The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) might have reached a compromise with the Federal Government in the ongoing talks.
Recently, three militant groups in the Niger Delta region agreed to dialogue with the Federal Government.
The groups are the Reformed Egbesu Boys of the Niger Delta, Egbesu Red Water Lions and Egbesu Mightier Fraternity.
Vanguard reports that the government might release Charles and Henry Okah, the brothers who allegedly masterminded the Independence Day bombing in October 2010.
Also MEND has asked that Tompolo’s case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), be suspended.
Reports also say another condition tabled by MEND for a ceasefire in the Niger Delta, is the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
MEND spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, in a statement, said “The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is the only militant group from the Niger Delta region who are presently engaged in a dialogue with the Federal Government of Nigeria – through oil companies and security agencies -with a view to resolving the current Niger Delta crisis.
“Thus far, the deliberations have been fruitful, various concessions and guarantees have already been secured. Some of which include, but are not limited to: Release of Henry Okah, Charles Okah and Obi Nwabueze; Review of the life sentence handed to Mr. Edmund Ebiware based on a proposal put forward by the Aaron Team representative for Abia and Imo states, Senator Adolphus Wabara.
“Also, conditional release of IPOB leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu and others if they renounce their agitation for a Biafra Republic.
“To this end, both parties agreed that the Special Forces of the Nigerian Army should commence the purely routine but strategic military exercise code-named “Operation Crocodile Tears”; while MEND would commence a meet-the Government-Actors-and-People tour of the Niger Delta region code-named Operation Moses.”
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Mansur Dan-Alli (rtd.), earlier said there is a possibility that force will be used to flush out the militants if dialogue fails.
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