Key leaders of various camps of ex-agitators in the Niger Delta have pledged to work with the federal government towards deepening peace and stability in the oil-rich region for hitch- free elections in 2018 and beyond.
The leaders including Chief Bibopre Ajube, aka General Shoot-at-Sight; Victor Ben, alias Boyloaf and HRH Ateke Tom, among others, expressed the support yesterday in Lagos at a meeting with the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Prof. Charles Dokubo.
Representatives of other frontline leaders of ex-agitators in the Niger Delta including Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, attended the meeting.
Special Assistant (Media) to Dokubo, Murphy Ganagana, in a statement yesterday pointed out the leaders noted some fundamental omissions by the federal government in the implementation of the Amnesty Programme but resolved to ensure sustainable peace in the region.
“If you want peace, we’ve got something wrong and this need to be corrected. There are some things that we need to present to the federal government.
“We are ready to support this government; we are ready to make peace in our kingdoms. But how can we keep the peace when you don’t make provisions for leaders of the ex-agitators?” Ajube said.
He however gave assurance leaders of ex-agitators would effectively reside and take responsibility for peace and security in their communities if the federal government provides for their welfare.
Richard Akinaka who represented Ateke Tom, said the people of Rivers State, particularly the Okrika ethnic group identifies with Dokubo’s vision and realign with the Amnesty Programme to its original mandate through commendable initiatives.
Also speaking at the meeting, another top-ranking leader of ex-agitators, Victor Ben, emphasized on the need for peace in the Niger Delta for the region to develop.
Dokubo harped on the need for sustainable peace in the Niger Delta and the nation.
“There is need for us to have unity of purpose; nobody has monopoly of knowledge and the responsibility on me is enormous.
“By interfacing with you, we can move the region forward. We have to design how to move forward; we must work in concert, we must work together to pursue a clear vision.”
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