Ex-Niger Delta militants request extension of amnesty programme

File photo - militants
 
Former Niger Delta militant leaders have requested the Federal Government to extend the terminal date of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in the region to 2019.

The ex-militants, under the aegis of Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative, made the request at a news conference in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, on Tuesday.

The National President, LPCDI, ‘General’ Reuben Wilson, a.k.a Pastor Reuben, contended that the extension of the programme would provide an ample time for the beneficiaries of the programme studying abroad to conclude their various educational activities.


He also said such gesture would make time for those who had yet to undergo their various skills acquisition trainings to commence and conclude before the expiration of the programme.

He equally appealed to those he described as “greedy and selfish politicians” to allow the Chairman of PAP, Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh (retd.), a breathing space to continue with the good and selfless work he is doing as amnesty boss.

Wilson said, “We would like to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for extending the Amnesty programme to 2017. We are also appealing to the Federal Government that the terminal date be extended to 2019 to give enough time for the beneficiaries of the programme studying abroad to conclude their various educational programmes.

“This will also make time for those who have yet to undergo their various skills acquisition to commence and conclude same before the expiration of the programme.”

He also begged Buhari to extend an olive branch to some of their brothers who were still in the creeks and were willing to embrace the programme.