Niger Delta Avengers: Prof. Wole Soyinka Denies Negotiator Role

Prof. Wole Soyinka on Monday via a statement he sent to Sahara Reporters denies an earlier release made by the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers that he would be leading as negotiator with the Federal Government on behalf of the group.

Soyinka who reiterates the need for national restructuring as a way of solving the Niger Delta issue said he never agreed to such role as stated by the militant group which said in a statement about a week ago that they would only recognize Prof. Wole Soyinka as negotiator instead of other negotiating delegation led by a traditional ruler named Alfred Diete Spiff.

Soyinka however stated in his statement, "I wish to make it abundantly clear that I have never at any time agreed to such mission. My role in this affair has been restricted to advising this movement on holistic approaches to a rational resolution. I have no intention of extending that role."

Niger Delta Avengers agreed to dialogue with the Federal Government led by Mohammadu Buhari but complained about the way the Buhari's administration is handling the issue. This led to another attack on another crude export pipeline in Rivers state last Friday as a warning to the Federal Government.