From: TONY JOHN, Port Harcourt
The renewed attacks on oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta region may in no way be nearing an end following the recent threat by the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). The group has restated its threat to carry on with the bombing
of oil installations in the region until the Federal Government accedes to its demands.
NDA, a new militant group, had taken up arms against the government in what it claimed to be its own way of pressing for fair deal for the people of Niger Delta, especially in the allocation of oil blocs.
NDA is also demanding release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention for close to five months. The group said it wants the release of the IPOB leader as part of
conditions for ceasation of hostility in the region.
Besides the conditions, the group has also issued a quit notice to former vice
president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and General Theophilus Danjuma, to vacate
the Niger Delta area or face dire consequences.
The group recently gave a twoweek deadline to multi-national oil firms
to vacate the region, reiterating its threat to cripple the nation’s economy.
The Niger Delta Avengers’ threat is coming against the backdrop of the
claim by some former militant leaders who reportedly denied being part of
the amnesty programme put in place by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Sunday Sun gathered that some of the militant leaders are currently regrouping
and spoiling for war against the Federal Government.
Notable among these emerging groups is a group known as the Concerned
Militant Leaders (CML), which existence came to public consciousness
shortly after the arrest, detention and the incarceration of the leader of the
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Director, Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
CML’s solidarity with the detained IPOB leader was preceded by the call by
Niger Delta People’s Democratic Front (NDPDF) for his release. The Niger Delta
People’s Democratic Front (NDPDF) is led by Precious Iyoyo (aka General
Playboy). The group had warned the Federal Government of the consequences
of keeping Kanu in detention, describing it as provocative.
CML, through its spokesperson, who preferred to be addressed as General
Ben, had earlier in January, given a 31- day ultimatum to the Federal Government
to release Kanu, and vowed to launch attacks on oil installations as well
as Federal Government establishments.
The group had also warned that failure to release Kanu could force it to resort to
the kidnapping of expatriates.
Sunday Sun gathered that CML’s operations transcend the Niger Delta region.
This same group, it was gathered, was alleged to be responsible for the attack
on a merchant ship in February. The incident happened before the expiration
of 31-day ultimatum given by the CML.
In a statement released online, General Ben admitted that his group carried
out the operation, off Bakassi Peninsula on Nigerian waterways. He threatened
that his men would blow up the vessel and members of the crew onboard, adding
that the attack was carried out, “to let the government know that the group
does not make empty threats.”
Reacting to the group’s threat, the Federal Government had threatened to
treat the group like common criminals and saboteurs. Not deterred by the
threat, the group followed up with more attacks and blowing up of oil pipelines,
as well as killings of security personnel.
Sunday Sun gathered that the warlords are enjoying the backing of some
retired military officers who feel disgruntled over their premature retirement
from service. But, the CML has severally denied this.
Reacting to the claim, General Ben said the group had been on the struggle
for many years, adding that CML is moved by the realities in the country
and not influenced by any individual because, according to him, the supposed
backers could turn out to be saboteurs.
“Nobody is pushing us; we are the ones pushing ourselves because nobody
is a blind man in this country. The injustice, the marginalization going on
in this country is very clear. There is so much hardship, poverty in this country
and a few persons are controlling our commonwealth, while we are dying
of hunger. How can we be happy in a situation like this?
“Even if we are being backed up, does it really matter? If millions of people
are suffering and few individuals are acquiring wealth here and there, who
is selfish? We are saying that Nigerian government is selfish and we must resist
that.
“To us, the Federal Government has no case against Nnamdi Kanu. If they
refuse to let him go, we will refuse to let them have peace. There is no law in Nigeria.
The laws are targeted at the poor, not the rich. Court would say release this
person; government would refuse. So, there is no law because some individuals
seem to be above law. There is high level of impunity in this country.
“That is why we have decided to leave this country to another where
there would be rule of law. And that is Biafra. We strongly believe we would
achieve it by the grace of God. We are undaunted. It is obvious. Nothing would
make us back out from the struggle.
It is a vow. Look at the South-south region, the nation’s source of wealth for
instance. What shows that we are part of the country? You use the money from
this region to develop other areas and impoverish us,” he said.
General Ben said that CML is part of the NDA, stating that his group is in
support of the two-week ultimatum issued by Niger Delta Avengers to the oil
firms in the region. Similarly, the CML spokesman restated the group’s earlier
order that Fulani herdsmen should leave the region.
On the attacks on oil facilities, General Ben gave kudos to the NDA warriors,
describing the group’s activities as a welcome development to liberate the
Niger Delta region and their brothers in South-east. He warned that their next
targets would be Exxonmobil and Frontier Oil firms.
“What can forestall the execution of this operation is for the authorities
concerned to pay prompt attention to the issues that necessitated this agitation.
We want to cripple the economy of the country and to show the people ruling
this country that, militancy now is not and will not be what they witnessed
several years ago. We are reformed and have learnt from the past.”
On the likely consequences of the military/militants war already declared
by the Defence Headquarters, the CML spokesperson said it was unfortunate
that innocent people might be affected but he added that it was the price such
people might have to pay.
Reacting to a recent statement, where another group of militants condemned
the recent activities of NDA, the CML spokesperson described them as sellouts.
He said they were few individuals that had ‘dined with Federal Government’.
“We will not reply them; but we will surprise them beyond their imagination.
These persons know that they have nothing to say or do. The people countering
us are those that have dined with Federal Government. We are not going
to reply them. We are going to surprise them.