It was gathered that the ex-fighters have rescinded the decision to oppose the second term bid of the president on the account of his failure to develop the Niger Delta. To this end, the ex-militants, who met in Lagos on Sunday, deliberately avoided the discussion on the re-election of President Jonathan, a development that was contrary to their earlier threat to take a definite stance on the issue at the forum. It will be recalled that the ex-fighters, who accused Jonathan of poor performance had conveyed Sunday’s meeting at the Festac Town, Lagos residence of a prominent member, Chief Ateke Tom.
The meeting was held under the aegis of Izon Ikemi, a grassroots group to challenge a similar group established by another exmilitant leader, Chief Government Ekpemukpolo, alias Tompolo, called Oporoza House.
The Izon Ikemi has a Niger Delta activist, Mr. Tony Uranta, as interim leader. But findings by our correspondent, however, showed that the ex-militant leaders kept mute over the main agenda of the meeting, which dragged into the early hours of yesterday. It was gathered that the forum merely discussed the poor state of the East/ West Road and that the Minister of Niger Delta, Mr. Godsday Orubebe, should be held responsible.
The forum also discussed the 13 per cent derivation fund and asked that the money should be channeled directly to the oil and gas community for better administration. They accused the governors of the region of misappropriating the fund.
