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Tag: amnesty

  • Buhari seeks N180b virement for wages, Amnesty, NYSC, others

    Buhari seeks N180b virement for wages, Amnesty, NYSC, others

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approached the National Assembly for N180, 839, 254, 430 billion virement from the N500 billion Special Intervention Fund.

    The letter conveying the President’s request, dated October 24, 2016, was read on the floor of the Senate yesterday. It lists some agencies for which the fund is being sought.

    Of the cash, N71.8 billion will go to addressing shortfalls in Public Service Wage Adjustment. The Amnesty Programme will get N35 billion.

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will get N19.7 billion; Foreign Mission (N14.6 billion), Operation Lafiya Dole (N13.9 billion), Internal Operations of Armed Forces (N5.2 billion) and Margin for Increase in Cost  (N2 billion).

    Others include Nigeria Air Force (N12.7 billion), Presidential Initiative for the North East (N1.5 billion), Public Complaint Commission (N1.2 billion), Contingency for Service-Wide Vote (N1.2 billion), Police Academy, Kano, (N9.3 million), Federal Ministry of Education (N900 million), among others.

    Of the N180 billion, N166.6 is expected to be drawn for recurrent expenditure. The remaining N14.2 will be for capital expenditure.

    The President’s letter predicated the request on shortfalls in workers’ salaries, adding that some MDAs presently stand the risk of being locked out of the IPPIS platform as their personnel cost budgets would not cover salaries for the rest of the year.

    It also stated that only N20 billion was budgeted for the Amnesty Programme in 2016 and that the money had already been released, but could not cover the allowances of ex-militants who have not been paid since June.

    This, the President observed, had created a lot of restiveness, compounding the security challenge in the Niger Delta.

    The N19. 7 billion earmarked for the NYSC is meant to mobilise a backlog of 129, 469 corps members for November.

    Explaining the reasons for seeking virement from the Special Intervention Programme, the President’s letter stated: “Most MDAs have substantially advanced work on their 2016 procurement plans, and are awaiting release of funds.

    “The personnel cost and overhead provisions leave no margin for amounts to be vired from them. The only viable provisions from which the required amounts can be vired are those for the Special Intervention Programme, which are not likely to be fully utilised this year as it took some time to work out proper operational modalities for its operation.

    “We are committed to the implementation of the Special Intervention Programme and intend to provide fully for it in the 2017 budget.”

     

  • Privacy of girls should be priority, says Amnesty

    Privacy of girls should be priority, says Amnesty

    The Amnesty International cautioned yesterday that the privacy of the 21 freed Chibok girls should be a priority.

    In a statement, Netsanet Belay, Amnesty International’s Regional Advocacy Director, said:

    “The release of 21 of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls by the armed group Boko Haram is a big relief. However, it is vital now that they receive adequate physical and psychosocial counselling and support so that they can fully reintegrate in their communities. The government should also respect their privacy and ensure that the released girls are reunited with their families and not kept in lengthy detention and security screening which can only add to their suffering and plight.

    “Boko Haram members have executed and tortured thousands of civilians and raped and forced into marriage girls and women. They have been indoctrinated and even forced to fight for Boko Haram.

    The Nigerian authorities must now do more to ensure the safe return of the thousands of women and girls, as well as men and boys abducted by Boko Haram.”

  • Lagos CJ grants freedom to 20 prison inmates

    Lagos CJ grants freedom to 20 prison inmates

    The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade Tuesday granted freedom to 20 inmates of the Ikoyi prison awaiting trial.

    The Chief Judge had visited the prison as part of the activities marking the beginning of the 2016/2017 legal year.

    She said they were released on exercise of powers granted her under the Criminal Justice (Release from Custody), Special Provisions Act, Cap C40 2004 Laws of the Federation.
    Justice Atilade said those granted freed were among  a total of 104 names of inmates whose names were submitted by the Prison Decongestion Committee headed by Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye for consideration, out of which only 20 are worthy.

    She admonished those released from prison custody “to go and sin no more”.

    She reiterated that prison visit is one of the key pillars of her administration to regularly visit the custodial institutions of Lagos State with a view to granting amnesty to eligible and qualified inmates.

