During the period of the temporary ceasefire, MEND said it expects the government to withdraw the military men under the Joint Task Force (JTF) presently occupying the Gbaramatu community in Delta State.

MEND’s ceasefire and conditions for holding dialogue with the Federal Government were spelt out in an e-mail message by the spokesperson of the group, Jomo Gbomo, who also confirmed to P.M.News this morning his men’s stand.

After the withdrawal of the JTF military men from Gbaramatu community, MEND insists that the displaced people of the town must be allowed to return to their community, as a prelude to engage the government in any meaningful dialogue.

According to the militants’ spokesman, many reasons were responsible for their resolution to embark on the 60-day temporary ceasefire, the most important one was the release of their leader, Henry Okah and the dropping of the trump up charges levelled against him.

“During this period (of ceasefire), an Aaron team of wise men and women will be put together after consultation with several stakeholders. They will speak on our behalf and present our demands to the government.

“A compulsory prelude to talk is the immediate withdrawal of the Joint Task Force military men from Gbaramatu community in Delta State and the return of the displaced people to their homes.

“Hopefully, the period of the 60-day temporary ceasefire will provide an enabling environment for a reasonable dialogue with the government,” the group said.

However, MEND leader, Henry Okah, has said that his release will not bring the much-needed peace to the troubled Niger Delta region except an urgent attempt is made by the government to address the main issues that led to the crisis in the area.