The Niger Delta Avengers have finally agreed to talks with the government but with a set of stringent conditions.
The NDA are the latest militant group to agree to a ceasefire to allow dialogue as the Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force (JNDLF) also did the same a couple of days ago, but like all other militant groups, there are demands.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Mudoch Agbinibo, the group said they are ready for talks to commence.
“The high command of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) is using this medium to restate that there are no new items to put on the table for dialogue, we only want a genuine attitude and conducive atmosphere that will make us commit to any proposed dialogue and last peace talk,” said Agbinibo
“We want the federal government to commit members states of the multi national oil corporations to commit independent mediators to this proposed dialogue; we believed that it is only such environment that will engender genuine dialogue that will be aimed at setting up a framework for achieving the short, medium and long-term demands of the Niger delta to de-escalating this conflict and bring about a lasting peace.”
In the meantime, the group said it would continue its attacks on oil facilities on all delta states.
“The NDA high command is restating our commitment to attack the interest of oil corporation and international refineries operators that bring in vessels to the Niger delta territory to buy our oil that every successive government have refused to use and reapply the proceeds towards any development in the region since 1958. If they refuse to heed to our advice will result to sinking of two their mother vessel as an examples to others They should not undertake any repair of pipeline, oil and gas facilities that is damaged or attacked by our forces during this period of “Operation Red Economy” until and/or after the dialogue.”
The NDA also went on to condemn those who claim on social media that they are being used by politicians.
“We are using this medium to warn and condemn the activities of all brands of social media agitators being peddled around by some politicians to promote their criminal ways in affairs of the Niger Delta. This genuine spirit behind our struggle for the Niger Delta cannot be derailed on the basis of connivance by politician, traditional rulers, settled ex- agitators and criminals moving around to fill their pockets.”
They sounded a final note of warning stating that they may renege on their earlier vow not to kill people.
“Finally, if need be we may review our earlier stance of not taking lives. We are going to redirect and reactivate all our activities if the government, oil companies and their services firms don’t heed to these modest warnings of not carrying out any repairs works and suspend the buying of crude oil from our region as we await the right atmosphere that will engender genuine dialogue.
“We want a peace with honour, not a peace of our time.”