Briefing journalists yesterday in Abuja, the group noted that the programme was yet to actualise the purpose for which it was established and that ending it prematurely would be as bad as not starting it in the first place. “This is because the healing process of any disease condition is gradual, especially where the wounds are deep and severe, as that of the Niger Delta region,” it added. While acknowledging government’s huge investment in the programme, Preye noted that 20,000 ex-militants have gone through the first phase of disarmament and were at different stages of second phase of rehabilitation. The group, however, urged the National Assembly to expedite action and pass the bill establishing the Presidential Amnesty Programme into law for proper rehabilitation and reintegration of the ex-militants.It demanded increased absorption of graduates of the programme into the oil and gas industry at higher levels of engagement because it was their right. It also raised concerns over the slow pace of work in the Ogoni cleanup project and charged government to prevail on the contractors to speed up the process.

Source: The Guardian January 24, 2018 03:22 UTC