Ex-Militants Flay John Togo …Over Renewed Militancy

Members of batch 11 of ex-militants on transformation training on non-violence in the post amnesty camp, have condemned John Togo, a pardoned Niger Delta militant, for going back to militancy.

The repentant militants in an interview with newsmen during their passing out ceremony at the post Amnesty Training Camp in Obubra, Cross River State, advised Togo to drop his arms and embrace the amnesty programme once more.

One of the trainees, Mr Sango Anthony, formerly of Deadly Underdog Camp, Delta State, said he disapproved John Togo’s decision to go back to militancy after embracing the Federal Government’s amnesty programme.

He also said that it would be hard for John Togo to succeed in recruiting other ex-militants trained at Obubra Camp for his selfish and wicked schemes.

His colleague, Mr Emmanuel Amazen of Tompolo Camp, expressed happiness with the progress of the Federal Government’s amnesty programme, but said that the Federal Government should fulfill all its promises especially in the areas of roads, education, health, water, electricity and others.

He also condemned John Togo for harbouring militant tendencies after being pardoned by government.

“As for John Togo, I blame him for killing soldiers. The aspect of carrying arms against security officers, that is what I blame him for. “If he fought for what he wants in a legal way, I should have said he is doing the right thing.

“There are documents. If he brought these documents and took the Government to court, then something can come out of it. Not carrying guns against people.

Another trainee, Mr Jacob Patrick, Bonigawei Camp, Delta State, also appealed to the Federal Government to fulfill its promises following their decision to embrace the amnesty programme.

He also spoke against Togo’s decision to continue to embrace violence.

On his part, Mr Allen Onyema, the Chairman, Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN) also lauded the ex-militants’ resolve to reprimand John Togo and his militancy.

“The ex-militants have condemned John Togo’s act. He does not have what it takes to recruit them. They know better than he does. “If he continues with what he is doing, he is only digging his own hole. John Togo cannot fight the Federal Government of Nigeria. He is not fighting the Niger Delta cause.

“He is fighting alone. My appeal to him is to come out. This is not the time for violence. We still believe he can be used for better things in the country.

Onyema advised the Federal Government to create employment opportunities for the youths so that they do not go back.

“At the same time, government should be able to consolidate their transformation by doing what they are supposed to do,” he said.

Pix:

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi unveiling the Rivers Brand, at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.