By Francis Sadhere
The Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, has finally agreed to work with Chief Edwin Clark but has given him some conditions to support him.
MEND had earlier dissociated itself from the Edwin Clark’s meeting held in Warri last week, saying they will not support him to lead dialogue team with the Federal Government.
But MEND made a u-turn yesterday through its Secretary, Barr. Timipa Jerkins Okpripere, who told Pa. Clark in Warri that MEND Aron team 2, is ready to work with him.
While saying that MEND was not opposed to Pa Clark’s negotiation team, Barr. Okpripere said MEND recognizes Clark as the only Niger Delta leader that can lead the negotiation team with the federal government.
One of the conditions given by MEND to Clark was that it must be allowed to nominate it’s secretary for the dialogue team.
The group also said that all groups in the region must be collapsed into the Pa. Clark’s team.
They added that the dialogue team shall be centrally coordinated with one purpose, and under one leadership.
Other conditions are that the new negotiation team would be named Niger Delta Peace and Development group which will coordinate all dialogue with the federal government and all international oil companies in the region.
He said though there were disagreement between Pa. Clark and MEND Aron Team 2, the disagreement was meant to make them stronger because they were all working towards the same direction.
On his part Chief Clark said he and his people will look at the conditions and they will get back to MEND at the appropriate time.
He however said he was happy that MEND has agreed to meet with him. He said they will do all they can to ensure that peace returns to the Niger Delta region.
