Ignore ex-militants threats, MEND tells Amaechi, others

THE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta has asked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; and others in the new Peoples Democratic Party to ignore the threats by those parading themselves as ex-militants in the Niger Delta. A group of former militant leaders had issued a warning to Atiku to stay away from the Niger Delta for spearheading the breakup of the PDP and thereby threatening President Goodluck Jonathan’s chance for a second term in office. The ex-fighters also told Amaechi to dissociate himself from the northern agenda of destroying Jonathan or risk being declared an enemy of the Niger Delta people. But MEND’s statement signed by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, and issued via electronic mail on Monday, described the assertion of the ex-fighters as empty threats from political thugs parading themselves as former militants. It said, “The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta urges former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, the New PDP and our brothers and sisters from other parts of Nigeria to ignore the empty threats and provocative comments from idle political thugs parading themselves as ex-militants, as well as some so-called elders and tribal assemblies of the Niger Delta. “It is the right of any detribalised, honest and qualified Nigerian to aspire to the highest office of the land to bring progress, peace, reconciliation and other dividends of democracy. “It is also in order for a performing incumbent to seek a legitimate extension of his/her tenure in office as long as the peoples vote will count and the bid does not run contrary to any prior agreements reached within their party. MEND believes in honour and integrity.”