Why we accepted to dialogue with Federal Government – Niger Delta militants

One of the militant groups, ‘Niger Delta Volunteers, NDV, has hailed the recent moves by the Pan Niger Delta Forum led by Chief Edwin Clark to resolve the current crises in the region.

The group in a statement signed by its leader, Commander Ekpo Ekpo in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Monday, said they had decided to embrace dialogue.

The group said: “we have met and brainstormed over the crisis and following several hours of intensive deliberation, we the Niger Delta Volunteers have decided to accept dialogue with the federal government.

“Our decision according to them is based on the previous meetings we had with the leaders of Ibibio Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, who on each occasion pleaded with us to lay down our arms and embrace peace for the development of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria in general.

“Today, all the major groups in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states have generally agreed to give the federal government the benefit of the doubt while hoping that it would fulfill its own part of the proposed dialogue.”

The group, however, urged the Federal Government to set up a program of restructuring the country for it to achieve full fiscal and political federalism, adding that it is the only panacea for peace.

While awaiting the outcome of the meeting between the Elders and the President the group, the group demanded that Exxon Mobil, Total E&P and all other oil & gas companies operating in Akwa Ibom State to as a matter of urgency open their operational offices in the State as contained in the Nigeria content law.

However, the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate on Monday attacked another crude oil delivery line at Effurun-Otor, Ughelli South Council Area of Delta State.

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