    The Chief Judge however lamented the high number of inmates in awaiting trials in prisons.
    She said: “A number of factors have contributed to the large number of awaiting trial inmates. These include ongoing investigations by police, the time lapse between the issuance of the DPP’s advice and filing of the case in court, operational delays such as transportation from prison to court and lack of legal representation.”

    Since her Inauguration as Chief Judge in 2014, Justice Atilade had granted freedom to a total of 265 prisoners. Thirty-seven inmates were released between September 2014 and September 2015 from Ikoyi and Kirikiri prisons while 228 were also released between September 2015 and September 2016.

    The Deputy Comptroller of Prison (DCP), Ikoyi Prison, Ezugwu Julius, lamented the over population of inmates at the Ikoyi Prison.

    ” Ikoyi prison was built in 1955 with a capacity of 800 inmates. However, our open out today stands at 2,358 inmates with awaiting trial persons numbering 2,037 out of which 321 inmates are convicts,” he said.

    He urged the Chief Judge to help stem the tide of awaiting trial person’s phenomenon and ultimately decongest our prisons’ through speedy conclusion of cases in courts.

    The DCP Julius said those granted freedom have been trained in various skills such as soap making, catering, among others, aimed at making them useful to the society following discharge from custody.

  • Amnesty: Benue cracks down on reneging beneficiaries

    Amnesty: Benue cracks down on reneging beneficiaries

    Right from the beginning, Governor Samuel Ortom made it clear that his amnesty programme which was a response to the dire insecurity situation which he met on ground on assumption of office comprised two aspects: the carrot and the stick. He pleaded with those in possession of arms illegally to turn them in and even paid stipends to those who did so.

    The carrot approach which was to last initially for three months was extended for another month following the plea by Mr. Terwase Akwaza, alias Ghana when he turned himself in on the last day of the third month.

    On that day he surrendered 84 assorted weapons and pledged to convince more gangsters to embrace the programme. Subsequently several others also followed suit. At the end of the day over 600 assorted weapons and thousands of ammunition were received even as 900 youths embraced the amnesty programme.

    A retreat was organised for the beneficiaries who were placed on a stipend for three months and their chosen vocations identified. The process of placement also commenced with several beneficiaries who were recruited into the army already passing out from the Nigerian Military Depot, Zaria.

    The prime beneficiary, Mr. Terwase Akwaza, who emerged as leader of the beneficiaries on account of his previous role in the underworld, applied as agent of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service on produce and he was engaged on the understanding that he would provide a canopy for the others.

    The state government also engaged with national and international organisations to fashion out a more comprehensive programme for those involved. The beneficiaries came mostly from the Benue North East senatorial district that had witnessed a lot of criminal activities with attendant loss of lives.

    However, at every point Governor Ortom made it clear to beneficiaries that if they went back to their old ways the second aspect, the stick approach, would be applied on them as well as those who had not embraced the programme.

    Mr. Akwaza, alias Ghana, assured that he would never return to crime as he cherished the freedom offered to him. While Governor Ortom was campaigning Ghana sent messages soliciting freedom if he was elected. After the amnesty programme he organised a thanksgiving service in Gbishe during which he knelt down publicly and begged for forgiveness from all those he offended and pledged never to return to his vomit.

    Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Bishop Peter Adoboh, officiated at the mass which was attended by dignitaries across the state including Governor Ortom. The state also experienced relative peace as a result of the amnesty programme. After a while however, the crime wave started to surge especially kidnappings and armed robbery.

    The late Denen Igbana the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Security led operations to stem the tide with the assistance of the late Pastor, one of the leaders of the beneficiaries of the amnesty programme. The network of the duo successfully unraveled 13 kidnap cases and rescued the victims without payment of ransom. Suddenly Pastor was shot and killed in broad daylight. Security reports indicated that he was assassinated for his role in exposing the kidnap syndicate traced to be loyal to Ghana who had reportedly vowed that he would eliminate both he and the late Igbana.

