Leaders of Niger-Delta Ex-militants have rejected any planned redeployment of soldiers for the elections.
They have also declared that the March 28 and April 11 dates for the elections should remain “non-negotiable”.
According to a statement, the ex-militants said: “We insist that elections must hold on March 28 and April 11 2015 as currently announced. We reject any further cancellation, postponement or rescheduling.
“We inform that it is the failure to hold transparent, credible, free and fair elections on March 28 and April 11 2015 that may lead to chaos, insecurity and problems in the Niger Delta.”
In the 10-point declaration issued on Tuesday, the ex-militants’ leaders said processes leading to the elections must be “credible, free and fair”.
The statement was signed by 11 ex-militants, including General Boni (Burutu LGA), Smart Amola (Warri South-West), Francis Muturu (aka Gen. Aboy), Friday Edema (aka Ijagun 1), Alfred Aniretan (aka Field Marshal), and Sunday Amoma (aka Capone).
Others are Gen. King Jerry, Gen Saturday Emmanuel, Gen Isie Ologbo, Commander Peter Asule (aka Gen Atseluwa, Warri-South), and Commander Mike Edesemi (aka Gen Blackman).
The group insisted that INEC and its chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega must be “genuinely” independent and allowed to conduct the elections without intimidations either from the federal government or the Nigeria Army.
Dissociating themselves from pronouncements from some groups in the region that war would break out if any particular candidate loses, the group stated “We assure and promise that the Niger Delta will be peaceful and accept the result of transparent, credible, free, and fair elections that will occur on March 28 and April 11″.
They condemned “statements or plans that convey the Niger Delta as being undemocratic or supporting one particular candidate exclusively”, noting that indigenes of the region could freely express their rights to associate with any party or candidate of their choice.
Warning that deploying the army or intimidate/harrass indigenes of the region “prior to, during and after the elections” would be resisted and might lead to a breakdown of law and order”, the ex-militants insisted “We individually and collectively on behalf of our communities and people solemnly sign this declaration and also put the country on notice that these demands are the only conditions for peace in the Niger Delta”.
