Well, finally the solution to all the problems in the Niger Delta is in view. MEND has congratulated actor George Clooney on his appointment by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and invited him to Nigeria. The following is the text of the invitation by MEND spokesman Jomo Gbomo:
Subject: Open Letter to Actor George Clooney - UN Messenger of Peace
January 19, 2008.
Dear Mr Clooney,
Allow me begin by congratulating you on being chosen as the UN’s Messenger of Peace based on your selfless and tireless efforts in focusing world attention to crucial international, political and social issues such as the Darfur region of Sudan.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is a well armed insurgent group established to right the injustice and neglect inflicted on the people of the Niger Delta region from over five decades of oil exploration and exploitation.
MEND wishes to draw your attention to the unrest in this oil rich region of Nigeria which is gradually building up to a crisis that will make Darfur an adjective for child’s play.
We suggest that the UN should take a proactive step to nip the Niger Delta unrest in the bud before it is too late. Your role as a Messenger of Peace makes it imperative to consider the Niger Delta as a potential time bomb waiting to explode for which urgent steps must be taken.
Both sides of the conflict are building up arms for an imminent battle which can only be prevented with the intervention of well meaning and credible peace makers like you.
The way forward is the unconditional release of Henry Okah, a youth leader and peace activist who is currently being held on trumped up charges in Angola. His health has deteriorated from a chest infection and we demand a visit by the International Red Cross or a UN representative to ascertain his health status and enforce his fundamental human rights.
Mr Clooney, MEND extends an invitation to you to see things for yourself and is willing to work with you and other credible peace makers of international repute to stop Nigeria from plunging into the abyss of war.
May God guide and bless you,
Jomo Gbomo
I'm not quite sure how this fits in with their telling all expatriates to leave the Delta and shooting down civil helicopters. What if he arrives here in a civil helicopter?