Why we can’t hand over Tompolo to JTF, EFCC - Ijaw elders, youths

WARRI—IJAW elders in Delta State, yesterday, said it was impracticable for them to hand over the former General Officer Commanding, GOC, of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, to security agencies because they neither have the power to do so nor know his (Tompolo) whereabouts currently.

Tompolo

They also said that they do not have any information that Tompolo was involved in the three-day bombing of crude oil and gas pipelines in the state, while many see the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s case against him as a form of persecution.

The Federal Government, last weekend, asked Ijaw communities to hand over suspects  involved in the bombing, alleged to be hiding in their areas, to security agencies, while the Joint Task Force, JTF, had earlier threatened to hold community leaders responsible for further acts of pipeline vandalism in their communities.

Chairman, Ijaw (Izon) Okosu –Otu (Ijaw Council of Elders), Delta State, Chief Bare Etolor, said, “It is unfair for the Federal Government to ask Ijaw communities to handover suspects that carried out the bombing because we do not know them. In addition, I do not see how anybody expects us to handover Tompolo to security agencies because we do not have the power to do that, except they want to humiliate us.”

Another Ijaw leader in Gbaramatu Kkingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekame, who re-echoed Etolor’s position, said it was impossible for them to handover Tompolo to the government.

Some Niger Delta and Ijaw youth groups, including the Niger Delta Security Watch Organszation of Nigeria, NWSON and Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI, threw their weight behind the elders, saying that the understanding of many Ijaw people was that the government was persecuting Tompolo because he refused to join the All Progressives Congress, APC.

However, Executive Director of Centre for the Vulnerable and Underprivileged, CENTREP, Warri, Delta State, Mr. Oghenjabor Ikimi, said there was nothing wrong in the residents of the affected areas and ex-militants giving useful information to security agencies to unmask the culprits.

We don’t know the bombers —Chief Etolor

Chief Etolor toldVanguard: “It is unfortunate that the Presidency wants to handle the matter from this angle. Which of the Northern elders did they tell to produce the Boko Haram leaders that are bombing in their areas. So, why are they telling us to handover people who bombed pipelines here?

“If they know the person that did it and ask us to help produce the person and we see him, we can assist with information if we have any. How can anybody say Ijaw leaders should handover suspects? We do not know who did it.

“It is not right. Even if they tell us the person, we do not have arms to arrest anybody. What they are doing is to make us not to have confidence in this government. What power do we have over armed militants? We can only talk to them as elders, not arrest them with guns.

“I am not supporting criminality. In fact, anybody among us, the Ijaw elders, can be a victim anytime. It is difficult for us to produce Tompolo. If they cannot see him with all their intelligence, where do they expect us to see him? I have not even seen Tompolo myself for ages.”

On his part, Chief Gbenekame said, “How can you say we should hand over Tompolo to the EFCC, are we security agents? If he had dealings with EFCC, they should arrest him. Why are they calling Gbaramatu elders?

“What I know is that Tompolo made many enemies when he worked for the Federal Government to guard the pipelines. He burnt illegal refineries, razed boats and these people are not happy. He has been a partner to the government all this while, that is why we called for a political solution to the matter.”

Meanwhile,  Niger Delta Secuity Watch Organisation of Nigeria, NSWON and Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI, in a joint statement by their leaders, Dickson Bekederemo and Austin Ozobo, said: “The people of Niger Delta and the ljaw in particular are not at war with President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. However, the ljaw will never sacrifice their bravest to satisfy the quest for neo-colonialism. When the moment comes, we shall stand with Tompolo.

“We believe that what the Federal Government wants to do is a repeat of what the Russians did to Poland during World War II, kill the bravest of their braves, the rest is history. We wish to inform President Buhari that in the hearts and minds of every Niger Deltan lies an embryonic Tompolo waiting to hatch.

“We call on President Buhari not to be deceived by a few pipelines surveillance contract seekers. There was Judea, yet Christ resurrected from the dead. There were traitors, yet Allah protected Prophet Mohammed in the cave with a cob web when people led his enemies to capture him.

