By Emma Amaize
WARRI — NIGER Delta Security Watch Organisation, NDSWO and Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDI, said yesterday, that there was nothing to settle between the Pan-Niger Delta Consultative Forum steered in the interim by Chief Edwin Clark and Minister of Transportation,  Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, who is leading a factional group.

They stated this in separate statements in Warri, Delta State.

Leader of NDSWO, Dickson Bekederemo, said: “From the very moment dialogue was mooted as a means of resolving the Niger Delta question, we made it abundantly clear that politicians must not be incorporated into the dialogue team and that the composition of the team must be tested individuals from various ethnic groups in the Niger Delta.

“Amaechi, who is an All Progressives Congress, APC, member does not fall within the ambit of persons without party interests.  Besides,  Amaechi  has been adopted by the Arewa Consultative Forum as one of their own for trading out his own region, the Niger Delta region, for the benefit of the Northern region. Amaechi, therefore, cannot represent the region in any capacity. He is a Northerner residing in the Niger Delta region.

“To this end, Amaechi who is an adopted son of Arewa, does not have the locus standi  to talk about peace, security and development in the Niger Delta.

“The interest Amaechi has to serve is the interest of the North. We, therefore, do not see the need for reconciliation. When MEND accepted amnesty, those that made it possible were not serving ministers. What  is required is the will power and sincerity of purpose on the side of Mr President to dialogue and resolve the age-long issues.”

On his part, IPDI leader, Austin Ozobo, said: “We are surprised. What is the necessity of Amaechi/Clark group relationship.

“It is self-serving for anybody to think of reconciliation for the duo. What is the proof of Amaechi’s repentance? Has he reversed   his cancellation order of Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko?

“We see no necessity  for such talks. Amaechi, who joined enemies to force former President Goodluck Jonathan out of office is not qualified to speak for Niger Delta.”