The Niger Delta Renaissance (NDE), a group of progressive youths and stakeholders in the struggle for the emancipation of the Niger Delta has dissociated itself from what it described as “the purported endorsement of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).”
A statement on Wednesday Wari Ogori , the group’s coordinator said “We emphatically state that the misguided statement issued by MEND in support of Buhari contradicts the aims and objectives the group stood for.
“We believe that very soon those behind that move to embarrass the entire Niger Delta region will realise their mistakes and retrace their steps to unite with their kith and kin that are totally in support of the re-election of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
“Having critically examined the visible developmental strides of the Jonathan administration, the NDE is convinced that in order to ensure a viable and progressive leadership in Nigeria, there is the need for continuity of the present administration to sustain the gains and the dividends of democracy achieved so far.
Ogori said “The President Jonathan-led government has given unprecedented facelift to various sectors of the country. This nation has witnessed vigorous and pragmatic implementation of government policies, construction of critical infrastructure in roads, railways, airports, power plants and other projects that have enhanced our economic growth.
“It has also embarked on an agricultural revolution as a means of diversifying our economy from the dependence on oil. The YOUWIN programme, SURE-P and the Amnesty Programme have collectively created jobs and empowered young Nigerians with skills to make them self-reliant,” the Coordinator, Wari Ogori stated.
The group however tasked the Federal Government to urgently review the justice system in the country to ensure regular decongestion of prisons.
It also called for speedy trial and amnesty for detainees that have committed minor offences.
