President Umaru Yar’Adua yesterday met in camera with Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) leader Henry Okah, ostensibly over the group’s threat to launch fresh attacks.
Sources said the meeting, which was at the President’s instance, is part of the post-amnesty process aimed at finding lasting solutions to the Niger Delta crises.
It was the first meeting between the President and Okah since the militant leader was released from detention in July.
He had left for South Africa after his release for medical treatment. He went back yesterday immediately after the meeting, a source said.
Presidential spokesman Olusegun Adeniyi said the meeting went well. He refused to comment further.
Adeniyi said: "Yes; I am aware that Mr Okah came to the Villa today (yesterday) on the invitation of the President and they held a very fruitful discussion. The Federal Government has agreed to dialogue with every and any person who can help bring lasting peace to the Niger Delta."
On details of the discussion, Adeniyi said: "No; I cannot give you the details, but I know that the President is determined to bring development to the Niger-Delta and I am very positive that it will be done."
A source at the Presidency said the visit was an opportunity for Okah to talk with the President just like other former militant leaders.
Another source said the meeting was held in the President’s residence in the Villa, unlike previous meetings with other former militant leaders.
The source said it took the intervention of Okah’s lawyer Femi Falana for him to attend, after he had insisted on not attending any meeting on the Niger Delta question because of what is described as his suspicion that the government was insincere.
"He had said he could meet with only the President in confidence. So, the media were not there; it was a closed-door meeting," said another source.
On what the President and Okah may have discussed, the source said: "They agreed on continuous dialogue and urgent physical development of the Niger Delta."
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