We’re Not In Talks With FG – Avengers

Buhari-MilitantsThe Niger Delta Avengers, the militant group that has claimed responsibility for several attacks on oil and gas facilities in some states of the Niger Delta, yesterday denied reports that it was in talks with the federal government.

The NDA was reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement on Thursday that the government was already negotiating with militant groups in the oil producing states.

The president, however, did not specifically mention Avengers or any other militant group for that matter, participating in the talks.

Mr. Buhari said his government was open to adopting some of the policies put in place by past governments on the amnesty programme as a way of curbing militancy, adding that he understood the plight of the agitators.

“We are studying the instruments. We have to secure the environment, otherwise investment will not come”, he said. “We understand their feelings, we will do our best for the country”.

But in a statement on Friday by its spokesman, Mudoch Agbinibo, and published on its website, the Avengers said it was “not aware of any peace talk” with the government.

Mr. Agbinibo said the current government had not demonstrated any sign of sincerity to indicate that it was ready to engage the militants.

“President Buhari led government is not sincere to the Nigeria people and their foreign allies”, the group said.

The militant group insisted that only a peace talk brokered by the international community would be acceptable to it.

“If we are to engage in any peace talk we made it clear that the international community must be part of it. The President knows our demands. So they should stop deceiving the international oil companies, the general public and the international community”. the group said.

In his reaction, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said the Avengers’ disclaimer was not necessary as Mr. Buhari did not mention specific groups that were in talks with the government.

“The president did not name names”, Mr. Adesina said.