Ex-agitators commend US govt military operations in Nigeria, Seek Better Deal for N’delta

By Osaro Michael, Benin

Ex-fighters under the defunct Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF) have commended the US soldiers for clamping down on terrorists in the Northern region of Nigeria.

In a statement by its spokesman Captain Mark Anthony applauded the US military operations in Northern Nigeria.

The statement read, ”We the disbanded Niger Delta fighters of NDLF led by late General John Togo hereby commend and support the ongoing military operations of the US soldiers in Nigerian Northern region against terrorists.

”The Northern terrorists group had killed countless Nigerians, including Muslims, though Christians are the major target.

”We also urge the US government to publicly declare supporters of northern terrorists, especially Moslem Cleric Sheik Gumi, Reno Omokri (For diverting global attention about Christians killings) and others either in government or in the military wanted, arrest and prosecute them for supporting terrorism” he said.

He recalled” When we were fighting in Niger Delta region, we were fighting for inclusion in the natural resources in Niger Delta region. Our fight is and was purely an economic struggle for survival. We did not kidnap and kill innocent Nigerians.

Captain Mark however, applauded the Nigerian Government for granting pipeline contract to High Chief Government Ekpemuplo”

”Once again, we seize this opportunity to thank the Nigerian Government for granting High Chief Government Ekpemuplo the pipeline contract through Tantita Security Limited and other ex-fighters of Niger Delta oil war to protect the oil facilities.’

But the former warlord reminded federal government that the present peace in Niger Delta region is fragile, saying that the people in Niger Delta are still in abject poverty and urged federal government to compliment Tompolo’s peace effort in the region by embarking on social amenities.

”But the government should help High Chief Government Ekpemuplo’s effort by not forgetting its responsibilities of providing social amenities in the oil rich but poor Niger Delta region.

”Till date, over 95% Ijaw communities have no clean drinking pipe borne water, no clinic or common cottage hospital, no electricity, no motorable roads and standard school buildings.

”Federal Government should look into funds released to the interventionist agencies, especially Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) NDDC over the years has not met purposes of its creation. It has been an agency which enriches political jobbers by empowering themselves, leaving the mission and goals of the agency, thereby the communities leave in squalor and abject poverty with no one to complain to.

”The oil war in Niger Delta has not ended. We may look tired and weak today. But the younger ones who have not seen any bombs and carry AK- 47 rifles are dynamites and seeing the Niger Delta region as conquered or defeated region, may wake up one day and ask us (elders) series of questions about the stark under development of the Ijaw communities and other Niger Delta oil producing communities in Niger Delta region which we may not find the expected answers they want to get from us.

”The continued underdevelopment of Niger Delta region is a great security concern to global security. We call on US President Donald Trump to show concern in the oil rich, but abandoned oil producing communities by successive Nigerian government as this may spark another arm movement by aggrieved youths from the region in the future” The statement added.