We therefore urge the release of Messrs Henry and Charles Okah
similarly as former President Olusegun Obasanjo was released from prison
to become President and help to nurture the then nascent democracy in
1999.
“Finally, Your Excellency, the MEND Aaron Team is fully ready to
partner the Federal Government to bring peace and development to the
Niger Delta region. We therefore urge Government to contact Team Leaders
Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, SAN and/or HRH King Alfred Diette-Spiff to
flag-off the commencement of the peace process.
May God bless the
Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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