NDA split over purported talks with FG
Thu Aug 18, 2016 07:25:am National
2.7K By Buchi Obichie
There was confusion within the Niger Delta Avengers camp on Wednesday as the militant group responsible for bombing oil pipelines appeared divided over whether or not to engage in a dialogue with the Federal Government over the crisis in the region.
In a statement signed by himself and released to newsmen on Wednesday, a self-acclaimed spokesperson for the Avengers, Mr. Ballantyne Agiri, said that the NDA was ready to enter into dialogue with the Federal Government for a possible ceasefire in the region.
However, a counter-statement was later released by known Spokesman of the militant group, Mudoch Agbinibo, denying Agiri's claim.
Agiri had in his statement, said that the group had constituted a contact and dialogue group to engage the Federal Government in meaningful dialogue as part of the initiatives to resolve the crisis.
Agiri said that the group was determined to come out with results that would yield a lasting peace, equity, justice and harmony among all ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
While urging Nigerians and the international community to follow developments on the issue closely and watch out for which side would violate the terms, rules and spirit of the dialogue, Agiri said, "The body has collectively and willingly agreed to heed the clarion call of eminent Nigerians and international community to hold dialogue with the Federal Government."
The statement added, "The Federal Government should from the inception of the dialogue rule out from the agenda any monthly monetary inducement or stipend for the NDA.
"The Federal Government should be ready for structural changes that should be human and development-oriented.
"Members of the Avengers' group (who will participate in the dialogue) have already been selected, each based on his integrity, forthrightness, honesty and life track records."
But in a counter-move, the spokesman for the NDA, self-styled General Agbinibo, dismissed the idea, saying there was no iota of truth in Agiri's claim.
He said, "We are not going into any peace or dialogue talk.
"That report is not from us. We are not in any form of dialogue agreement with anybody. It's like the Government wants to dialogue with themselves."
The group later went on to their twitter handle, operated by Agbinibo, to again deny the purported agreement for talks. They also denied knowing Agiri.
The NDA tweeted: "Who is Mr. Ballantyne Agiri, the claimed dialogue group spokesman? We don't know you. And please, stop fooling the general public.
"We are not ready for any negotiation or dialogue with the Federal Government."
In a statement signed by himself and released to newsmen on Wednesday, a self-acclaimed spokesperson for the Avengers, Mr. Ballantyne Agiri, said that the NDA was ready to enter into dialogue with the Federal Government for a possible ceasefire in the region.
However, a counter-statement was later released by known Spokesman of the militant group, Mudoch Agbinibo, denying Agiri's claim.
Agiri had in his statement, said that the group had constituted a contact and dialogue group to engage the Federal Government in meaningful dialogue as part of the initiatives to resolve the crisis.
Agiri said that the group was determined to come out with results that would yield a lasting peace, equity, justice and harmony among all ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
While urging Nigerians and the international community to follow developments on the issue closely and watch out for which side would violate the terms, rules and spirit of the dialogue, Agiri said, "The body has collectively and willingly agreed to heed the clarion call of eminent Nigerians and international community to hold dialogue with the Federal Government."
The statement added, "The Federal Government should from the inception of the dialogue rule out from the agenda any monthly monetary inducement or stipend for the NDA.
"The Federal Government should be ready for structural changes that should be human and development-oriented.
"Members of the Avengers' group (who will participate in the dialogue) have already been selected, each based on his integrity, forthrightness, honesty and life track records."
But in a counter-move, the spokesman for the NDA, self-styled General Agbinibo, dismissed the idea, saying there was no iota of truth in Agiri's claim.
He said, "We are not going into any peace or dialogue talk.
"That report is not from us. We are not in any form of dialogue agreement with anybody. It's like the Government wants to dialogue with themselves."
The group later went on to their twitter handle, operated by Agbinibo, to again deny the purported agreement for talks. They also denied knowing Agiri.
The NDA tweeted: "Who is Mr. Ballantyne Agiri, the claimed dialogue group spokesman? We don't know you. And please, stop fooling the general public.
"We are not ready for any negotiation or dialogue with the Federal Government."
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