That Renewed Threat By MEND

The recent threat by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) to resume hostilities in the region is one that leaves a sour taste in the mouth. The group last Saturday said it  would start what it code-named Hurricane Exodus to back up its demand for the release of Henry Okah who is jailed in South Africa.
According to MEND, their operations would target the downstream sector of the oil industry. Specifically, they plan to attach explosives to petroleum tankers and warned that every tanker distributing petroleum products may become a potential target.
The Coming of this threat at a time when the country is still contending with the Boko Haram insurgency is most worrisome. It is mis-directed, ill-conceived and condemnable. This is not only one threat too many, but one that will not enjoy the support of anyone.
In as much as democratic practice allows groups to peacefully air their views on issues affecting them, the use of violence to determine same is very objectionable. This cannot happen when the amnesty offered militant groups in the Niger Delta by the Yar’Adua administration in 2009 is also being enjoyed by members of MEND.
This is why this recent threat by MEND to target petroleum tankers must be viewed dispassionately. For one, the devastating effect such attack might have on citizens and the economy as a whole would be huge and un-warranted.
The Tide believes that MEND, being an organisation of well- educated young men cannot be oblivious of the proper line of action to pursue. Besides, MEND must recognise that adherence to a strategy that is a perfect recipe for chaos and a total negation of rules and laws in the pursuit of its objectives would rob it of whatever sympathy it had enjoyed in the Niger Delta and beyond.
As such, being a group that professes to fight against the indignities visited upon the Niger Delta region and its people, MEND ought to draw a line between the immediate and narrow interest of its members and the sacred concerns of the Niger Delta people. We expect the group to liaise with the leaders of the region for a purposeful and focused action to draw the desired attention to the area and not to worsen things for everyone.
More so, now that a son of the Niger Delta is the number one citizen of the country, MEND ought to be more circumspect in carrying out its activities so that they do not become the very ones that destroy the opportunity God had given the region to correct the socio-political imbalance in Nigeria over the years. They cannot afford to shoot themselves in the foot.
While the country’s security agencies may have been placed on alert following their threat, it is our hope that the group would retrace its steps and give peace a chance. In fact, they must show that they know how to function in a better society, such as they appear to crave.
We recall that not too long ago when MEND acceded to the request of leaders of the Niger Delta not to attack Muslims and Mosques in the region, following the Boko Haram uprising, the honour and goodwill they drew from the Nigerian populace was unprecedented and has continued to draw commendation.
More than that, their obedience gave to the leadership of the Niger Delta and Christendom the power never thought possible. Because of that, Nigeria now takes the words of the Niger Delta leadership serious, as they can actually command the forces of the region. This is what MEND can do for the region and for the better future everyone craves.