“It may interest you to know that Tompolo is a strong member of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, even in defeat. Unlike some elements of the party from our region that are bread and butter members. Tompolo alleged that the APC- led government persuaded him to decamp to its fold. The party until date, did not refute his assertion.

“Suddenly, the EFCC froze the bank account of Global West Vessels Limited. The management of the company initiated an action against EFCC in court. The agency bluntly refused to file a defence, only for the agency to file charges against him in another Federal High Court.

“The question we will like to ask is: Is Tompolo the chief executive or the Managing Director of Global West Vessels Limited? Assuming, for the purpose of argument, that Global Vessels Limited committed financial crime, is Tompolo the alter ego of the company? The EFCC invitation and subsequent harassment and persecution of Tompolo goes beyond what meets the eye.”

Why we can’t hand over Tompolo to JTF, EFCC - Ijaw elders, youths

Niger Delta: MEND Abort Crucial Meeting

•I was under pressure to convene meeting — Tompolo

•Jomo Gbomo MEND distances itself from purported gathering

•Bayelsa govt, Police, JTF not aware of assembly

•Ignore MEND, Itsekiri, Urhobo leaders urge Buhari

•Ijaw House quiet, no preparation for summit

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, Niger Delta and  Sam Oyadongha

Tompolo

YENAGOA– LEADER of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta, MEND, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, explained, yesterday,  that he summoned a  meeting  of the militant group in  Yenagoa,  Bayelsa State, because of  the overpowering  pressure mounted on him and other MEND leaders by ex-agitators and other beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme.  The meeting earlier scheduled to hold today has been put off.

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, called for the postponement of the parley, saying he would meet with the ex-militants to discuss the burning issues affecting the ex-agitators.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, reads: “Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has called for the postponement of the proposed meeting of the leaders of ex-agitators in the Niger Delta, earlier scheduled for this Saturday, 25th of July, 2015 in Yenagoa by them. The governor will meet with them soon to discuss issues as they affect the ex-agitators and others issues of overall strategic interest of the region and the nation as a whole.”

The governor called for “the understanding and cooperation of all concerned.”

Informed sources, however, told Saturday Vanguard that due the tension generated by the meeting, some ex-agitators had already declared that they would not participate.

They, nonetheless, expressed their willingness to attend a meeting summoned by Governor Dickson soon to discuss issues as they affect the Ijaw nation, the region and the country.

I was under pressure to convene meeting – Tompolo

Tompolo confirmed there was apprehension in Ijaw land over the continued delay by the Federal Government in paying monthly stipends to the beneficiaries, adding that while some of them, (leaders) understood the reason for the noticeable delay apparently caused by the scrutiny of government agencies, including the Amnesty Office, majority of the beneficiaries did not see it in that light.

His words: “While a few see the delay in the payment of their monthly stipends in the light of the need for the current government to settle in properly, others see the delay as a template to stop the programme. The expulsion of some students (home and overseas) by their schools and training institutions particularly has heightened these fears.”

The ex-militant leader, who is the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Izon nation is, however, flabbergasted that a section of the media mischievously linked the meeting to the stoppage of  his pipeline surveillance contract, even though payment had not been made for the services rendered in the renewed contract, or termination of appointments.

Describing is it as highly provocative and despicable; he said he was considering calling off the meeting, if anything, to show that he had no bad intention and would want Niger Delta to remain peaceful under the President Muhammadu Buhari government.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that leaders across the region had called Tompolo, yesterday, advising him to cancel the meeting, as the intention was likely to be misconstrued.

However, the group of MEND, which refused to disband after Tompolo and others disbanded the militant group in 2009, yesterday, in a statement by Jomo Gbomo, distanced itself from the meeting.

Why I called meeting – Tompolo

Tompolo’s statement read: “I am compelled to clarify issues as they relate to the meeting of the leadership of ex-agitators under the platform of MEND and other organizations summoned at my instance.

“The nation would recall that in the build- up to the Amnesty offer of the late President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, there was hesitance on the part of most of Niger Delta agitators until God in His infinite mercy granted me wisdom to provide leadership.

