Niger Delta: Government Announces Second Phase Of Amnesty
Ngozi Anibogu, Abuja
The
Nigerian government has announced new a development package for
the Niger Delta region of the country as it begins the second
phase of its amnesty programme for repentant militants in the
region.
The
Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe said
while briefing foreign missions in Nigeria and the media, on the
Amnesty Programme in Abuja, that the second phase would involve
the rehabilitation and re-integration of the leaders of the
various militant groups as well as former militants, into the
society as peace loving citizens.
The
Minister said two rehabilitation centres have been established,
at Agbaro in Delta State and Aluu in Rivers State with a
capacity for 2,000 former militants.
He
also said that a monthly stipend of N6, 500 would be paid to
each ex-militant.
In
the words of the Minister”
this was not a- cash – for arms deal but an incentive for the
sustenance of those who voluntarily lay down their arms and for
their general upkeep”.
Fast track Development
In a related development, The Nigerian government will soon
set-up a Stakeholders’ Joint Committee to fast-track the
development of the Niger Delta region.
The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta matters,
Chief Alaibe said this was part of the last week’s post amnesty
meeting according to him, the meeting also agreed on the need
for the ex-militants to go back and consult widely and bring
back an articulated position on the way forward.
Qasim
/Ahaziah
