Port Harcourt — Despites its initial position and rejection, the Federal Government has met with the Aaron team proposed by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND.

MEND spokesman, Jomo Gbomo who disclosed this revealed that the meeting took place on Saturday, November 14, 2009 in Abuja .

In a statement issued Sunday morning, Gbomo stated "Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) can confirm that a formal first meeting between the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the MEND Aaron team took place on Saturday, November 14, 2009 in Abuja Nigeria.

"The parley which lasted for over two hours was frank, cordial and useful."

Gbomo pointed out that this meeting heralded the beginning of serious, meaningful dialogue between MEND and the Nigerian government to deal with and resolve root issues that have long been swept under the carpet.

Present for the Aaron Team were Vice Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe (rtd), Major General Luke Kakadu Aprezi (rtd), Professor Wole Soyinka and Mr. Amagbe Denzel Kentebe while Mr. Farah Dagogo, the former MEND overall field commander and Mr Henry Okah attended as observers.

Gbomo explained that another member of the Aaron Team, Professor Sabella Abbide could not make it due to flight connection problems from his United States base.

"We use this opportunity to thank the Aaron Team for their sacrifice in offering their time and the donors who sponsored their travel expenses but wish to remain anonymous," Gbomo concluded.