Finally, Ajumogobia ‘agrees’ to represent MEND at dialogue with FG

Odein Ajumogobia, former minister of foreign affairs, has agreed to negotiate with the federal government on behalf of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

Timipa Jenkins, spokesman of the group, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

This comes three weeks after the former Rivers state attorney-general, publicly said he does not know members of the group and cannot speak on their behalf.

MEND had reacted angrily to Ajumogobia’s statement, saying he “practically” begged to negotiate on its behalf.

However, in the statement, Jenkins said the issue has been resolved, adding that Adolphus Wabara, former senate president, Florence Ita Giwa, a former senator, will also represent different groups in the dialogue with the government.

“Following the truce, Mr. Ajumogobia has returned to the MEND Aaron Team 2; the regional umbrella peace initiative inaugurated by MEND on June 12, 2016 to negotiate the immediate, medium and long-term future of the oil- rich region with the FG,” the statement read.

“Ajumogobia’s impeccable credentials as a former minister of petroleum; former minister of foreign affairs; senior advocate of Nigeria and, chartered arbitrator among others, marked him out as the right man to negotiate a good package for the people of Niger Delta from the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“With this development, Mr. Bismarck Jemide Rewane may also return to the Aaron Team if he wished to do so. The group reckons that an economist and financial analyst of his standing, shall definitely be an invaluable asset in the formulation of a comprehensive “marshall plan” for the region.

“The MEND Aaron Team 2 secretariat is pleased to formally welcome Senator Adolphus Wabara as a member of the Team to represent the oil-bearing communities of Abia and Imo states. Distinguished Senator Wabara, a former President of the Nigerian Senate is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the assignment.”

The statement also said a slot had been reserved for Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, in the negotiating team.

“Going forward, MEND is aware of the significant role its former senior commander, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo might play in the peaceful resolution of the current Niger Delta crisis. Consequently, MEND have reserved a slot for Mr. Ekpemupolo  or, his representative, in the Aaron Team.

“In light of these developments, I have been directed by MEND to caution agents of the FG, including but not limited to secretary to the government of the federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal; minister of state for petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; as well as the director-general of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mr. Lawal Daura to be circumspect in their official actions and utterances about the current crisis in the Niger Delta region.

“Particularly, MEND takes exception to Dr. Kachikwu’s show of desperation to hold talks with fake representatives of militant groups. MEND notes with grave concern and utter regret, Dr. Kachikwu’s antics and reluctance to give credit to MEND and Messrs. Henry and Charles Okah for their modest and patriotic contributions to the semblance of peace which is gradually returning to the region.

“More particularly, MEND frowns upon DSS penchant for propaganda and outright sensationalisation of the “arrests” of alleged NDA nmembers, amidst efforts by the FG and stakeholders, including the NDA, to find lasting and sustainable solutions to the Niger Delta crisis.”