FORMER minister of state for petroleum Henry Ajumogobia has rejected the offer of acting as a go-between in negotiations between the federal government and Niger Delta militants which are currently being planned.
Over recent weeks, Niger Delta militants have stepped up their bombing campaign, blowing up oil pipelines and installations across the region. After a military solution to the problem failed to stop it, the government agreed to talk to the militants and this offer has been conditionally accepted by the armed groups.
Indicating that it is fully committed to dialogue, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend), has named Mr Ajumogobia as its chief negotiator, pointing out that he will lead their talks with the federal government. However, yesterday, Mr Ajumogobia rejected the appointment.
He said: “My attention has been drawn to widespread reports in the media claiming that I had agreed to participate in negotiations with the federal government over the issue of attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta on behalf of some of the alleged perpetrators of these actions or connected persons. This is not so.
“I wish to make it absolutely clear that I do not know the alleged perpetrators nor have I offered to serve as their representative in prospective discussions with the federal government in any capacity whatsoever. I was recently contacted by someone, who claimed to represent Mend and in that conversation, the caller asked if I would be willing to participate in an initiative to find ways to end the attacks on oil installations through dialogue towards restoring peace and stability in the region.”
It is not yet clear what mend shall do now, although it is believed the group will look for another bog name negotiator. The more militant Niger Delta Avengers, has said that it will only participate in talks if the mediators are foreign.
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