Rebels promise attacks

Niger Delta, Nigeria

Militants in Nigeria’s oil-rich delta region said they would blow up pipelines ahead of the inauguration of a new president at the end of this month. Umaru Yar’Adua was elected successor to Olusegun Obasanjo last month in an election international observers said was rigged. “We are trying to send a warning to the incoming administration to chart a different course from that taken by Obasanjo,” militant spokesman Jomo Gbomo said. “We want them to realize the futility of military means as a solution to the unrest in the delta, exposing at the same time the helplessness of the Obasanjo government.” Through bombings and kidnappings, delta militants have been agitating for years for a greater share of the oil wealth their region generates. Yar’Adua has said calming the delta is a top priority, and he has already appointed Vice President–elect Goodluck Jonathan to look at the issue.

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