A coalition of Niger Delta Agitators (CNDA) has given northerners residing in the oil-rich Niger Delta October 1, 2017 deadline to leave the region or face the consequences.
This threat comes few days after the coalition handed down an ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding return of oil blocks owned by northerners to the region.
The exit notice is also in response to the three months quit notice given to the Igbos resident in the North by a coalition of northern youth groups.
In a joint statement by the coalition, the coalition group accused security agencies of complacency, adding that it is prepared to declare Sovereign Republic of Niger Delta on October 1.
The statement read in part: ”All northerners living in Niger Delta has been given three months notice to quit the Niger Delta before October 1, 2017.
”We still stand by our previous decisions, and we demand immediate return of oil blocks owned by northerners back to the Niger Delta people.
”All oil and gas companies operating in oil block(s)/well(s) illegally owned by northerners should also vacate such oil blocks/wells/plat-forms before October 1, 2017.
”We demand immediate relocation of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) headquarters to Niger Delta and replacement of the Group Managing Director with an indigene of Niger Delta region.
”All offices/boards/agencies that have anything to do with oil and gas should be relocated immediately to Niger Delta region and all non-Niger Delta directors/staff replaced with Niger Delta indigenes.
”We are not surprised by the actions of the Inspector General of Police, Department of State Service and even the army, as they were all consulted and aware of the threat by northern youths before it was issued, that is why they are incapable of making any arrest.
”We are prepared to declare the Sovereign Republic of Niger Delta on October 1, 2017, the day of freedom is near. We, therefore, call on our compatriots to remain focused, united and steadfast as the battle is going to be brief, but fierce.”
The coalition is made up of nine groups: Niger Delta Warriors, Niger Delta Volunteers (NDV), Niger Delta Watchdogs (NDW), Niger Delta Peoples Fighters (NDPF), Bakassi Freedom Fighters (BFF), Niger Delta Movement for Justice (NDMJ), Niger Delta Fighters Network (NDFN), Niger Delta Freedom Mandate (NDFM) and Niger Delta Development Network (NDDN).
Spokespersons of the groups are: General John Duku (NDW) and convener, CNDA, General Ekpo Ekpo (NDV), General Osarolor Nedam (NDW), Major General Henry Okon Etete (NDPF), Major General Asukwo Henshaw (BFF), Major General Ibinabo Horsfall (NDMJ), Major General Duke Emmanson (NDFN), Major General Inibeghe Adams (Niger NDFM) and Major General Ibinabo Tariah (NDDN).
