Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta publishes its team of negotiators

MILITANT group the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) has written to President Muhammadu Buhari outlining its conditions for peace talks in the region and providing the list of its team of negotiators.

 

Over recent months, militancy has returned to the Niger Delta and in a bid to end the crisis the government has proposed peace talks, asking Mend and other groups to sit down with it and dialogue. Mend has agreed to talks with the government and has put together a group of negotiators it has labelled Aaron Team 2 to speak on its behalf.

 

Mend spokesman Gomo Jomo, 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, popularly known as Tompolo, as the representative of Delta State in the dialogue team.

 

Other members of include Odein Ajumogobia who has been named as team leader, Florence Ita-Giwa, Ledum Mitee, Adolphus Wabara, Ibanga Isine, Alfred Isename and Timipa Okponikpere. According to Mr Gbomo, Mr Ajumogobia has an unblemished record, character and integrity and is widely respected throughout the entire Niger Delta region.

 

Mr Gbomo added:  “HRH King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff was the first military governor of the old Rivers State and is currently, a first 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."

 

He added that 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 will represent Abia and Imo states where he is widely respected.