Ex-N’Delta Agitators Seek Amnesty Extension …Over 11,768 Yet To Be Empowered

Former Niger Delta militant leaders have called on the Federal Government to extend the terminal date of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in the region to 2019.
The ex-militants, under the aegis of Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI), made the request at a news conference in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, yesterday.
The National President, LPCDI, ‘General Reuben Wilson, a.k.a Pastor Reuben, argued that the extension of the programme would provide an ample time for the beneficiaries of the programme studying abroad to conclude their various educational activities.
He also said such gesture would make time for those who had yet to undergo their various skills acquisition trainings to commence and conclude before the expiration of the programme.
Wilson equally appealed to those he described as “greedy and selfish politicians” to allow the Coordinator of PAP, Brig-Gen Paul Boroh (rtd), a breathing space to continue with the good and selfless work he is doing as amnesty boss.
The LPCDI president said, “We would like to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for extending the Amnesty programme to 2017. We are also appealing to the Federal Government that the terminal date be extended to 2019 to give enough time for the beneficiaries of the programme studying abroad to conclude their various educational programmes.
“This will also make time for those who have yet to undergo their various skills acquisition to commence and conclude same before the expiration of the programme.”
He also appealed to the president to extend an olive branch to some of their brothers who were still in the creeks and were willing to embrace the programme.
Last week, the Presidential Amnesty Office said that it was yet to empower over 11,768 ex-militants out of 30,000 granted amnesty by the Federal Government in 2009.