A proposed meeting of leaders of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) on Thursday, has heightened fears amidst military circles in the Niger Delta region.
According to The Nation, the meeting, slated for Izon House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, is being convened by MEND leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo.
Tompolo, the ex militant who is behind the resuscitation of MEND
The invitation reads: “My dearly beloved Commanders and Leaders of various wings of the Movement of the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), I greet you all.
“It is my pleasure to humbly invite you to a very crucial and urgent meeting as follows: Venue: Izon House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Date (of the meeting is) Saturday, July 25th, 2015. Time (is) 2pm Prompt.”
The Nation also reports that the letter was vetoed by Government Ekpomupolo (Tompolo), who signed-off with his traditional title – Izon Ibe-Ebidouwei of Izon nation.
Tompolo, when contacted, informed that the meeting was to deliberate on recent developments in Nigeria as well as the fate of the Niger Delta region in the current political dispensation.
Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, who spoke on behalf of the ex-militant, did not divulge further detail about the meeting, but said the MEND leaders would chart a path for the progress of the region.
The Nation gathered, however, that the planned meeting is a source of concern for top military commanders in the region.
Recall that Tompolo more famous for his open support for former president, Goodluck Jonathan, founded the deadly group that crippled oil production in the region from 2005.The MEND leader, who was placed under security watch following the defeat of Jonathan in the March 28 presidential election, has also kept a low profile since after the election and subsequent inauguration of president Muhammadu Buhari on May 29.
The federal government has also stopped paying the Global West Vessel Specialists Nigeria Limited, which is being run by Tompolo.
No comments:
Post a Comment