By Sadiq Umar – The Ex-militants under the umbrella of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have pledged to protect the sovereignty of the country and expose anyone found to be vandalizing oil and gas installations within their communities.
The former militants said the renewed commitment was necessary because of the negative effect of pipeline vandalism on the environment and investors.
The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh(Rtd), extracted the commitment at an emergency meeting with the leaders of Ex-Agitators, captured under the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), in Benin City the capital of Edo State, Tuesday.
The Special Adviser, in a statement said, meeting which was aimed at fostering peace and stability in the Niger Delta region, was well attended, and had leaders, State Coordinators and members from all the 9 Niger Delta States.
“It was a huge success, all the leaders present pledged their support for the current administration’s, Agricultural Empowerment Programmes for beneficiaries.
“One of the Leaders, Pastor Ruben Wilson, thanked General Boroh for his unbiased coordination of the Amnesty Programme, stating that under Boroh’s watch the Amnesty Programme has transformed from a political tool, to a well coordinated reintegration platform for the repentant Agitators of the Niger Delta Region.
In his response, General Boroh lauded the Ex-Agitators for their patience and perseverance, promising Federal Government’s commitment to improving the lives of all beneficiaries and youths in the region at large.
The Amnesty Programme has in recent times, focused on training and empowering beneficiaries in Agricultural activities.
Just recently, about 200 Ex Agitators have successfully been trained and Empowered on Enhanced Agriculture at the National Biotechnology Development Center, in Odi, Baylesa State, while some others have been empowered with starter packs, to start their own farms.