“The nation will also recall that under the Amnesty programme as inherited by the immediate past president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, relative peace was enjoyed even as security of lives and property was enhanced to an appreciable level. Also, oil production increased from 700 barrels per day to 2.5million barrels per day. Put simply, hitherto aggrieved Niger-Delta youths, who inadvertently became agitators, upon the acceptance of the Amnesty offer, refrained from armed agitation to face normal urban life,” he said.

He continued: “Nonetheless, while some of us understand to an extent, the apparent delay in the continued payment of the monthly stipend to the ex-agitators in view of the seeming scrutiny of government agencies, including the Amnesty Office by the current administration, same cannot be said of the majority of beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme.

“To this extent, some of us, particularly me and other leaders have been under intense pressure from ex-agitators, commanders, individuals, parents and guardians as well as communities who are beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme.

“While a few see the delay in the payment of their monthly stipends in the light of the need for the current government to settle in properly, others see the delay as a template to stop the programme. The expulsion of some students (home and overseas) by their schools and training institutions particularly has heightened these fears.

“Hence, I thought it wise that a meeting of the collegiate leadership of the platform under which we operated as agitators could be convened to appraise the situation and possibly, explore means to douse the tension that is growing among the disarmed youths whose stipends (training allowances and tuition fees) have been delayed for months.

“This becomes more compelling in view of the fact that as leaders of the platform that served as midwife to the Amnesty offer, we owe the nation a duty to play our roles in order to stem a relapse of the relative peace in the Niger Delta region,” he said.

Tompolo blasts media

Tompolo said it was unfortunate that a section of the Nigerian nation and the media chose  to toe the path of misinforming the public and right -thinking people on the purpose of the meeting.

He said they linked the meeting to “whatever decision the current government at the centre may have taken in relation to the stoppage of the pipeline surveillance contract, even though payment have not been made for the services rendered in the renewed contract, or termination of appointments. This is highly provocative and despicable.”

According to him, “The tension generated by the meeting is uncalled for, diversionary and mischievous as no evil is intended in whatever form.”

“We appreciate the pressures being mounted by leaders from the region, especially as some have expressed concern that the meeting could be misinterpreted to mean the resurgence of hostilities in the region,” he said, adding, “We say, it is not.”

He asserted: “However, we take into account the fact that having embraced peace and remained supportive of various governments at all levels, including the President  Muhammadu Buhari government, we are surprised that a meeting of ex-agitators could prop anxiety. Hence, we shall ensure our genuine intentions are reflected in our attitude towards peace, security and development of the region. Calling off today’s meeting can also be an option if need be, in order to strengthen our belief in a peaceful Niger Delta.”

Ignore MEND, Itsekiri, Urhobo leaders urge Buhari

Meanwhile, two Itsekiri and Urhobo leaders in Delta State, Chief Ayirimi Emami and Olorogun Egbo Jaro, yesterday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to rebuff the attempt by some members of the splintered MEND, led byTompolo, to distract him from probing the Amnesty programme.

Chief Emami in a terse statement, said: “Some of us are against the meeting because it is uncalled for. For the last six years when Tompolo enjoyed juicy contracts from the Federal Government through NIMASA, pipeline surveillance, maritime security and other forms of undue favours, why didn’t he convene such a meeting? I must use this opportunity to stress once more that Niger Delta does not belong to one ethnic nationality.”

“Members of the fractured MEND have been granted amnesty long ago by the Federal Government and whatever the agenda of that meeting  should be disregarded by the Buhari administration, which has shown absolute focus. People like us are determined to give the Buhari administration total support.’’

National leader, Urhobo Nationality Council, UNC, Olorgoun Jaro Egbo, stated: “The Urhobo ethnic nationality of Niger Delta are seriously against the purported meeting of the MEND as it is self-serving, misconceived and likely to bring the peace we now enjoy into disarray.”

“We must strongly warn the so-called commanders of MEND that their properties in Urhobo land will be in serious jeopardy if they go ahead with the meeting. We fully support the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. The Urhobo will resist any attempt by MEND and their co-travellers if they resort to arms,” he added.

