Emma Amaize
4 October 2008
interview
THE militant group also gave an insight into the number of hostages that are still in its custody as at last weekend, and took on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike that politicians and soldiers were aiding militancy in region.
Excerpts:
Besides the two South-Africans that were released recently following the intervention of Henry Okah's wife, some other persons, including Americans I suspect were trapped in the wake of gunfight that led to the declaration of the suspended oil war. Where are these persons now. Have they been released. What is the actual position?
There are still two Britons, one Ukrainian and 22 Nigerians still in the transit camp. They will be released at the appropriate time.
Is the unilateral fire to the 'oil war' supposed to last for a period or is it indefinite? What is the duration? What will make it snap?
The unilateral cease-fire was declared because of the intervention of some elders and individuals we respect. This cease-fire will be called off in the event of an attack on any of our positions, a continuous detention of a sick Henry Okah, any perceived threat to us and if the government does not address the true federalism question.
Why was there initially a confusion on the unilateral cease-fire within MEND? Because you said 'no, not yet' but on ground, others have agreed to a cease-fire. Was it a communication gap?
Any information from this source is the authentic one that should be listened to. We are not as confused as the government's information machinery.
The military have consistently maintained they are not at war with MEND or any other group in the Niger-Delta and they did not sign any cease-fire agreement with the MEND. What is your take on this?
MEND declared a unilateral cease-fire which does need the other party to sign on. It is up to the military to continue their attack and when that happens, the 'oil war' will begin.
They have realized the wisdom in abiding to the cease-fire.
We learnt the 'oil war' would have been abruptly called off while the peace emissaries by the MEND were in Abuja discussing with the Federal Government but for the fervent plea of Chief Clark, is this true?
And what was really the saving grace for Nigeria, as a country, not to have found itself in a fresh 'oil war'?
Aside from the plea of Chief Clark, there was another factor we considered before calling the cease-fire, which is a secret. That day the cease-fire was announced was the very day a major and embarrassing attack had been scheduled to have been launched.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike said soldiers were aiding militancy. Is this true in any way and how? Is it that some soldiers have found the agitation to be just and are aiding it or why?
He is correct. Officers and men from the armed forces who are members of MEND are playing their role in the fight against injustice. We are kept abreast of all the plans in the Ministry of Defence, the propaganda and real threat. We paid dearly for dismissing the credible information on the Eleme-Tombia attack.
What of politicians, are they aiding the MEND also?
Of course, some are.
It is also the position of the CDS that the MEND declared 'oil war' because the JTF destroyed illegal bunkering refineries operated by militants and oil thieves, how correct is this claim?
This CDS it seems does not have proper information. Maybe, after the initial excitement of his new position has worn off then he will begin to separate facts from fiction.
But we hear most of the militant leaders are involved in oil bunkering and they say it is part of their resource control. Is this not correct?
That is not correct. Most of the leaders are involved in other enterprise in the oil and gas sector as well as communications, agriculture, etc.
Does MEND have information that military men are involved in oil bunkering, contrary to the claim that it was militants that are involved in it?
If you recall the court martial involving senior naval officers involved in oil theft some years back, these were the scapegoats. The military are very much involved in bunkering, which is why the Niger Delta is seen as a lucrative posting in the military.
What is the position of the Federal Government talks with peace emissaries sent by the militants to Abuja after the 'oil war' was called off? Is it okay with MEND?
That meeting deviated to who should head the Niger Delta ministry. It was somewhat a disappointment. We still touched on some core issues.
There is a report that militants are on the run over the new attack helicopters and gunboats acquired by the JTF. Is this situation?
On the run to where? The number of gunboats and helicopters they claim to have acquired cannot match what the Americans used in attacking Vietnam and Somalia, yet they lost. Our intelligence within the military say this is a lie. So, we see this propaganda as a sign of desperation and frustration on the part of a humiliated military.
Chief Clark recently said the JTF will not win the battle of the creeks against the militants. Don't you think such a statement will provoke the military against the militants. Is such insinuation responsible for their attacks on militant camps even after the cease-fire?
He is speaking a fact.
Clark suggested that Governor Rotimi Amaechi should negotiate with militants. Is the MEND ready to negotiate with Amaechi?
It is a wise counsel to a stubborn child. Sooner or later, Amechi will come to terms with the reality. He is confusing criminality with genuine armed agitation.
What will Governor Amaechi do for the MEND to grant him peace in Rivers state? He said that investors have run away from the state and he has more than N100b waiting to be spent on projects but he can't because of unrest?
In the first place, the N100 b is not his personal funds and he is not the only one interested about development. He must come to terms with the fact that armed struggle for the actualization for resource control has come to stay until the region is emancipated. After he humbles himself, we will be willing to work with him.
For October 1, Nigeria's 48th independence anniversary, what is MEND's message to the Nigerian state?
MEND is not sentimental about the independence day because the nation is not yet free. Nigeria at 48 is stagnant because root issues have been swept under the carpet. We must address the issue of true federalism which is the only cure that will bring about a healthy nation where every region contributes its own natural and human resource to making a better nation.
What is MEND's reaction to the prayer granted by the Federal High Court, Jos that Henry Okah be taken to hospital for treatment and any comment/poser on Henry Okah's continued detention and trial ahead of independence?
For the type of ailment mentioned, the court order should be specific on where the hospital he should be taken to. Even the president is not comfortable with dealing with a similar ailment in Nigeria.
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