One of the influential voices in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria has appealed to militants to desist from their proposed secessionist cause.
Edwin Clark
Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Kaigbodo Clark has appealed to the Niger Delta militants to withdraw from declaring 'Niger Delta republic' on October 1st.
Clark, in a recent interview, urged the militants to also desist from blowing up pipeline installations in the region. He said that PANDEF was satisfied with the Federal government, adding that it meant well for the region. In his words;
“Rome was not built in a day; the Acting President was honest, straightforward and forthright in his discussion with us and I do not see the need for war.”
He warned that any militant group that re-ignites hostilities was on its own and will not have the support of the Niger Delta people.
He also denied that the group gave the FG a November 1 ultimatum, explaining that it only urged it to set up a dialogue team to discuss with PANDEF, or the body would pull out of further meetings with it.
Clark's statements are coming after Friday's meeting with the Federal government over promises made to develop the region.