The Joint Task Force (JTF) yesterday 2.00 pm 17th Wednesday 2010 has launched another fresh attack on one of our bases in Delta State in a commando like manner in about fourteen (14)gun boats with an attempt to destroy the barrack. The encounter, although an impromptu one, but we were able to repel them in a shootout that lasted for over six  hours. There

are about four NDLF soldiers that sustained injury and to the best our knowledge,  JTF had more number of casualties than us. We are not running and nobody, even JTF soldiers too can stop us from doing what we are about to do. The JTF soldiers ran when they could not stand our fire power. We are coming to the barracks to meet them anywhere.

We want to categorically say that our declaration of oil war is not about security personnel and at the same time not to discredit President Goodluck Jonathan. But there is the fact that with the presidency (sic) as an Ijaw man or Niger Deltan, it will not abate violence in Niger Delta, when the grey areas of post-amnesty have not been addressed fully in a round table with the fighters of Niger Delta Struggle.

What the Joint task force (JTF) is doing is going to receive a reprisal action from us and the multinationals in Niger Delta region shall have themselves to be blamed.  The Joint task force has said that we are criminals’ and not militants. For the record, we are neither criminals nor militants, but simply put, we are civil agitators or freedom fighters, resisting internal colonialism and slavery by the Nigerian government. 

It is also on record that former President Umaro Musa Yar’dua gave an ultimatum 4th October 2009, for peace in Niger Delta and we accepted for reasons best known to us. You don’t force people to accept peace without dialogue. Nigerian government since last year has not dialogued with the real freedom fighters. What the federal government is doing is by lobbying some handful of disgruntled elements with money and oil contracts. Let us see whether that is the type of amnesty  President Yar’dua dreamed for Niger Delta and Nigeria?

We will wreck the economy of this nation in only two weeks. President Goodluck Jonathan should not shy away from the fact that his being there was as a result of our struggle. He should not deceive the international communities that presidency from the Niger Delta region is the solution to the region’s problem without addressing the fundamental problems over 50 years( sic) neglect marginalization.

Thank you and Godbless

Signed

Capt. Mark Anthony, Spokesman NDLF