The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has associated the crisis in Port Harcourt with the struggle by cult groups to gain government’s patronage, adding that the problem will not be over soon.
Meanwhile, security agencies in the country have been charged to get to the root of the carnage which has continued to fester in Rivers State in the past three weeks, unveil those behind it, and ensure that they were brought to book.
Spokesman of the MEND, Jomo Gbomo, in an online interview with the Sunday Tribune, also said the problem in the city may be prolonged as security agencies have started taking sides.
“The government’s well-intentioned gesture is greatly flawed and more likely to result in a re-emergence of fighting in the short and long term. The military took sides, directing their attacks on Soboma who is percieved to be an enemy of the Rivers State governor.
Anyone familiar with cult groups in the Delta will understand that the military has started a never-ending war”, he said.
Mr. Jomo Gbomo also blamed the Rivers State governor, Mr. Celestine Omehia, for the mayhem that has claimed more than forty lives in the state capital.
The MEND leader accused Governor Omehia of being responsible for the mayhem as he, like his predecessors, patronised cult groups and what happened in the state, he said, was a battle for government patronage.
Jomo Gbomo said, “The blame rests squarely on the shoulders of the state governor, who like his predecessors, patronised gangs to ensure victory in elections.”
He said that Governor Omehia was now waging a war with the help of the Nigerian military against groups which did not assist him.
The MEND leader vowed that the ongoing battle for supremacy in the state between his gang and the group loyal to the governor cannot be ended by the use of force.
He said that as long as any party to this conflict remains aggrieved, there will be a re-grouping and resurrection of fighting possibly against the military or rival groups perceived to have benefitted from the military’s involvement.
The MEND leader continued, “the government’s well intentioned gesture is greatly flawed, and more likely to result in a re-emergence of fighting in the short and long term.”
Describing the recent carnage in the state as senseless, Jomo Gbomo said that the fighting has nothing to do with fight for justice.
He said that he was optimistic that the two war lords, Tom Ateke and Soboma George will embrace peace and work together towards justice for the people of Rivers State.
Meanwhile, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chief Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi expressed deep sadness at the wanton waste of lives and property by hoodlums.
Amaechi, who commended President Umaru Musa-Yar’adua for speedily deploying senior security officers of the country to manage the situation, described the carnage as “shameful acts which have betrayed the essence of our democracy”.
“Rivers State has been regrettably reduced to a lawless, panic-stricken, and violent society. I am appalled at the extent of damage that these unwarranted incidents have had on the psyche of our people and the reputation of our state.
“Accordingly, I wish to seize this opportunity to urge security agencies not to relent in ensuring that the perpetrators are unveiled and brought to book in accordance with the laws of our country.
Aug192007