Netherlands Backs Amnesty Programme

The Republic of Netherlands says she is interested in the progress of the amnesty granted Niger Delta ex-militants last year by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Arie Van Der Weil gave the indication yesterday when he and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Bob Dewars, paid a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi at Government House, Port Harcourt.

Mr. Weil who explained that the amnesty programme was necessary for the development of Nigeria, further hinted that “the government of Netherlands has strong support for the amnesty and will try to share our views on how we can assist in making progress in the amnesty”.

The Netherlands Ambassador said they were in the state to attend some social and cultural events, as well as the opening of an exhibition of artists from Netherlands in Port Harcourt, adding that they would also discuss with companies jointly owned by both governments on ways to work closely with the people of the state.

On his part, the British High Commissioner, Bob Dewars who recalled his last discussions with the Governor on areas of human capacity training, pledged to assist in the economic development of the State and job creation.

He said he had already been briefed by Shell on what they are already doing that would benefit the local communities in Rivers State.

“I think it is very important for the coming period that the communities are able to see the benefits of the oil and gas industry in terms of economic development and social outreach”, he explained.

Responding, Governor Amaechi said his administration was prepared to collaborate with oil companies to ensure that host communities are carried along in oil operations in their area.

The Governor explained that Rivers State is peculiar as an oil-producing community because all the local government areas of the State produce oil, the issues might border on the quantity of oil produced by the various communities.

He intimated the envoys that the state government worked hard to achieve peace in the state, and urged the High Commissioners to’ tell their citizens residing in the state to go about their normal business.