The leader of the Niger delta Volunteer force, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, is to be released ant time from now(sources say).
The government says its on health grownds but I know its a compromise that needed to be reached.

The issue now is will the MEND, Movement for the Emancipation Of The Niger Delta, and all the other groups that have evolved, drop those weapons?

The Mend have been calling for the release of Dokubo. But there are other groups that have come up who are just there to take hostages and demand ransome.
If the hostage taking continues, even in the face of genuine efforts by the Yaradua govt., then the MEND will have to let us know who and who make up their organisation and who are the others who are just there to take advantage of the rough security situation to take hostages and demand ransome. The Masterplan that Yaradua pledges to work on, the effort at bringing stake holders together as well as this latest gesture, should not be spat upon by the MEND.
This will indeed show if the various groups in the Niger Delta, are Fighting for the well being of the people or are just there for their selfish interests.

Also, this will determine whether or not the sympathy the Mend and others are getting from the generality of the people, is deserved.

This for peace to reign is good news, even though Asari Dokubo may have committed a criminal offence innthe first place and if his release bring peace to the Niger delta area and the whole nation it is highly welcome.

however, I always like to be optimistic but on this occassion I will think the reverse is likely.

The small minority of the people in mENd are just opportunities and they have confirm by holding hostages for ransom and not for principles(if such principle can be justified).

Now remember some of this group are also calling for Alams to be released( i also think they would say on health ground) this is the man who steal monies belonging to his people while development never got to his people.

I prayed that i am wrong that this Niger delta militant really want to talk and find a peaceful solutions I will love them to just do that and co-operate with goverment so that the whole country can support them in getting more revenue from the oils to develop the area.

Long live Niger Delta, Long live Great Nigeria