The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) has warned the Federal Government to develop its region or we divide Nigeria.
The group, which claimed responsibility for several attacks on crude oil installation in the Delta region has, however, dismissed insinuations that they are a terrorist group, stressing that they are only fighting for the betterment of the oil-rich region.
“We have carried out a lot of attacks on pipelines, stations, and platforms, but we are not terrorists. We are only fighting for our right because we have been taken for granted and enslaved for many years, and now, enough is enough.
“We are not fighting for selfish purpose, we are doing it so that our communities will be developed.”
The group further said if the federal government fails to meet their needs, “things will get worst. It is better for the country to divide so we know where we belong.”
Meanwhile, a Niger Delta group, United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS) has dismissed reports on dialogue between the Federal Government and Niger Delta militants.
The group, in a statement issued yesterday by its Secretary General, Tony Uranta, said although efforts were being made to open channels of negotiation between government and the militants, the dialogue was yet to begin.
“We note, with dismay, the insistence by some spokesmen of the Federal Government that, dialogue is ongoing with the ‘real militants’ of the Niger Delta. We hope the government is not being fooled by 419 scoundrels and impostors because UNDEDSS can affirm, unequivocally, that, whilst attempts are being robustly made to open negotiation channels, no ‘dialogue’ has truly commenced between the government and armed actors like the Niger Delta Avengers.
“The Presidency is well aware of the conditions that these key players gave before dialogue can commence. They are calling on Mr. President to personally assure the nation that the National Maritime University remains on course; that he has appointed a Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs to drive the 2009 Yaradua template, which had five sub-committees headed by the Ministers of Petroleum and Works, amongst others; that safe passage will be guaranteed all delegates to the proposed ‘Niger Delta Peace and Prosperity Talks’, which Mr. President would convene as soon as all parties are agreed; and, that relevant international diplomats will be present at the said talks,” the group said.
It expressed dismay that despite the fact that resolving the Niger Delta crisis remains critical to peace, security and economic stability of the country, the issue is seen as an opportunity to grandstand.
The group called on President Muhammadu Buhari to do the needful and “save Nigeria from the ongoing and increasing sorrow, tears and blood that some politicians seem to revel in.”
