‘Why negotiations with Niger Delta Avengers will fail’

Niger Delta militants

A former member of the Delta Waterways Security Committee (DWSC) in Warri, Delta state, Omolubi Newuwumi, has declared that the proposed negotiations between the Federal Government and the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers will ultimately fail.

Newuwumi, who is also known as Gentle General, is a former Commissioner for Youths in Delta state as well as former Itsekiri warlord who actively participated in the Itsekiri/Ijaw crisis that rocked the Niger Delta region some years back.

Gentle General, speaking to Niger Delta Voice said even though the Avengers claimed to be for the struggles of the Niger Delta region, going by its demands it was pretty obvious that the objectives of the militants were far from the liberation of the Niger Delta.

The ex-warlord said the main objective of the Avengers was to distabilize the government of President Muhammadu Buhari with the destruction of pipelines and oil installations.

“The pattern of their operation is very clear and an indication that it was formed to frustrate the present administration. The destruction of pipelines and oil installations is unmistakably terrorism and economic sabotage. Simply put, they are faceless, senseless and partisan in nature, and an orchestrated attempt devised by corrupt individuals and politicians to frustrate the present administration’s resolve and determination to fight corruption in the country.”

“They are only using fighting for resource control for the Niger Delta as a means to achieve their egotistical desires because if not for their own selfish desire, why are they asking the federal government to release some individual found to be involved in corrupt practices.”

“Another aspect of the Avengers is the deliberate attacks on oil installations, which apart from killing the already Nigeria fragile economy is also destroying the region’s environment and its ecosystem. The destruction affects the immediate environment and health of the people the Avengers claim to protect.”

“Like the name, Avengers, I think it was primarily formed to avenge the prosecution of their brothers and some corrupt Nigerians, who are facing criminal charges, if not, what are they avenging and who are they avenging for?”

Speaking about the purported negotiations that are to begin between the Federal Government and the militants, Gentle General is of the opinion that it would fail because the demands of the Avengers are faulty.

“Who are those to go there to negotiate with government? In whose interest, I do not think the negotiations will work because already the components of the formation of the group, NDA, is faulty, their demands are faulty and did not articulate all the demands of the Niger Delta people.”

“Just like the amnesty program, which made some individuals super rich and a particular ethnic group very rich, the negotiation is bound to fail unless the Federal Government do what is right for the people of the Niger Delta.”

Gentle General also warned the Avengers to desist from targeting oil pipelines and gas installations in the Itsekiri territory.

He warned that Itsekiri people would not hesitate to defend themselves against the Avengers if the bombings persist.

“The bombing of oil and gas facilities in Itsekiri territory is absurd; it is an act capable of provoking the Itsekiri nation and personalities like me. I am categorically saying that if they continue, they may force us, Itsekiri, to protect our territory, especially if the present administration fails in their responsibilities to protect lives and properties,” he said.

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