A faction of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) led by Jomo Gbomo has allayed fears over the recent threat issued by a self-acclaimed leader of the group, Comrade Azizi, to unleash mayhem on Nigeria and South Africa following the jailing of Henry Okah by a South African court.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Gbomo, who is the traditional signatory to all releases by the outlawed Nigeria militia group, disclaimed Azizi’s threat even as he also disowned Okah who’s widely regarded as MEND leader, saying Okah is just a sympathiser of their cause.
The MEND’s spokesman also corrected the impression created by the Azizi that MEND was championing a cause to tear the country part, saying MEND was only fighting for the injustice in the Niger Delta and control of the resource derivable from the region.
Gbomo said in due time, the orginal MEND would react to the prevailing circumstances in the country.
“The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) wishes to advise Nigerians and the media to disregard the pathetic attempt at propaganda by a so-called Comrade Azizi and his statements which are not authentic and statements emanating from MEND.
“As claimed by this Comrade Azizi, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) would like to clarify the following.
“Mr Henry Okah is NOT and has never been viewed as the leader or founder of MEND but rather known as a sympathiser and supporter of our cause.
“Our fighters are freedom fighters who are fighting for justice, the emancipation of the Niger Delta and control of our God given resources and not assassins as stated by this so-called Comrade Azizi.
“Our struggle is NOT and has never been about the disintegration of Nigeria or a North and South fight as stated by this so-called Comrade Azizi.
“With regards to the trial, judgement and sentencing of Henry Okah and other Niger Delta indigenes, we will issue a full formal statement in due course stating our views and plans for the future.
“The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) would once again strongly urge Nigerians and the media to disregard any statement from this person,” Gbomo said in the statement.
