Date Published: 12/01/09

Niger Delta Militias split over Yar'Adua

THE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), all rebel groups in the oil and gas region of Nigeria, have sharply disagreed over the alleged pressure on Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan to resign his position as a ploy to prevent him from succeeding President Umaru Yar'Adua.

With the president's failing health, Jonathan stands the chance of succeeding him in the event of any unforeseen circumstances. It is, however, being claimed that the North is not comfortable with that.

While the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied any pressure on Jonathan to quit, the JRC has warned the vice president  against resigning.

''The resignation of Vice President Jonathan may lead to grave anarchy and possible secession of the Ijaw and Niger Delta territory from the Nigerian state. We wish to remind all men of goodwill that our decision to increase progressive engagement with the Nigerian state is much strengthened by the sincere involvement of Vice President Jonathan'', JRC Spokesperson, Cynthia Whyte, said in a statement.

According to them, ''we therefore condemn any attempt to undermine him or question his ability and capacity for service to his President Yar’Adua. For too long, dubious northern cabals have continued to exploit the ignorance of Southern politics to sow divisions and create anarchy. That time is over.''

In a sharp reaction, MEND disagreed with the JRC claiming that the group exists only in cyberspace, adding, ''there is no collaboration of any sort with this imaginary group as claimed in their misleading statement''

JRC has always claimed that they are in alliance with MEND, the Reformed Niger Delta Volunteer Force, and other militia groups..

MEND Spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, said  ''we are apolitical and will continue to remain focused on the fight for land ownership and resource control for the impoverished people of the Niger Delta. We will neither act in haste nor be drawn into political speculation''.