Kehinde Fajobi
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has criticised the ongoing tensions between Rivers State Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, pledging to protect national assets in the Niger Delta amid the political dispute.
In a statement from Port Harcourt on Friday, MEND spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo condemned threats by ex-militants to attack oil installations, affirming that the group would not be drawn into violence over political issues.
“The threat to the economy of the country over a political dispute between two politicians who were allies is unfortunate,” Gbomo stated, calling it unwise to harm the nation’s resources over a disagreement between fellow Niger Delta natives.
Gbomo further noted that MEND would support security forces in protecting oil facilities.
He stated, “We shall, therefore, offer full cooperation to the security operatives to ensure that individuals or groups constituting threats to smooth crude oil exploration are, alongside their sponsors, brought to book.”
He also emphasised the significance of having an Ijaw governor in Rivers State, an achievement, he said, possible only through collaboration among the region’s ethnic groups—a collaborative effort once championed by Wike.
Gbomo urged Niger Delta elders and traditional leaders to step in to resolve the political rift between Fubara and Wike, warning against vendettas.
“If you are going for revenge, you better dig two graves, one for yourself and one for your enemy. A word is enough for the wise,” he cautioned.