MEND DENIES BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR THREAT AGAINST NIGERIA

The spokesman for Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Jomo Gbomo,  released a statement yesterday asking Nigerians to disregard the recent threat by a  self-acclaimed leader of the group, Comrade Azizi, to unleash  mayhem in Nigeria following the jailing of Henry Okah by a South African court for terrorism. Read Jomo Gbomo's statement below;

"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 sympathizer 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," Gbom