*Reformed Egbesu Boys suspends hostilities
*Disagrees with Avengers, JNDLF on Kanu, Dasuki
*Warns Tompolo, Ateke Tom, Boyloaf to stay off negotiations  By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South, Ben Agande & Perez Brisibe

WARRI—THE noticeable crack in the camp of the militant groups bombing oil installations in the Niger Delta degenerated, yesterday, as one of them, Reformed Egbesu Boys of Niger Delta, unilaterally declared cessation of hostilities.

Meanwhile, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, last night, raised a seven-man provisional team, tagged Aaron Team 2, to negotiate with the Federal Government just as it charged the Niger Delta Avengers to drop its defiant posture and embrace dialogue.

This came as traditional rulers from Niger Delta, under the aegis of the South-South Monarchs Forum, have scheduled a meeting in Uyo next week to discuss ways of finding solutions to the increasing spate of destruction of oil and gas assets in the region.

The Joint Revolutionary Council, JRC, of the Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force, JNDLF, had, Friday, indicated it had accepted the window created by the Federal Government for dialogue, but the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, maintained that it was not part of the negotiations. Vanguard learned, yesterday, that government negotiators had penetrated many of the militant groups and many would likely declare cessation of hostilities during the week and embrace dialogue with government.

Many of the militants were furious that some powerful forces have hijacked the struggle to the detriment of the region and were merely using them as bargaining tool. The Reformed Egbesu Boys of Niger Delta is at loggerheads with the NDA and JNDLF over their positions.

While it is on the same page with JNDLF on cessation of hostilities, it disagreed with it on the release of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, and former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), and other conditions.

Warns Tompolo, Ateke Tom, Boyloaf to stay off negotiations The group warned those it described as old generation of Ijaw activists, namely Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, Ateke Tom, General Boyloaf, General Africanus Ukpaparasia and others, “not to meddle in this ongoing process.”

Leaders of the group, General Tony Alagbakeriowei and Commander Ebi Abakoromor, in a statement, said: “We align ourselves with the unilateral declaration of cessation of hostilities on oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta by various militant organizations. “We are in total support of the Federal Government option of dialogue, taking into cognizance the numerous appeals from both local and international platforms.

In as much as we have considered this option, we wish to reaffirm that the Ijaws have never been a conquered people.

“The Reformed Egbesu Boys of Niger Delta wishes to state that we are not comfortable with some aspects of the demands contained in the Joint Niger Delta Liberation Forces as published in the mass media and the Avengers. Disagrees with Avengers, JNDLF on Kanu, Dasuki “The Niger Delta agitation is not about persons as portrayed in the said publication.

The Ijaw agitation has always been issues of resource control and true federalism and inequality where our farmlands have been divided into oil blocks among Nigerians to the exclusion of the Ijaws. “Therefore, the legitimate agitation of the Ijaw ethnic nationality has nothing to do with Sambo Dasuki and Nnamdi Kanu, though we sympathize with them.”

The militant group differed with the inflexible stance of the Avengers on former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.

It stated: “The former commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, Government Ekpemupolo, is one of the symbols of our struggle. “We strongly recommend that a political solution be explored by the negotiation team to resolve his issues with the Federal Government.”

Reformed Egbesu demands For peace to hold way, it tabled seven demands before government, including commencement of academic activities at the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State and restructuring of the Amnesty programme with upward review of funding to accommodate more beneficiaries.

The militant group called for the sacking of the Coordinator of the Amnesty programme and Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh (retd), saying he lacked the experience to effectively coordinate the programme.

“We, therefore, pass a vote of no confidence on him,” the group said. Other demands made by the group include increase in derivation to 50 per cent and payment of 50 per cent directly to the communities through appropriate structures; release of all persons currently in detention facilities, dropping and pardoning of persons detained and creation of Niger Delta Investment and Development Bank.

It said: “Pipeline surveillance contracts should be reserved for the current agitating youths because Nigeria cannot safeguard these facilities; and the oil majors and related agencies, such as NNPC, PTDF, NPDC and NSPIMS should create 6,000 job slots.”

True federalism “In conclusion, we wish to reaffirm the Ijaw position of true federalism within a restructured state and the Federal Government should immediately activate the necessary platform.