    The reports were vindicated when the security aide was gunned down in his house in the night. The deceased made a dying declaration that Ghana was one of his killers. The police arrested several suspects including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties and also invited Mr. Akwaza for questioning. When he disclosed that he had been invited Governor Ortom advised him to report to the police and subject himself to investigation adding that if he did not commit the crime he would be exonerated. Mr. Akwaza declined the police invitation.

    Meanwhile, kidnappings, armed robbery, cattle rustling, and assassinations were on the rise. Many traced some of these crimes to him as he retired to his hideout and stronghold in Gbishe but continued to spread his tentacles of crime and recruitment across the state.

    The kidnappers caught and burnt in Gboko as well as the suspected robber gunned down in Ikpayongo were reported to be members of his gang who were on assignment for him. In both cases several automatic weapons as well as hundreds of ammunition were recovered. It was in these circumstances that the State Security Council decided that Ghana be tracked and arrested.

    Before this happened Governor Ortom had called leaders of the Gbishe community and informed them that if their son failed to report to the police the security agencies would go after him. He declared war on the state and was running a parallel underground government.

    The Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Bem Melladu explained the operation in Gbishe, saying, “It has become necessary to inform the general public that a joint security agencies operations commenced around Gbishe and its environs today as they search for Mr Terwase Akwaza, alias Ghana in connection with various criminal activities.

    The action followed the refusal of Mr Akwaza to report to the police to answer charges of murder, kidnappings, and armed robbery. The operation was approved by the State Security Council. Security reports have linked Mr. Akwaza with the assassination of Mr Denen Igbana, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Security, five Civilian Joint Task Force members in Ukum local government area and several killings as well as the kidnap of the Dangote Cement Company Indian workers.

    Governor Ortom had also informed leaders of the Gbishe community that if Mr Akwaza failed to report to the police he would be fished out. The operation is part of the second phase of the Amnesty programme which is the stick approach after the carrot strategy had expired.

    People are advised not to give cover to Mr Akwaza and his gang members but to rather give information about his whereabouts by text or calls to the security agencies through these numbers 08066006475, 07067374913, and 08036363531.”

    The Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Burutai defended the military action in Gbishe.

    General Burutai, who was represented by the Army Chief of Policy and Planning, Lincoln Ogunewe, stated that the operation was aimed at fishing out a beneficiary of the Benue State Amnesty Programme, Akwaza, and to ensure internal security in the country.

    It is to be noted that the security agencies acted strictly according to instructions as they avoided loss and live and focused on their major target whose property was affected.

    People have asked why a similar operation had not been organized against the Fulani invaders.

    Close watchers of security operations in the state may recall that similar operations were used to chase away Fulani militia in Agatu, Tarka, Buruku, Logo, and Ukum local government areas.

    With the development those who used to look at Governor Ortom as a toothless bulldog who barked without biting will have to think twice.

     

  • Reps seek more cash for amnesty

    The House of Representatives yesterday urged militants to embrace peace and stop bombing oil installations in Niger Delta.

     The House also urged the Federal Government to formulate a sustainable plan to end militancy devoid of any confrontational approach.

     The resolutions were sequel to a motion entitled “Need for an improved funding for the Amnesty Programme and a suitable strategic plan to end militancy in the Niger Delta” sponsored by Rep. Ekpenyong Ayi and 30 others.

     Ayi, while moving the motion during plenary session, said former President Umaru Yar’Adua’s introduction of the amnesty programme led to increased oil revenue for the country.

     He expressed worry that N20bn proposed by the Federal Government was inadequate to sustain the payment of N25,000 stipends and other allowances to the ex-agitators.

     “The incessant attacks on oil facilities has led to Nigeria losing its place as Africa’s largest oil producer because it’s oil output had dropped to 1.4 million barrels per day as against the budgetary target of 2.2million barrels.

     “This massive cut from the proposed N55billion of the amnesty office has threatened the sustainability of the amnesty programme.

     “Also, this has led to a resurgence of militancy, as the militants are being owed arrears of stipends which had affected oil production,” the lawmaker said.

    The House urged its leadership to interface with the executive arm of government to make funds available for the short fall. Members adopted the motion through a voice vote.

