Don’t relate with PANDEF, Niger Delta militants warn FG

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

A coalition of militant groups from the nine states of the Niger Delta have alleged that the leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) is acting the script of some members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

They have warned that they would be forced to resume hostilities against oil installations if the Federal Government enters into any discussion or agreement with PANDEF.

PANDEF, led by Chief Edwin Clark, has been in the forefront of dialogue with the federal government, over crisis in the Niger Delta and has presented a 16-point agenda, which it believes would bring about lasting peace in the region.

The coalition of militants, led by the Reformed Niger Delta Agenda (RNDA), after a crucial meeting held along the Benin River, in Delta State, presided over by its leader, Major Johnmark Ezonbi, declared that the PANDEF was structured as an opposition tool of the PDP.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, they lamented the lack of development in the Niger Delta region, in spite of the huge funds that had accrued to the zone.

They fingered some of the leading figures of PANDEF as being responsible for the sorry state of the region, and added that they had nothing more to offer to develop the region.

The militants warned the federal government, state governments and government agencies to stop dealing with PANDEF on Niger Delta issues. They stressed that the group does not represent the region.

They advised the federal government to enter into fresh talks with the Pan Niger Delta People’s Congress, headed by Pere Charles, Dr. Ayemi Botu and other respected traditional rulers and stake holders in the region, including Dr. Mike Emuh, who is the national chairman of HOSTCOM and High Chief Francis Innegbeniki, representing Edo State. “They have our mandate from the creeks, to discuss and negotiate with the federal government, on behalf of the region.”

The communiqué read in part: “RNDA, with the coalition of other militant groups in the region wish to call on President Muhammadu Buhari  not to have anything to do with the disbanded PANDEF group as they cannot speak or negotiate with the Federal Government on behalf of the Niger Delta region.

The coalition will be forced to resume hostilities in the creek in a well coordinated approach, if the Federal Government  enters into any discussion with PANDEF, as the group no longer enjoys the blessings and support of militants stake holders in the region”