The Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) has warned oil companies against the re-opening of the Trans-Forcados Pipeline (TPF) and cautioned the Federal Government against proceeding with negotiations with the Pan-Niger Delta Dialogue Team headed by Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark. The warnings were made in a statement signed by General Aldo Agbalaja.
The NDGJM said it will continue its campaign of damaging oil facilities and forcefully dealing with oil companies and the military until the injustices against the Niger Delta are redressed.
"We do not have much to say to the oil companies than to just dare you to reopen the Trans-Forcados Pipeline. We are aware you are experts at testing wills, especially as you believe that you have a military shield. Please go ahead with the restart the facility and see what will happen. Enough said," warned the NDGJM.
The group added that some leaders of the region are in bed with the Federal Government and have duped the Federal Government into believing that negotiating with them will bring solutions to the Niger Delta region's challenges. The group pointedly named Chief Clark and accused him of having a history of using the people of the Niger Delta to further his own interest.
"By the time an agreement is reached with this so-called Pan-Niger Delta Dialogue Team, Chief E.K Clark's new conduit, the current disaffection in the region will remain because the old man has his model of doing things, which ultimately sidelines the people of the region and satisfy the greed of a few," the group said.
The NDGJM also announced its opposition to the meeting of the Federal Government and Pan-Niger Delta Dialogue Team, fixed for 29 October, as it considers such an impersonation of the people of the Niger Delta and their interest.
"If the federal government wants to meet with the people of the region, it cannot be through an organ put together by persons of doubtful character and definitely not those associated with the causes of our long history of neglect and impoverishment. The different peoples of the region can raise young, sincere grassroots persons, who have been known among them to be free of today's Nigerian corruption scandals," it added.
Soon, the NDGJM mandate announced, it will release names of those it considers credible grassroots leaders and traditional rulers to represent the upland region in any form of negotiation or dialogue.
