The Okah brother have welcomed the move by Edwin Clark, Ijaw leader, to reunite them – Henry and Charles, with former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Jomo Gbomo, spokesman for the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
“The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) hereby welcomes and endorses the mediatory and conciliatory moves by Ijaw national leader Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark to reconcile the Okah brothers -Henry and Charles – with former President Goodluck Jonathan,” the statement read.
“Our endorsement is coming after Chief Clark held an exploratory meeting regarding amicable and peaceful resolution of the issue with the former President during the week, in Abuja.
“Chief Clark also invited and met separately with Counsel to the Okah brothers, Timipa Jenkins Okponipere, Esq., on September 1, 2016 in Abuja.
“The kernel of these meetings dwelt, essentially, on an out-of-court settlement of the FIVE BILLION NAIRA (N5B) libel suit against the former President. The meetings also dwelt on efforts to find sustainable solutions to the current Niger Delta crisis.
“We are indeed, sufficiently convinced that reconciliation between the Okah brothers, on the one hand; and former President Goodluck Jonathan, on the other hand; is in the overall interest of the Niger Delta region.
“More especially at this critical point when the region and its key actors and stakeholders must speak in unison so as to attract peace and development.
“We therefore hope and believe that, in a few days’ time, Chief Edwin Clark shall formally summon a meeting of the former President and Counsel to the Okah brothers to finalize and lay the issue(s) to rest.”