  • Amnesty to Nigeria: probe killing of unarmed pro-Biafra supporters

    Amnesty International (AI) yesterday asked the Federal Government to probe the army for allegedly gunning down unarmed people ahead of last month’s planned pro-Biafran commemoration events in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    The rights group said in a report that evidence it gathered from eyewitnesses, morgues and hospitals confirmed that between May 29 and 30, 2016, soldiers opened fire on members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), supporters and bystanders at three locations in the town.

    It said the exact number of deaths was unknown, partly due to the fact that the army took away corpses and the injured.

    The Army, in a swift reaction, dismissed the allegation as nothing more than an unverified claim.

    The Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Col. H.A. Gambo said AI was simply out to discredit the force.

  • Militancy in N/Delta; where is Amnesty?

    SIR: As at the last count, no less than 50 Nigerian soldiers are reportedly massacred for doing their lawful duties of protecting the nation’s oil facilities in the Niger Delta.

    The Amnesty International’s stock in trade which has been its trademark in Africa is to keep a muted response to base criminal infractions against law enforcement agents by non state actors.

    The Amnesty International has taken no step either in rebuttals or advice to host countries on the imperatives of arresting proliferation of arms and ammunitions across-the-board in most African countries.

    However, whenever the law enforcement agencies respond either in self-defence or in executing the demands of their duty, Amnesty International would morph into  its hackneyed stereotype of crime against humanity.

    It is high time African countries especially Nigeria tested the validity of their sovereign rights to self defence at the International Court of Justice.

    This requires the affected nations to proactively lodge complaints at the ICJ on the need allow African countries to exercise their constitutional rights in arresting  all forms of criminal infringements in their jurisdiction.

    For instance despite the overwhelming success of the Nigerian troops in dismantling the ascendancy of Boko Haram, a feat that earns the accolade of well meaning Nigerians, what Amnesty International could notice is the crime committed by the military against the insurgents as if insurgency is an offshoot of the law of the land; the thousands of innocent lives recklessly being terminated by these insurgents are secondary to Amnesty International.

    Amnesty International should respond to the theatre of the absurd senselessly playing out in Niger Delta or isolate itself completely from its inevitable military corollaries.

     

    • Bukola Ajisola,

    Victoria Island, Lagos.

     

  • The ‘amnesty’ farce

    SIR: When late President Umar Yaradu’a accepted to grant militants amnesty, I was one of the people that gave kudos to the President for being a gentleman that loved peace better than his cruel predecessor who was merciless at dealing with them as bloody civilians with ammunitions. But now I realize I was simply naïve to have lauded such move.

    Years have passed and it has become a culture to pay repentants militant from our budget. In the 2016 budget yet to be passed, Amnesty Programme stipends is approximately N8billion. Funds for Amnesty Programme operations is approximately N2billion. For Amnesty Programme ex-militants, it is N10billion giving a total of N20 billion which is more than the allocated money for Justice Ministry (N900m), Solid Minerals Ministry (N7billion) – (and we say we want to diversify the economy), and just a few shy less than the Health Ministry’s budget of N29billion. This is different from the N19billion allocated to the Niger Delta Ministry; the N41billion allocated to the NDDC.

    What a huge sum to feed a part of the country that feeds us all because of the Dutch Disease we infect ourselves with!

    We have become a nation that feeds people for sitting down and doing nothing while those that toil day and night have nothing to show for their trouble nor do the students that burn their candle have happy days after education.

    It was in the news some days ago that the some so-called ex-militants from Akwa Ibom State were protesting for not being paid their ‘dues’ by the state government. And I dare to ask: dues for jobs they didn’t do or dues for embracing peace? We are a nation that grooms a child to see his father’s wealth has his legal right and allow him live a lavish and wasted life because he will inherit a good sum of money that his father worked his head off for.

    Yes, we wanted peace but I will say boldly we are simply treating a full blown cancer with Panadol and expect the decay and damage to end. Amnesty money is a wrong policy to solve the creek problem in the first place. I hope this present government will do the right thing by calling a meeting of stakeholders with an intent to save these huge amount of money that would have been added to the capital expenditure for development rather than pay some people money for sitting at home while the ones that spend a good part of their lives in our damaged educational system sit at home hungry, angry and frustrated.

