Nigeria’s main militant group the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta has declared an indefinite ceasefire after negotiations with the presidency.

In a press release signed by MEND spokesperson Jomo Gbomo, the group said that their leader Henry Okah conveyed a ‘welcome shift’ from the federal government after he met with President Yar’Adua on Tuesday.

According to the group, “government has expressed the readiness to engage in serious and meaningful dialogue with every group or individual towards achieving a lasting peace in the Niger Delta”

The group therefore declared an indefinite ceasefire from the 25th of January to enhance the dialogue between the government and the Aaron team which the group has selected to negotiate on behalf of MEND for peace in the oil rich region.

Quoting the bible verse of Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, the group said that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven, a time to tear and a time to mend “ The group also announced the withdrawal of Annkio Briggs, the liason officer of the Aaron team from the team.

The exit of Ms Briggs was by mutual consent according to the release. She has been replaced by Amagbe Denzel Kentebe.

MEND had threatened to resumes its hostilities against the Nigerian oil industry and the Nigerian armed forces on October 16, 2009 after the expiration of a 60-day ceasefire declared on the 15th of July 2009.


Source

If its true,then its a good development

They have no choice if truly they are fighting for the development of the region as they claimed, xpecially now that they have been SETTLED individually . Wot is there to fight for anymore?

to join opc

A welcome development. I just hope the Government can quickly come to an agreement with the Aaron team negotiating on behalf of MEND and face the serious business of developing the Niger Delta squarely.

Time will tell if the ceasefire can be sustained, but still a good start.

Is it an unconditional one or what?

The onus now lies on the Federal Government

The ball is now in the court of the FG.

MEND has shown the FG what "civilians" are capable of doing, if promises are not kept

deor03:

The ball is now in the court of the FG.

MEND has shown the FG what "civilians" are capable of doing, if promises are not kept

and as the FG been able to keep a promise?

YAYYYY that's good news

Why this now!!
Just as I was bracing myself up 4d re-newed bombing activities. . .and now this.
MEND should have @least carried out some dynamite testing activity on one wellhead b4 announcing another cease-fire.

^ enemy of progress . God will not let u succeed on dat one.

This is a well come development. It is said 'don't start a fight because you don't know how it will end'. Since FG defined how it will end, I call upon MEND to stand by their word- Indefinite Cease Fire and allow peace in the Area. If there is a way to deal with all those stinkly rich men who converted money meant for Niger Delta Region, would be a nice idea.

Also, MEND should submit proposal plans to Oil Companies on various facilities they expect in the Region as FG may be slow in implementation of some infrastructural developments.

KnowAll:

Haleluyah,

Kudos to Yardull,

at least one agenda is out of the way remaining six.

No offence intended but I really don't get some people sometimes. How on earth is this a completion of an agenda? I bet if this man signs shows interest on proposals to build a power plant some people would see it as a completion of the "power agenda". The whole seven point agenda has been the most laughable piece of trite in a long time. What a joke

No offence intended but I really don't get some people sometimes. How on earth is this a completion of an agenda? I bet if this man signs shows interest on proposals to build a power plant that according to some would be completion of the power agenda, right?


No Offence list the 7 Agendas, I am sure security in the Niaja delta is one of them,  if I am not mistaking, If I was a then accept my apologies.

Secondly my statement is meant to be a sacastic statement which might end up been true.

am tired of this MEND's 'I go do, I no go do stuff', another case please . . .

Nezan:

am tired of this MEND's 'I go do, I no go do stuff', another case please . . .

Its all about the game plan intended to put fear into ur enemy and make them act. MEND has also carried out most of their threats. For Yardull to accept to dialogue with AARON team after his initial refusal show that FG is afraid of continued hostility with MEND.