 

Niger Delta: MEND Abort Crucial Meeting

Tension in Niger Delta as Tompolo convenes MEND meeting

There was concern in military circles in the Niger Delta region on Thursday following the planned meeting of leaders of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

Tompolo

The meeting, slated for Izon House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa, is being convened by MEND leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo.

A terse invitation, a copy of which was made available to our reporter, reads: “My dearly beloved Commanders and Leaders of various wings of the Movement of the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), I greet you all.

“It is my pleasure to humbly invite you to a very crucial and urgent meeting as follows:

Venue: Izon House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

“Date (of the meeting is) Saturday, July 25th, 2015. Time (is) 2pm Prompt,” concluded the letter, which was signed with Tompolo signing off with his traditional title – Izon Ibe-Ebidouwei of Izon nation.

Contacted, Tompolo said the meeting was to deliberate on recent developments in Nigeria as well as the fate of the Niger Delta region in the current political dispensation.

Speaking through his media aide, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, who did not divulge further detail about the meeting, said the MEND leaders would chart a path for the progress of the region.

However, The Nation gathered that the planned meeting is a source of concern for top military commanders in the region.

Tompolo, a known supporter of former President Goodluck Jonathan, was the founder of the deadly group that crippled oil production in the region from 2005.

The Nation gathered that he was placed under security watch following the defeat of Jonathan in the March 28 presidential election.

The former militant leader had maintained a low profile since after the election and subsequent inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29.

Tension in Niger Delta as Tompolo convenes MEND meeting

MEND threatens to resume attacks over lawmakers jumbo salaries

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has threatened to resume hostilities to protest National Assembly members’ jumbo salaries and allowances.

Niger Delta Militant

MEND in an email statement issued by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, said it observed with disgust, the brazing disregard for the feelings of the change-seeking masses by the “very selfish” members of the 8th National Assembly.

The group said: “These wicked individuals appropriate to themselves huge and absurd salaries and allowances at the expense of the millions of hapless Nigerians, who have not been paid for months, their salaries, pensions and other benefits they deserve.

“The Niger Delta region where the bulk of revenue that sustains the nation comes from, continues to suffer neglect, environmental degradation and lack, made worse by the very corrupt and visionless past government of Goodluck Jonathan and his cronies, some of who still shamelessly parade themselves on national television and other media platforms as ‘Niger Delta Activists.’

“Nigerians refuse to tolerate this ostentatious lifestyle of our lawmakers, whose main objective, it seems, is to enrich themselves and carelessly spend scarce resources. The Niger Delta people refuse to pamper and cater for the needs of these thieving Assembly rogues to their detriment.

“If the lawmakers refuse to make the necessary adjustments needed to accompany the needs of the masses and the Niger Delta region, it may lead to the resumption of hostilities.”

MEND also asked Nigerians to hold the members of the 8th National Assembly responsible, if its fighters resume hostilities, declaring that: “enough is enough.”

MEND threatens to resume attacks over lawmakers jumbo salaries

MEND congratulates Buhari

WARRI- THE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, has commended the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on his victory in the 2015 presidential elections, saying Nigerians made the right choice.

The group in a statement by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, said, “The Nigerian people have spoken and elected General Mohammadu Buhari to be the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” adding, “In doing so, we have not only made the right choice of a new leadership, we have also reaffirmed the strength of our democracy.”

“President-elect, General Mohammadu Buhari’s message of hope, freedom and opportunity resonates with our group, as it does with the Nigerian people.

In these difficult times, with the economic crisis and security challenges, we are confident that under your leadership, Nigeria will once again regain its peace and unity,” the group asserted.‎

MEND also lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for his outstanding show of statesmanship “in conceding defeat and setting precedence as the first ever incumbent Nigerian President to be defeated and concede defeat, without any interference.”

 

MEND congratulates Buhari

Pressure on probe of Buhari campaign funding grows

By Lekan Bilesanmi

Civil rights group, The Peoples Forum, PF, has joined the demand for investigation into the alleged funding of the campaign of the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).

Buhari

The Forum also called for the probe of the purported endorsement of Buhari for the 2015 presidential election by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND).

