From Ben Dunno, Warri
Leader of Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) Chief Edwin Clark, yesterday came under severe criticism from three different militant groups in the region over his comment at the weekend where in described militants as criminals.
The groups, the Reformed Egbesu Boys of the Niger Delta (REBND), the Niger Delta Sea Dogs (NDSD) and the Niger Delta Sea Commandos (NDSC), which hitherto subscribed to the peace move being spearheaded by PANDEF, has denounced its support for the group.
They have consequently aligned themselves with the adamant militant group, Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM), that had consistently referred to Chief Clark-led group as selfish and self-seeking individuals who do not have the interest of the region at heart.
The groups, in a joint statement made available to newsmen in Warri yesterday and signed by their leaders, Tony Alagbakereowei, Ebi Abakoromor and Jaspa Ayabeke, accused PANDEF of sabotaging regional interest in its 16-point demands by deliberately removing their primary demand for an increment of the statutory 13 percent Derivation Fund and that the fund be directed to the oil-bearing communities.
The bodies also debunked the claim that all the militant groups in the region had thrown their weight behind the PANDEF campaign, stressing that such claim was false and unfounded.
According to their statement, ‘’The same set of leaders, who failed to develop our region during their days of leadership can never be given the opportunity and mandate to represent us the the expected talks with the Federal Government. Our leaders should not forget that it was due to their incapability to develop our region that led to this renewed militancy.
‘’On the 16-point placed before the president, none of our demands was presented. One of the most important demands that was expected on the frontline of the demands is the increment of the 13 percent Derivation Fund and payment of the same directly to the oil-bearing communities.
The groups, however, urged President Buhari to set up the much awaited team that will interface with their mandated representatives.
… Ateke Tom sues for peace
From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Former leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante (NDV), Ateke Tom, has called for a non-violent and transparent national and state assemblies rerun elections in Rivers State.
Ateke, who briefed journalists in Okochiri, Okrika Local Government Area, said the state has lost its position at the national level as a result of non-representation at the federal parliament.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed December 10 to complete the suspended legislative rerun elections in the state.
Ateke thanked INEC for the rescheduled election and urged the people to conduct themselves with decorum and use the opportunity to produce good representation at the National Assembly.
“I urge Rivers people to come out in peace and vote on the day of the election. I encourage them to do the election without violence. They should vote any party of their choice and avoid violence because after the election, we will still be Rivers people.
“Before Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or All Progressives Congress (APC), we were Rivers people. And we should make the rerun elections peaceful. I thank INEC for fixing the elections. Everybody should be free to go out and vote his or her choice,” he noted.
Ateke urged political parties to go about their campaigns without fear of attacks, adding: “If any political party wants to campaign in my bedroom, come I will give you my key.”
He advised both the federal and state governments to ensure the rerun elections are hitch-free.