FG, EX-AGITATORS PARTNER FOR PEACE IN NIGER DELTA

FG, EX-AGITATORS PARTNER FOR PEACE IN NIGER DELTA

Punch - Ahead of the 2019 general elections, leaders of the ex-agitators in the Niger Delta region have assured the Federal Government of their support to promote peace in the area.

However, they urged the Federal Government to address the issue of omissions in the implementation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme as an ingredient for sustainable peace in the country.

Key leaders of various camps of the ex-agitators in the region made the call at a meeting in Lagos with the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Prof. Charles Dokubo.

A statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr. Murphy Ganagana, stated that Chief Bibopre Ajube, aka General Shoot-at-Sight; Victor Ben, alias Boyloaf; and HRH Ateke Tom, were among those who attended the meeting.

Representatives of other leaders of ex-agitators in the Niger Delta, including Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, were also said to have attended the meeting.

Ajube was quoted as saying that the leaders of ex-agitators would promote peace and security in their respective zones if the Federal Government provided for their welfare.

He stated, “If you want peace, we have got something wrong and this needs to be corrected. There are some things that we need to present to the Federal Government.

“We are ready to support this government; we are ready to make peace in our kingdoms. But how can we keep the peace when you do not make provisions for leaders of the ex-agitators,” Ajube said.

“We are going to support you (Dokubo); and by your appointment, the Federal Government is expecting all the Niger Delta people to come together and support it. That is what they expect from you and we are going to give you the support. Anything concerning your office, we will follow you,” he added.

In his remarks, Ateke Tom commended President Muhammadu Buhari and Dokubo for creating a special unit in the amnesty programme for their welfare.  He was represented by Richard Akinaka.

He said, “There is a need for us to have unity of purpose; nobody has the monopoly of knowledge and the responsibility on me is enormous. By interfacing with you, we can move the region forward. We have to design how to move forward.

“We must work in concert; we must work together to pursue a clear vision. I was appointed by the government and we must work together. Your assistance is very important to me.” he said.