     

    • Damilola Ayodele,

    Akure, Ondo State.

  • Amnesty for Benue militant

    Amnesty for Benue militant

    A dreaded militant has been asked to go and sin no more after embracing peace in Benue State, reports FANEN IHYONGO

    Terwase Akwaza, once dubbed a notorious criminal and the deadliest militia leader in sub-Saharan Africa, has turned a new leaf and been pardoned by Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom. The governor offered the Benue-born militant the carrot and stick option. Akwaza, also known as Ghana, took the carrot.

    “Go and sin no more,” the governor told him. Since then, Ghana has been reintegrated in the society to do his legitimate businesses freely. The repentant militant said he is better-off now that he has turned away from his ‘old life.’

    During his vicious days, Akwaza was believed to disappear into thin air. His power was rated to be so enormous that he was not scared of any weapon, neither did he fear anyone, not the police nor soldiers. Now repentant and having embraced amnesty, Akwaza has surrendered over 200 light and heavy weapons, including AK47 rifles, other robotic guns and explosives.

    Recently, his Shitile community joined him in a thanksgiving service which featured Governor Ortom as guest of honour. Bishop of the Katsina-Ala Diocese, Rev. Peter Adobo, was another dignitary, having played an intermediary role for the amnesty to be complete.

    The occasion, chaired by House of Representatives member representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo federal constituency Emmanuel Udende, took place at the St. John the Baptist’s Quasi Parish, Gbise, Katsina-Ala local government area. The gospel was taken from Luke 13:1-9, where the Holy Scripture says: “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

    At the church Mass, Ghana went down on bended knees as he sought forgiveness from those he had offended. He said he has also forgiven those who had rubbed him the wrong way. He said the thanksgiving was a public manifestation that he is now a true follower of Christ.

    Akwaza claimed he had acquired firearms to defend his Tiv community, particularly Mbayongo, from external attacks. He explained that his people had often clashed with their neighbours in Nasarawa and Taraba states. He added that Fulani marauders were attacking them, feasting on their farm crops, maiming, displacing and killing them in both Taraba and their home state Benue. But now he has retired from all of that because government has become their defender. Formerly Saul, he is now Paul. From being a militia leader, he became an amnesty leader. A commander in war turned peacemaker; a vengeance seeker turned forgiver.

    After the Thanksgiving Mass, a colourful reception was held at the premises of the Terwase Akwaza Technical Science Secondary School, Gbise, built by the ex-militant who believes in education as the best weapon for change.

    In attendance were many other dignitaries, including: Commissioner for Agriculture Simon Anbua, Commissioner for Commerce and Trade Investment Tersoo Kpelai, Chairman of BIRS Mimi Adzape Orubibi, Special Adviser on Media and ICT Tahav Agerzua, Aspecial Adviser on Special Duties Joe Kyaagba, APC council leader Terver Gyanggyang, Caretaker Chairman of Logo council, Caretaker Chairman of Katsina-Ala Martins Ujoh (Host of the occassion), Josephine Haba (Guest Speaker) and many traditional rulers.

    Chairman of the Central Planning Committee Augustine Avaan welcomed the guests. He commended the governor on his peace initiative, saying his (Ortom’s) collaborative meetings with the governors of Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba states on the inter-state border community clashes, spate of armed robbery and the surreptitious ethnic killings were yielding a positive result.

    “Ethnic hostilities against our community had exacted desolately on our people who share boundary with other states. Invasions by Fulani herdsmen, particularly, had been giving us sleepless night. But all of that has died down since Ortom came on board last year with the peace programme. We urge him to intensify more efforts so as to halt any resurgence,” Avaan said.

    Highlight of the occasion was the decoration of the governor and Ghana in native regalia. The governor was first dressed in Godo –Tiv’s most venerated and pricey cultural fabric. He wore a hat, known as Ato-a-Beagh, standing for power and authority. Then he and his ‘prodigal son’ were dressed in the popular black and white Angel. They were handed spears, as an emblem of peace but also defence and an ox-blood sack (ikpa-i-aboo-a-tar) for dignity.

