MEND Cracks: Faction Fire Henry Okah

L-R. PRESIDENT YAR'ADUA AND HENRY OKAH.

Lagos (THEWILL) – A faction of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) loyal to Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) wednesday, suspended one of its leaders, Henry Okah and removed spokesperson, Gbomo Jomo at a meeting in the creeks of Delta State.

The meeting, which was convened by John Togo, had over 30 former MEND leaders including John Isiaye, Alex Preye and Ezekiel Akpasibe-Owei. They said they were against the post-amnesty negotiations between the Nigerian Government and the “Aaron Team” appointed by Henry Okah. 

The former fighters in a statement issued after the meeting expressed their anger at Okah for not consulting with them before nominating members of the Aaron Team. They urged the Nigerian Government to stop negotiations with the Wole Soyinka led team in order to guarantee calm and peace in the region.

Reports say the Nigerian Government is uneasy over the current divide in the body of fighters, as it fears it may jeopardize the amnesty programme.

MEND currently has two main factions; The Dagogo group, which is loyal to Henry Okah and the Togo group whose loyalty, is to Tompolo.

Henry Okah has not officially reacted to his suspension.