We warn the Federal Government to be sincere and committed to the peace process and to state that any deviation would lead to resumption of hostilities.” NDA still maintains ‘no negotiation’ stance At press time, Niger Delta Avengers had not reviewed its ‘no negotiation’ stand, but had refrained from bombing more installations.

Its last outing was on June 9 when one of its strike teams blew up a major trunk line, Obi Brass, belonging to Agip ENI in Bayelsa State. On May 12, spokesperson of the Avengers, Brig General Murdoch Agbinibo, said: “By October 2016, we will display our currency, flag, passport, our ruling council and our territory to the world.”

Not many militants and Niger Deltans share such aspiration. However, other demands of the group include implementation of report of the 2014 National Conference, 60:40 percent ownership of oil blocs in favour of oil producing communities, proper funding of amnesty programme, trial of APC members allegedly indicted for corruption, unconditional release of Kanu and take-off of Nigerian Maritime University, NMU, Okerenkoko.

Meanwhile, the Ijaw People Development Initiative, IPDI, yesterday, said the fusion of the various ethnic nationalities in the Nigeria marriage was no longer compatible, adding that except the country was restructured, it would drift into major crisis in the nearest future.”

National President of the assembly, Austin Ozobo, said: “Nigeria cannot afford to survive the myriad of problems threatening its peaceful co-existence, ranging from Boko Haram, Biafra, herdsmen and N-Delta agitation for self-determination. MEND raises 7-man team to dialogue with FG MEND, in a statement by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, said: “Members of the MEND Aaron Team 2 are by no means members of MEND.

The provisional list of members of the team, who have already accepted to serve, include: Henry Odein Ajumogobia, SAN (Rivers), Bismark Rewane (Delta), Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa (Cross River), Timipa Jenkins Okponipere (Bayelsa), Ibanga Isine (Akwa Ibom), Ledum Mitee (Rivers) and Lawson Omokhodion (Edo State).

“Following useful exploratory discussions held with high ranking officials of the current administration, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has constituted ‘Aaron Team 2’ to dialogue with the Federal Government on the immediate, medium and long-term future of the Niger Delta.”

It explained that the team was made up of patriotic and selfless men and women of proven track record, integrity and character; and drawn from different parts of the Niger Delta. MEND said: “Other members of the team shall be made public in due course after due consultations with relevant stakeholders.

“Our message to the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) is simple: The Niger Delta struggle is beyond attacks on oil installations. Indeed, prior to the MEND ceasefire, the group had, among numerous daring attacks, on Thursday, June 19, 2008, successfully carried out the spectacular attack on Royal Dutch Shell’s offshore Bonga oilfield which is located at a distance of 120 kilometres (75miles) south-west of the Niger Delta.

“However, with the benevolent benefit of hindsight, the group realized that, after the initial euphoria of each successful attack, the gargantuan problems which confront our region, including environmental pollution and political corruption, increased geometrically.”

South-South monarchs meet in Uyo Meanwhile, traditional rulers from the Niger Delta, under the aegis of the South-South Monarchs Forum, are to meet in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, next week, to discuss ways of finding solutions to the increasing spate of destruction of oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta Region.

In a statement issued in Abuja, yesterday, Chairman of the forum, Dr Edmund Daukoru Mingi XII, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, explained that the decision to convene the Niger Delta Traditional Rulers Security Summit was taken after an emergency meeting of the forum in Port Harcourt, weekend.

According to him, the security summit, with the theme: “Institutionalizing an Integrative Architecture for Systemizing Domestic Security Management in the Niger Delta Region,” will hold at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from June 27-29, 2016.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/crack-in-militants-camp-widens-2/

Kanu just got dumped. It must really suck to be agitating for Biafra. You get no respect

Interesting times ahead, it seems!

.

just imajine Nigeria navy does not know the creek very well, if not they would have being able to stand firm with this thugs, the rate at which this boys are gaining ground hmn!

124mumsy:
just imajine Nigeria navy does not know the creek very well, if not they would have being able to stand firm with this thugs, the rate at which this boys are gaining ground hmn!

That's really not the point of this story.

“However, with the benevolent benefit of hindsight, the
group realized that, after the initial euphoria of each
successful attack, the gargantuan problems which confront
our region, including environmental pollution and political
corruption, increased geometrically.”