The spokesman of PF, Elias Kaka, said in Lagos, at the weekend, that the probe of the funding of Buhari’s campaign was necessary despite the denial by the Buhari Campaign Organisation, in order to put the records straight.

“Despite the denial that Buhari’s campaign is not being bankrolled by some unnamed Arab countries, there is the need for thorough investigation on the matter against the backdrop of the extant security challenges and the purported islamization of the country by some faceless groups”, the spokesman said.

Last year, Boko Haram had agreed to dialogue with the Federal Government only if such dialogue be held in Saudi Arabia and Buhari be appointed as an intermediary.

This had raised dust and suspicion of a likely Arab connection.

But the Buhari Campaign Organisation denied being funded by any foreign organization, dismissing as ‘laughable’ reports that he was awaiting funds from unnamed Arab establishments/countries to prosecute his campaign.

Kaka said the endorsement by MEND lent credence to the suspicion to the growing concern for further investigation.

“On Tuesday, the spokesman of MEND, Jomo Gbomo, in a statement, claimed that the militant group had endorsed Gen. Buhari for the 2015 presidential election, launching a scorching attack on President Goodluck Jonathan,”the PF spokesperson said.

“But President Jonathan has dismissed the alleged endorsement of Buhari by MEND, saying no person who means well for the country should be excited by the endorsement of a terrorist organization.

“Despite this, the issues need thorough investigation to set the records straight considering the insecurity challenges the country is being faced and in order to avoid heating up the polity. The election is around the corner, anything that will set the country ablaze must be avoided”, the PF said.

 

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Pressure on probe of Buhari campaign funding grows

MEND to Jonathan: Your assassination story not true

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President Jonathan had said at a PDP rally in Lagos Thursday that MEND tried to assassinate him on two separate occasions, pointing out that the leader of the organisation, Henry Okah, now serving a jail term in South Africa, was paid to assassinate him in 2010.

President Goodluck Jonathan

This was even as an ex-militant general, Godsday Smith, alias Bouninawei (the god of the forest), yesterday, in Warri, Delta State, said there was no way ex-agitators in the Niger- Delta region would abandon President Goodluck Jonathan for General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), just as he maintained that Jonathan’s indictment of ex-militants on plot to kill him was hasty and uncalled  for, adding that there was no time ex-militants conspired against his government.

Smith asked Jonathan to be bold enough to confront the North which was planning his downfall using the Boko Haram insurgents.

However, MEND’s Spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, said, “We challenge President Jonathan to come out and reveal to the nation the names of the persons he claimed paid Mr Henry Okah to assassinate him.

Goodluck Jonathan should also explain why these persons, as he obviously knows who they are, were not arrested, tried and convicted.”

In an electronic mail by  Gbomo, MEND said it was untrue that it planned to kill Mr President.

“MEND  views the President, Goodluck Jonathan’s recent campaign rally speech as the most outrageous and ridiculous speech by any President, where he openly accused Mr Henry Okah of being paid to assassinate him.”

“Mr President, the MEND says thank you for vindicating every word in our recent statement of endorsement of General Muhammadu Buhari and for also solidifying your status.”

“The MEND would like to state clearly that our endorsement of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential candidate, has absolutely nothing to do with Mr Henry Okah.

“Nigerians may recall that prior to the bomb blast of October 1, 2010; the MEND issued a warning of an impending attack on Eagle Square, Abuja , where we also advised the public to stay clear of any parked vehicles to avert any casualties.

These warnings were ignored by the Nigerian security agencies, hence the unfortunate and regrettable casualties

“If as Goodluck Jonathan claimed, that he was a target of an assassination attempt, why did we issue a prior warning?

Where in this world would an assassin warn their targets in advance of an attempt on their lives?

This allegation by Goodluck Jonathan, further confirms our earlier assertion of how he takes Nigerians as stupid as he seems to have forgotten how he openly came out to absolve MEND of any involvement in the attack.

“Rather than address his administration’s failures, he chose to descend so low by using a very cheap bare faced (method) to get sympathy. Is this the kind of President the country wants to be stuck with for another four years of misery?

