Former President Jonathan Meets Militant Group, MEND

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has paid a visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan at his residence in Yenagoa in Bayelsa.

Naija News reports that the former president was unharmed in an attack on his country home in Otuoke, which many suspected to be an assassination attempt.

A security operative attached to the house was feared dead in the attack by unknown gunmen.

In a statement by MEND spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, the group sympathized with the former President and his family.

MEND, rested militant group, assured that its unilateral ceasefire of May 30, 2015 still stands, adding that it is committed to peace.

The group also called on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to initiate dialogue towards the release of the Okah brothers, Henry and Charles, as well as other individuals currently in prison and detention centres nationwide.

According to MEND, it was willing to work together with Jonathan towards bringing sustainable calm and development to the Niger Delta.

Speaking during the visit, Jonathan stated that violence should not be used as a tool for negotiation.

He emphasized the paramount place of dialogue as key to cross-cultural understanding and global peace and security.