MILITANTS in the Niger Delta say they have not ceased hostilities in the region. In an online statement yesterday the Joint Revolutionary Council, reiterated its earlier stand that the release of their leader, Asari Dokubo was the solution to enduring peace in the area just as they mandated the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress to open negotiations on their behalf.
The statement that was silent on the nature of negotiation also defined their real enemies. According to them, they are politicians that had misappropriated resources meant for the development of the region. It reads in part, � We have no choice but to declare that we have not yet ceased hostilities with the Nigerian state and her imperialist collaborators.
Rather, we are watching and waiting for any semblance of reprisal action against our already impoverished community by the security agents and armed forces of the Nigerian state.
In furtherance thereof, and in line with a renewed resolve to ensure the total realization of the combined Ijaw and Niger Delta collective objective, we call on the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to take up all negotiations on behalf of all the alliance groups of the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC).
At this point in our history where a majority of so-called Ijaw and Niger Delta elders and leaders have sold their conscience for a pot of porridge sauced with filthy lucre, we are at good liberty to discern those who have lost their rights to speak on behalf of our people.
In line with this reality, and in the spirit of the new consciousness, we demand the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to take up with immediate effect all negotiations on behalf of the Joint Revolutionary Council and those who seek to understand what the values on which our struggle is pivoted.
We condemn in all fullness, political leaders who have not been able to fulfill their promises to their people and yet seek higher offices. We see this as a grave betrayal of the �pseudo-mandate� given by the people and a colossal waste of resources, privilege and trust. It is demonic for any one who shows grave incompetence in dealing with smaller things to believe that he can confront the challenges of the bigger picture. It shall come to pass that such undeserved vision shall be tamed.
The real enemies of our people are those who have misappropriated our resources in the pursuit of vanity and self-glory. These shall receive their reward at the appointed time.
We repeat our demand for the release of our supreme and esteemed leader, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari as a condition for the dawn of real peace in the Niger Delta. Let us remind those that hold the dance floor today that those who mete out discomfort shall be rewarded in good measure at the appointed time.