BREAKING NEWS: MEND ANNOUNCES A CEASEFIRE IN THE DELTA

In his inaugural speech, President Yar'Adua reached out to MEND and other Niger-Delta militants. He informed the nation, and the world, that the Delta crisis was one that needed to be solved immediately and called for a ceasefire.

MEND in turn responded that it was willing to participate in a ceasefire but only if certain expectations were met. This news caused ripples all over the world and the price of oil lessened, though briefly, due to optimism that some resolution was forthcoming.

Well, we must all give Yar'Adua a big pat on the back because MEND just announced a ceasefire. MEND will give the new administration one month to develop a peace plan. The militant group said it hoped Yar'Adua would "ruminate on positive and realistic measures towards a just peace in the Delta". And in a showing of good faith, MEND released a group of Chevron workers that were originally kidnapped on May 1st. It said, their release showed "a preparedness to dialogue with a willing government."

Yar'Adua has taken the first step in addressing the crisis that is the Niger Delta. Additionally, it is extremely positive that MEND referred to his government as being "willing". Let us all hope and pray that this is a sign of good things to come and that communication and cooperation will be the hallmarks of this administration and Nigeria as a whole. Such qualities will definitely move our country forward.