So in essence, militancy is like shooting ourselves in d foot (or head?)
This is akin to a man using millions of naira to solve a problem of thousands.
With d spate of pipeline bombings, I'm shocked that we can still have light for up to 12hrs/day sef.
U pple should kwantinu, worst come to worst, na australia or canada sure pass

Wealthgang:
“However, with the benevolent benefit of hindsight, the
group realized that, after the initial euphoria of each
successful attack, the gargantuan problems which confront
our region, including environmental pollution and political
corruption, increased geometrically.”

So in essence, militancy is like shooting ourselves in d foot (or head?)
This is akin to a man using millions of naira to solve a problem of thousands.
With d spate of pipeline bombings, I'm shocked that we can still have light for up to 12hrs/day sef.
U pple should kwantinu, worst come to worst, na australia or canada sure pass

Hahahahahahahha. Their eyes are clearing. They know that they are doing themselves as they did not get the desired reaction. They just threw their region back about 20yrs. Make dem continue. Lagos go sell well well.

We have more than 40 recognise ethnic gruop in the niger delta (eg urhobo, isoko,ibibio,ikwere,ndokwa, itsekiri etc) why do ijaws always refer or equate niger delta to ijaw land. If this people are fighting for only the ijaws then they should stop bearing names like NDA, MEND or anything that have niger delta attach they should bear names restricted on to ijaws so that we the other ethnicity can come out and fight for ours separately.

Nice development.... They should embrace peace and work towards improving the well being of their community and not destroying it more.

In my opinion, though it was denied that no meeting was held in London in regards to this, I think Buhari has just proved how smart he is because I am confident a negotiation took place with the real people behind all this and they have decided to work with the government.

I also knew this was just an avenue by those who didn't benefit so much from Jonathan to pursue the likes of Tompolo and the rest while they come onboard to take over the government contracts and all.

Mark my word, when these set of people finish eating their own share and a new government comes in, another group will want their way into government as well.

Wealthgang:
“However, with the benevolent benefit of hindsight, the
group realized that, after the initial euphoria of each
successful attack, the gargantuan problems which confront
our region, including environmental pollution and political
corruption, increased geometrically.”

So in essence, militancy is like shooting ourselves in d foot (or head?)
This is akin to a man using millions of naira to solve a problem of thousands.
With d spate of pipeline bombings, I'm shocked that we can still have light for up to 12hrs/day sef.
U pple should kwantinu, worst come to worst, na australia or canada sure pass

You spoke the minds of millions of Nigeria that still have about 6hrs of light a day.

----

The Problem of South-South remains their leaders!

as jona don get his own Buhari is stuck with the avenger( to get their own share of the cake) I wonder what the next President will face from Niger delta

kayfra:
Kanu just got dumped. It must really suck to be agitating for Biafra. You get no respect

Where was Kanu mentioned in that post?? You trabalists are gradually turning into something else.

People of South - South need to come together and fight for fiscal federalism.. Is your right

PentiumPro:


You spoke the minds of millions of Nigeria that still have about 6hrs of light a day.

Here in Calabar it has been up to 16hrs some day in my area. Really surprising.

If the Niger Delta holds out and chooses to push for an independent country, with the new found quatari-like status and massive oil wealth, a clean up will be in a jiffy.
Pata pata top soil can be imported from Cote d' ivorie .

Hold out! If you stop now it would have been better if you never began.

baby124:

Hahahahahahahha. Their eyes are clearing. They know that they are doing themselves as they did not get the desired reaction. They just threw their region back about 20yrs. Make dem continue. Lagos go sell well well.

We should be more concerned about solving this problem instead of how much another region will sell over the other. This issue is currently affecting all of us in one way or the other..Lagos inclusive

If what others are asking is for handouts, amnesty, pipeline security contracts, then ND doesn't have hope for the next 100 years. Niger Delta Avengers has my respect for maintaining their stand for the good their people. Mind you, amnesty, pipeline security have not translated to any benefit to ordinary niger deltans. It only enriches the hoodlums, their citizens still remain very poor and their land continued to be damaged by oil drilling and production.

i just dey laugh at their folly.

jomoh:
i just dey laugh at their folly.