    Ortom spoke to the people saying he was mocked and criticised that he was celebrating a criminal (Ghana). But he insisted he was on a peace and security project, which was yielding fruits. He noted that, there can be no development where peace and security are eluded. With a tranquil environment, investors can come and invest to help build the state, he said. He explained that Ghana has repented, surrendered arms and pleaded for forgiveness. So, it was simply right to forgive him and consolidate on the peace the people are now enjoying.

    “Traders and farmers are no longer attacked on the road when they sell their produce and are returning home,” he said.

    The governor disclosed how he came from a poor background, loading passengers in the motor park to become a council chairman, then minister, employer of labour and now governor.

    Ortom assured of his readiness to help the people and transform Benue, by building schools, bridges, roads and providing other social amenities in the rural areas. “But I have to begin with peace and security. I ran for the governorship election not because I want to acquire wealth; I am contented with what I have; mine is to help the under-privileged and transform Benue,” he said.

    Chairman of the occasion Emmanuel Udende pledged to donate a block of classrooms to Ghana’s school. He urged others to also donate to the school.

  • Amnesty Programme in good hands, says ex-militant leader

    Mr. Kinsgley Muturu is the Delta State chairman of ex-militants under Phase 2 of the Amnesty Programme. In this interview, he spoke on the allegation of corruption raised against the Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme, Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd) and other issues.

    Recently, it was announced that the expiring date of the amnesty programme is shifted to 2017: what is your reaction to this development?

    We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for listening to the various calls and appeals made to him over the amnesty programme. We really appreciate him for this gesture; he has shown to Nigerians that he is listening to their voices. We also appreciate the efforts of Brig-Gen. Boroh because there is no smoke without fire. He has given us the confidence that the time Mr. President spent shopping for a credible person to head the amnesty office was not a waste. We say thank you Mr. President, we appreciate your efforts Brig-Gen Boroh.

    But recently, the African Anti-Corruption Network has called for the immediate removal of the Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme, Mr.

    Boroh, from office, over allegations of corruption; where do you stand on this development?

    My reaction to that allegation is that they have started again; the lobbyists and appointment seekers have sent their foot soldiers out for war again, and we are ready for them. I mean we ex-agitators are ready for them to whichever length they are ready to go. We really know that many people were disappointed, particularly politicians and blackmailers, when Mr. President appointed Boroh to head the amnesty office. All the lobbyists and hustlers failed woefully because Mr. President was looking for credibility. If this so-called Network’s stock-in-trade is to blackmail or carry out smear campaign against Boroh in order to distract him from what he is doing, then we will come out for them because we are the beneficiaries of what Boroh is trying to put in place.

    What are those things Boroh is trying to put in place?

    Boroh has shown us through his actions that he is painstakingly executing the amnesty programme to a successful end. He has gone ahead with the plan to open offices in various Niger Delta States in order to bring his office closer to the people concerned; he has also made it clear before the whole world his plan to empower and disengage successfully trained ex-agitators, which is in accordance with the amnesty agreement. These and other activities bordering the programme have clearly shown his determination to take the programme to a successful end.

    Also, I want Nigerians to ask, who does this anti-corruption Network want in replacement of Boroh in their campaign of calumny? What is the interest of these Network personalities in the amnesty programme? We are now assured that President Buhari did not disappoint us with the appointment of Boroh to head the amnesty office, and the time spent shopping for a credible personality was not wasted. If Mr. President had appointed a politician who would come and play politics with the affairs of the programme, by this time we would have been complaining but the reverse is the case now; we are happy that Boroh is moving the programme as expected.

    So, you mean the allegations from the anti-corruption Network were

    Politically-motivated?

    The interest of this anti-corruption Network in the affairs of the Amnesty Programme will not succeed. I personally believe that people in that agency must be corrupt for daring to carry out a slander against somebody trying his best to bring the best out of the Amnesty Programme in order to take it to its permanent destination. Calling yourselves anti-corruption Network does not make you holier than others, and anybody trying to disturb smooth running of the programme under Boroh should be prepared for us. We know they have started again to distract the running of the programme as they did before, and we are ready for them. I, particularly, am readier than them because we will always resist their antics. I advised them to steer clear from the Amnesty Programme.