“On the National Dialogue report, Goodluck Jonathan has finally resorted to cheap blackmail by urging the nation to vote for him as a condition to implementing the report. What a blatant insult!

Despite all the billions of Naira spent on that jamboree?

“At this point, the MEND urges the nation to use the power of their votes in securing this great country from the claws of Jonathan’s corrupt and inept government and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.”

Also in his reaction to Jonathan’s allegation, an ex-militant general, Godsday Smith, said there was no way ex-agitators in the Niger-Delta region would abandon President Goodluck Jonathan for General Buhari, just as he stressed that there was no time ex-militants conspired against his government.

He told Saturday Vanguard on phone in Warri that the controversial endor-sement of All Progre-ssives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, by the non-operational Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, was a manipulation by the party.

Though, he rebutted the claim by President Goodluck Jonathan that MEND plotted to kill him he stated, “Jonathan is our son, there is no way ex-agitators of Niger Delta will support Buhari against their son, President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 general elections.”

His words: “The APC manipulated the purported online statement with the name of MEND to boost their dying camp and I want to say that such treachery should stop forthwith.

“There was no time MEND issued any press statement against President Ebele Jonathan, the purported online statement was manipulated by APC and I use this medium to urge the general public and their numerous supporters to disregard such as unfounded.”

He stressed that ex-militants and the entire Niger Delta region had confidence in Jonathan and had passed a vote of confidence on him.

 

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MEND to Jonathan: Your assassination story not true

We never endorsed Buhari - Ex-Mend commanders

By Emma Amaize & Jimitota Onoyume

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, may have been hit by a crisis, following the purported endorsement of General Muhamadu Buhari (rtd) of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the presidential election, as a former leader of the group, ‘Gen’ Reuben Wilson, has called on Nigerians to disregard the said endorsement.

Buhari

He said that the ex-militants were all for President Goodluck Jonathan in next month’s presidential election.

But Jomo Gbomo, who speaks for the group, has lambasted the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC, for questioning its credibility and describing MEND as a ghost organisation because of its proclaimed support for Buhari.

Gbomo said: “MEND views the recent question and statement credited to the PDP National publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, as very callous and irresponsible. The question: ‘Explain your connections with MEND’ further confirms and vindicates our views about President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP.

“MEND strongly denies any links with the APC and has never been approached for anything, at any point in time, by the party, as alleged by Olisa Metuh.”

Wilson, on his part who spoke for the ex-militant commanders, called on Nigerians to ignore the Buhari endorsement story, describing same as part of the APC, propaganda ahead of the general elections.

Reaffirming the support of ex-militants in the region for the second term bid of President Jonathan, Reuben who is now a Pastor, said: “MEND ceased to exist from the day we all keyed into the amnesty programme of the Federal Government,” adding that what they had as Jomo Gbomo was a pseudonym used by the ex-agitators to prosecute their crusade as MEND years back.

“We challenge the Jomo Gbomo to show his face on a national television the way we will do, as we have always done. Since we left the creeks, we have integrated into the society, contributing to the development of the country. We have stopped all forms of militant activities under any guise, including MEND activities.”

He added that at the moment there was nothing like Jomo Gbomo or MEND, stressing that they owned MEND and also collapsed it after they embraced the Federal Government’s amnesty programme.

“We have read and heard of reports in the media on the purported endorsement of the APC presidential candidate, Buhari, and have decided to inform the public that we, the former leaders of militant camps, who owned and controlled the activities of MEND, did not and could not have endorsed Buhari as our candidate.

“We are aware that the APC and their presidential candidate are desperate for power and are ready to do anything to mislead the public as part of their desperate efforts to take over power this year. But it is criminal to use the name of MEND to score a cheap point and deceive the public.

“For the avoidance of doubt, let us put it clearly that we owned MEND and we never endorsed Buhari. Neither Buhari nor MEND can shave our head in our absence.”