We wee not takit. The militants are partial. Dilector matter must be discussed

The Ugandans used and dumped again

This time by ordinary hooligans hustling for pipelines contracts and monthly stipend

When some of us opined that the damage the militants are doing to their region is more than the one caused to Nigeria as a country, they called us names.

You don't preach to a young man not to afflict himself with leprosy as long as he can live alone in the forgotten forest.

mesoprogress:
If what others are asking is for handouts, amnesty, pipeline security contracts, then ND doesn't have hope for the next 100 years. Niger Delta Avengers has my respect for maintaining their stand for the good their people. Mind you, amnesty, pipeline security have not translated to any benefit to ordinary niger deltans. It only enriches the hoodlums, their citizens still remain very poor and their land continued to be damaged by oil drilling and production.

And you think the avengers are any different?

We always knew the whole brigandage and destruction was about pipelines contract. If they were interested in the welfare of the Niger Deltan, they wouldn't make their lives and environment worse than it already is.

They could have taken the bombs to the national assembly in abuja. I'm sure more Nigerians and oyinbos would have supported them.

The crooks are getting what they set out to get initially and the poor folks of the ND and the other deluded braggarts have been screwed over yet again

PassingShot:
When some of us opined that the damage the militants are doing to their region is more than the one caused to Nigeria as a country, they called us names.

You don't preach to a young man not to afflict himself with leprosy as long as he can live alone in the forgotten forest.

Very true at the bold. That's why I was egging them on. Let us see how far they're willing to go. Alas they're ordinary mercenaries like we've always suspected

Only a slowpoke would believe these crooks have anything like the interest of the Niger Deltan at heart. These thugs are actually worse than the Hausa/Fulani oil baron they claim they're up against.

The most comical is the hopes the eternally deluded braggarts pinned on them

Dilector continues his romance with the almajiris in prison

The rate at which this militant group are springing up from different nook and cranny is very alarming .If eventually Niger Delta is secede today the country will a battle ground .

Agimor:
The rate at which this militant group are springing up from different nook and cranny is very alarming .If eventually Niger Delta is secede today the country will a battle ground .

Niger Delta can never support secession because south Sudan will be a child's play in comparison. All these agitations are simply from the ijaw axis. What will happen if the urhobos, isokos, ndokwas, itshekiris etc start theirs?

As desirable as freedom from Nigeria might be, the realities on ground show that too many contending forces and tribes will never allow the union work.

If only we could have a real referendum on this matter country wide

124mumsy:
just imajine Nigeria navy does not know the creek very well, if not they would have being able to stand firm with this thugs, the rate at which this boys are gaining ground hmn!

That is "where they grow up" u can not take it away frm dem, come to the creeks with all forms of weapons, the boys will make u miss ur way.

Wealthgang:
“However, with the benevolent benefit of hindsight, the
group realized that, after the initial euphoria of each
successful attack, the gargantuan problems which confront
our region, including environmental pollution and political
corruption, increased geometrically.”

So in essence, militancy is like shooting ourselves in d foot (or head?)
This is akin to a man using millions of naira to solve a problem of thousands.
With d spate of pipeline bombings, I'm shocked that we can still have light for up to 12hrs/day sef.
U pple should kwantinu, worst come to worst, na australia or canada sure pass

here in eket we have 12 -16hrs of power suply every day. courtesy of Ibom Power plant

ha ha ha ha

shukuokukobambi:


We wee not takit. The militants are partial. Dilector matter must be discussed

The Ugandans used and dumped again

This time by ordinary hooligans hustling for pipelines contracts and monthly stipend

APC concocted arrangement that can never stand before the Avengers..

All the criminals in the deltas are gathering to share the Vulture they never killed..

The almighty Avengers has warned that "any idiota in negotiations with any committee of govt is doing that on their own"

Look at the way they are running around as if the nefarious criminal in Aso-rock Villa cares abt them...

His plan is to identify all of you and with time silence every one to continue with his Islamization agenda..

Continue stretching your troath because you heard money.. These Islamists will soon cut them for you..

However, with the benevolent benefit of
hindsight, the group realized that, after the
initial euphoria of each successful attack,
the gargantuan problems which confront
our region, including environmental
pollution and political corruption, increased
geometrically.”

This portion is equivalent to emptying a tank of Baygon in room full of Lost Crickets while shutting all routes of ventilation (since vanguard is d source).

What are they gonna say now?