Concerned ex-militant leaders, in a letter to President Buhari have revealed the deplorable condition of amnesty beneficiaries in Europe, the Americas, and South Africa without response.
In a letter sent yesterday to President Muhammad Buhari by a number of ex-militant leaders from the 9 States of the Niger Delta region reveal threats to the existing peace accord by some aggrieved youths and beneficiaries of the amnesty deal over the delay by the federal government to pay allowances and tuition fees.
The ex-militant leaders, led by Pastor Reuben Wilson, a.k.a General Pastor, in Bayelsa State, said that a series of complaints have been sent to President Buhari about the deplorable condition of amnesty beneficiaries in Europe, the Americas, and South Africa without response. They also reported that the delay in payment is causing dangerous disenchantment among the ex-militant youths.
In the letter which was made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, the ex-militant leaders said they wished to alert the president of the urgent need to address the issues within the Amnesty Programme office. Their letter described the youths' plight as a "nightmare," with "hunger and deprivation."
They mentioned that they were mindful of delays due to the transition of governments, but stated, "Your Excellency, you would agree with me that the delegates and students have... demonstrated the highest form of patience and decorum. However, as it stands now, their patience can no longer be outstretched beyond its present level."
“Your Excellency, you will recall that this programme had within the last few years brought relative stability to our region and by extension this country.
"This we owe to the late President Yar’Adua who in his wisdom proclaimed Amnesty for ex-agitators and drew a plan of action towards ensuring lasting peace in the region through various training programmes", the statement concluded.