The Federal Government in its reaction to the war threat made by ex-Niger Delta Militants has said that it is unacceptable for anyone to threaten this country because President Goodluck Jonathan is prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
The Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, at a news conference in Abuja, said “It is reprehensible for people to threaten this country with mayhem should their candidate lose the election. The President, Dr. Jonathan, has not left anybody in doubt as to his preparedness to conduct a free, fair, credible and transparent election.
“Mr. President has said that in the unlikely event of his losing the election, in the course of this exercise, that he was straight man enough, he was democratic enough to concede defeat.
“So, if Mr. President himself, who is the main contestant, who is the President of this country, who is the leader of the PDP(Peoples Democratic Party) has come out to say that he was going to ensure free and fair elections where the choice of Nigerians would be respected, I do not see where statements from supporters of either Mr. President or any political party for that matter should derail the course of this democratic movement.”
The ex-militants including Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), Victor Ebikabowei (aka Boyloaf), Mujahiden Dokubo-Asari and others were quotes as saying that “For every Goliath, God created a David. For every Pharaoh, there is a Moses. We are going to war. Every one of you should go and fortify yourself.”
The FG has also raised alarm that Boko Haram is planning to use young men disguised as Cobblers and livestock to attack chosen targets.
The Coordinator of the National Information Centre on the war against terrorism, Mr. Mike Omeri, at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, said “Available intelligence reports indicate a plan by Boko Haram to use young male suicide bombers disguised as cobblers to hide explosives in their tool boxes and detonate them in soft target areas such as markets, restaurants, ATM locations, political rallies, worship centres, as well as other public places.
“Also, there is indication of a plan by this group to use livestock such as goats, cows, donkeys and camels laden with explosives to attack chosen targets. In view of these, the general public, including all persons within and around the aforementioned places, is advised to be vigilant and mindful of suspicious activities within their environment.”