FEDERAL GOVERNEMNT GRANTS AMENSTY TO MILITANTS
“Today, the 25th day of June 2009, the Federal Government takes another decisive step in our avowed commitment to bringing enduring peace, security, stability and development to our nation’s Niger Delta.
“From inception, our administration has demonstrated unwavering commitment to evolving a holistic solution to the problems of the Niger Delta: securing the region for growth and development, while also effectively tackling the criminal dimension to the problem.
“We do recognise that the provision of the necessary infrastructure for the sorely needed socio-economic development of the area is dependent on an enduring atmosphere of peace and security.
“Constructive and frank engagements with all the stakeholders have defined our approach in the past two years. In line with the requisite priority which our seven-point agenda accords to the issue, and in furtherance of our determination to decisively deal with all the ramifications of the crisis, a Presidential Panel on Amnesty and Disarmament of Militants in the Niger Delta was set up on the 5th of May 2009.
“With the Federal Government’s acceptance of the recommendations of the presidential panel setting out the terms, procedures and processes of the grant of an amnesty to Niger Delta militants, the National Council of State was today duly consulted.
“The offer of amnesty is predicated on the willingness and readiness of the militants to give up all illegal arms in their possession, completely renounce militancy in all its ramifications unconditionally, and depose to an undertaking to this effect. It is my fervent hope that all militants in the Niger Delta will take advantage of this amnesty and come out to join in the quest for the transformation of our dear nation. The offer of amnesty is open to all militants for a period of sixty days.
“Fellow Nigerians, our twin-challenge of democratic consolidation and economic regeneration calls for unbridled patriotism and single-minded, people-focused, results-oriented, resolute and courageous leadership at all levels. We cannot afford to fail. Let us use today’s (yesterday) proclamation of amnesty to herald a new beginning for our fatherland.
“As I append my signature to the proclamation, I pray that Almighty God continues to bless our dear country, Nigeria.”
Tags: Niger Delta