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We never endorsed Buhari - Ex-Mend commanders

Jonathan dismisses MEND’s endorsement of Buhari

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By Ben Agande

Abuja —President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, dismissed the alleged endorsement of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, saying no person who means well for the country should be excited by the endorsement of a terrorist organisation.

Jonathan vs Buhari

In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan noted that for a faction of MEND that had attacked venues where the president was presiding over events at least on two occasions, the attacks did not come as a surprise.

Jonathan, therefore, advised Buhari not to “place any stock on his purported endorsement by the renegade faction of MEND which is led by a convicted and unrepentant terrorist with whom no leader who truly means well for Nigeria should be associated with.”

The statement read: “We have noted with amusement, the vituperations against President Goodluck Jonathan by the renegade faction of the MEND headed by the convicted terrorist, Henry Okah, in a statement issued to endorse the presidential candidate of the APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

“While we thank all the people of the Niger Delta, including the former militants whom MEND claims to represent but who have already disassociated themselves from the statement issued by the faceless Jomo Gbomo and reaffirmed their unflinching support for President Jonathan’s re-election, we will like to state that the latest assault on the President by Henry Okah and his stooges did not come as a surprise to us at all.

“It was very much to be expected, coming as it did from an individual and group who have never hidden their vengeful personal animosity against the President and who have even gone to the extent of launching murderous assaults on venues at which the President was present on two occasions.

“It is most regrettable indeed that rather than show remorse for the terrorist acts against his fatherland for which he is now rightly serving a term of imprisonment in South Africa, Henry Okah continues to pursue a pointless personal vendetta against President Jonathan who continues to advance and protect the interests of the people of the Niger Delta which Okah and his group threatened with their misguided actions.

“The vituperations against President Jonathan in the MEND’s statement endorsing General Buhari are mischievous, baseless and deliberately styled to denigrate the good works of the President.

It is well known that President Jonathan played a significant role in ending the militancy and insurgency in the Niger Delta. Under his watch, the destruction of oil facilities and the incessant kidnapping and killing of expatriates in the Niger Delta waterways have become a thing of the past.

“The attempt by Jomo Gbomo’s MEND to re-write history by tarnishing the person of President Jonathan for selfish, pecuniary and political gains will amount to an exercise in futility.

“All patriotic and right-thinking Nigerians must consider an endorsement from a convicted criminal and his group who harbour evil intentions against the unity and progress of their country as a poisoned chalice.

“President Jonathan would never have accepted such an endorsement from terrorists and renegades.”

 

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Jonathan dismisses MEND’s endorsement of Buhari

Stop insulting Jonathan, others who ended N/D militancy – Kuku warns MEND

The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, has warned the controversial Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to desist from distorting the history of the Niger Delta struggle for its selfish interest.

In particular, Kuku, who claimed to have played a prominent role in ending the Niger Delta crisis, also warned the shadowy group not to drag the name of President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience, into the mud because of its pecuniary interest. Kuku told journalists in Abuja that he could not understand what MEND wanted to gain by trying desperately to change the history of the Niger Delta struggle and denigrate the persons of Jonathan and his wife, who also risked their lives to bring about peace in the region.

MEND at the weekend criticised Kuku over his comments in a televised interview on Boko Haram’s insurgency in the North-East and the role of some individuals in the Niger Delta agitation prior to the Federal Government’s offer of amnesty to former militants as a way of ending the restiveness in the region.

Kuku, who is also chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), spoke to journalists in Abuja, flanked by a Niger Delta leader, Elder Timi Ogoriba.

He wondered when MEND became Boko Haram’s mouthpiece as to know the real reason the terrorist’s group spurned the government’s offer for dialogue.

“I have no apologies to offer MEND for my comments on Boko Haram and the commendable and patriotic role of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, since the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction saga commenced. If it angers MEND, then I wonder whose interest they are fighting for,” he said.

He particularly upbraided the shadowy militant group for trying to write a negative and skewed history of the Niger Delta agitation in order to discredit some individuals, particularly President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) and Mujahid Dokubo-Asari.

Kuku said: “Some of us who played significant roles in ending the agitation in the Niger Delta cannot be silent when some persons try to foist a skewed history of the crisis on us.

