Okah: FG condemns MEND’s threat

THE Federal Government, on Sunday, called on the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to commit itself to the laws of the country and allow the peace that has reigned through the introduction of amnesty programme to endure.

The Federal Government, in a statement by Mr Labaran Maku, Information Minister, said: “Acts of threats should be condemned. This is not the time to threaten Nigeria but to stand up in unity for it. Let us not talk of creating more problems for Nigeria.”

The call came amid alleged threats by the group to renew attacks and evolve fresh dimensions to it following the conviction of its leader, Henry Okah in South Africa.

In a statement dated January 23, 2013 and signed by one Comrade Azizi, MEND insisted that the conviction of Okah by the South African Supreme Court on all 13-count charge of involvement in the 2010 Independence Day bombing in Abuja which killed many people amounted to a betrayal.

It said Nigerians would feel its impact when it eventually commences attacks which it disclosed will not be restricted to the Niger Delta region.

In the statement, the group said: “We are not on the same programme with regional agitators in the North or elsewhere, we will not hide our faces.

Soon and very soon, Nigerians will get to see the structures (diaspora and home) as well as our new states, regional commanders and new national leader. Arresting and killing Henry Okah will change nothing.”

But reacting to the threat, the Federal Government through the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku insisted that Mr. Okah was tried in South Africa under due process of the law of the country.

He said it was very shocking that any Nigerian or group would take up arms against Nigeria on account of that conviction.

The minister said on the contrary, expectation was that all citizens should show higher level of patriotism. He argued that, “We should not live in a nation where we should abandon the law.”

Mr Maku noted that citizens should understand that the country offers the best opportunity to live in and urged for support for the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Culled From Tribune