Umaru Yar’Adua, Government Ekpemupolo Alias Tompolo and Governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan at Presidential Villa at the signing of acceptance of amnesty yesterday.
Statement by Farah Dagogo, Out-Going Commander of MEND
Today October 3, 2009, I Farah Dagogo, overall field commander for the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) accepts together with field commanders in Rivers state, the Presidential offer of amnesty to militants who lay down their weapons.
In line with conditions attached to this amnesty offer, we are surrendering all weapons under our direct control.
We are accepting this amnesty with the hope that it will usher in a true spirit of reconciliation exemplified by dialogue and federal presence with an aim to addressing the root cause of militancy in the Niger Delta.
As we signify our willingness to put to test the governments preparedness to address the problems of the people of the Niger Delta, I appeal to those still determined to fight on, to consider first the option of dialogue.
In the same vein, it is my sincere desire that the government immediately embarks on dialogue to forestall a resurgence of violence in the Niger Delta.
There are still thousands of people willing to continue fighting in the creeks and only the actions of the government can win over our brothers still bent on fighting.
As soldiers, we are not competent to dialogue with the federal government on these serious issues affecting the region.
We wish our brothers and sisters who we hope will commence with the intellectual struggle for justice in the Niger Delta, the very best and pray for a just and peaceful Niger Delta.
Farah Dagogo
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