Nigerian Bulletin » Henry Okah

‘Niger Delta militants ’ll take up arms again’ – Daily Trust

Bunmi Awolusi — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:43:33 +0000

Nigeria’s main rebel group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend), is threatening to call off its ceasefire with the government if foreign oil companies do not leave their land.

Henry Okah, the group’s leader, told Al Jazeera’s Yvonne Ndege that the government has not stuck to its part of the deal and that “there will be a resumption of violence very soon”.

Many of the armed groups argue that they are fighting for a greater share of oil revenue to remain in the Niger delta and complain of the pollution caused by the industry.

MEND hails President, Okah parley – The Guardian

Bunmi Awolusi — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:15:39 +0000

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has endorsed the meeting between President Umaru Yar’Adua and one of its leaders, Henry Okah.

The group said it was a welcome development as it could lead to the attainment of genuine and lasting peace and justice in the region.

MEND, which five days ago declared its readiness to resume attacks on oil facilities and the military in the zone, said yesterday it might ask its fighters to stand down from their level of alert to pave way for dialogue with government.

The group said that after the conclusion of its campaign against the Federal Government, it would turn the heat on corrupt governors and other public officials, who impeded development in the region.

Its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, said yesterday that the response by the President’s spokesman, Mr. Segun Adeniyi, indicates that the Federal Government is now open to meaningful dialogue with everyone, including a team of eminent Nigerians nominated by MEND to negotiate on its behalf.

Niger Delta: MEND sings new song – Tribune

Bunmi Awolusi — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:50:55 +0000

One week after reciprocating the release of Henry Okah with a 60-day ceasefire, main militant group in the Niger Delta, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), says the release of its leader, Okah, and the N50 billion amnesty package, are not indicators of a peaceful Niger Delta in the future.

MEND had declared a ceasefire for 60 days following Okah’s release and the discontinuation of his trial by the Federal Government; a development which came after a devastating attack on the Atlas Cove Jetty in Lagos, 20 hours before Okah’s release.

MEND said it carried out the attack, which led to the death of about seven persons, in two speed boats and by 18 well armed fighters. MEND’s spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, in an exclusive online response to an enquiry from our correspondent, however, asserted that only “justice“ will put an end to the crisis in the region.

FG Accepts MEND’s Truce, Rejects Ultimatum – Daily Independent

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:14:26 +0000

Insurgents announced a temporary,, ceasefire on Wednesday to allow for a peaceful negotiation,, with Abuja, now that Henry Okah, leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), has been released from detention.

The Federal Government welcomed the relief that came after two straight days of mayhem in Lagos and deeper in the South, where the MEND hit oil facilities which led to a cut in production of 24,000 barrels per day (pbd) by Agip.

Effective, 0000 hours on Wednesday July 15, 2009 (the MEND) will be observing a temporary ceasefire for a 60-day period,,, its Spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, announced in a statement that also listed the conditions.

Okah too sick to meet Yar’Adua – The Guardian

admin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:25:39 +0000

Contrary to expectations, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and freed leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Mr. Henry Okah, are yet to meet.

According to Mr. Wilson Ajuwa, one of the militant’s lawyers, Okah is resting in Abuja because of his weak state of health.

Ajuwa, however, refused to disclose Okah’s location.

Okah free, may meet Yar’Adua – The Guardian

Bunmi Awolusi — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:19:04 +0000

Another chapter in the Federal Government’s rapprochement with insurgents fighting for resource control and greater autonomy in Nigeria’s oil producing areas was opened yesterday with the discharge of the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Mr. Henry Okah, by the Federal High Court sitting in Jos.

The militants’ leader, dressed in a striped T-shirt on a blue jeans and a pair of canvass to match, immediately saluted the journalists in particular and all Nigerians in general for his freedom.

He is believed to have immediately sought the government’s assistance over his reported failing health, a request the Federal Government is said to have granted. At his request also, a formidable security protection was built around him.

FG, Okah’s Lawyers Meet Over Release – Daily Independent

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:51:28 +0000

An Abuja delegation on Sunday met with lawyers, among them Femi Falana, lead counsel to the detained leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta (MEND), Henry Okah, to prepare ground for his release.

Presidential sources said those at the meeting included a Federal Government team, representatives of the Justice Ministry, and security officers. Falana confirmed the meeting but declined comment.

But it was learnt from other sources that the agenda included modalities for Okah’s release and an out of court settlement of his treason charges at the Federal High Court in Jos.