“The persons that claim to be behind MEND are in no position to write the history of the Niger Delta agitation. I challenge whoever is claiming to be MEND now to controvert the fact that President Goodluck Jonathan, at the time he was Vice President, played a significant role in ending the insurgency in the Niger Delta.

“Where were those behind MEND now when our late beloved President Umaru Yar’Adua, who because of his concern for the peace of the region, sought to end the conflict and destruction of oil facilities, the kidnapping of expatriates on the Niger Delta waterways and the proliferation of arms, then dispatched his Vice, Dr. Jonathan, to Tompolo’s Camp 5 in Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State?”

Kuku said in furtherance of this, Dr. Jonathan on June 28, 2007 held a meeting with Tompolo at Okerenkoko, after which he (Tompolo) was invited to Abuja. But rather than Tompolo going alone, he called a meeting of Ijaw leaders and stakeholders, who converged on Gbaramatu. A 10-man team was then put together to dialogue with the Federal Government on the way forward.

 

Stop insulting Jonathan, others who ended N/D militancy – Kuku warns MEND

Okrika explosion: Amnesty Office dismisses MEND’s claim

Abuja— The Presidential Amnesty Office has described as untrue the claim by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) that it is responsible for the oil pipeline explosion that occurred in Okrika in Rivers State on Sunday.

The Amnesty Office, in a release in Abuja by its Head of Media and Communications, Mr. Dan Alabrah, said the shadowy group’s claim is an abominable attempt by a band of vandals and criminals to take credit for an unfortunate incident that claimed lives.

It noted that it would not have dignified the group with a response after the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had cleared the air on the incident but for MEND’s reference to the Presidential Amnesty Programme as “a fraud.”

According to the statement, “we suspect that those behind the group are being used once again by agents of destabilization, who do not mean well for the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a country.

“It is a truism that the relative peace enjoyed in the Niger Delta is the result of the diligent implementation of the amnesty programme coupled with the highly commendable efforts of the security agencies, which has ensured the stabilization of security and peace in the region.

“At the time MEND made the claim on Monday, 160 Niger Delta youths were being presented to the media in Lagos prior to their departure to the United States of America and the United Kingdom for university education.

“The successful delegates had undergone a one‑year training programme in Nigeria in partnership with the reputable Kaplan International Colleges of the United States Pathway Programme (USPP). Is that the programme that is a fraud?”

 

Okrika explosion: Amnesty Office dismisses MEND’s claim

Clark"s son stage-managed his abduction - MEND accuses

By Ehi Ekhator

The Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) has accused Chief Edwin Clark’s son, Mr. Ebikeme, who was said to have been kidnapped, of orchestrating his own abduction.

Edwin Clark

This was contained in a statement signed by its Spokesman, Gbomo Jomo. He alleged that the kidnappers were paid N500 million contrary to the claimed by Clark’s family and police that no ransom was paid.

Gbomo further revealed that the money was shared by persons involved in the scam, and added that the money was paid by Delta State Government from its security vote.

Insisting that Ebikeme stage-managed his abduction, MEND accused the Delta Police Command of lying to members of the public that no ransom was paid.

MEND said : “The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has confirmed that the kidnap of Mr Ebikeme Clark, the son of Chief E.K Clark, was actually a clever orchestrated fraud masterminded by Ebikeme who stage-managed his own abduction.

“A ransom of 500Million Naira was paid by the Delta State Government from its security vote and was shared amongst all those involved in this scam.

“Mr Ebikeme is following in the footsteps of his father where the Senior Clark is amongst those that hatched the fraudulent Niger Delta Amnesty Programme which has only made billionaires of a few thugs and him, at the detriment of millions of impoverished indigenes and the peace and security in the region.

“It is rather unfortunate that in a desperate bid for relevance and extra funds to maintain a private jet, certain unscrupulous persons, including the Delta State Police will conspire to deceive Nigerians with a phantom abduction, release of the so-called hostage, influence over kidnapers and arrest of suspects and denying the payment of a ransom which has already been shared.” (0)

Clark"s son stage-managed his abduction - MEND accuses