Ex-militants want FG to carry indigenes along in region’s development

chika ebuzor

February 2, 2017 6:44 AM

They said this at a meeting with the leaders of the Niger Delta Peace Campaign for Development Network.

This photo of militants is for illustrative purposes only

A group of ex-militants have told the Federal Government to carry the youths and other stakeholders along as it plans to develop the region.

According to Punch, the former warlords said this at a meeting with the leaders of the Niger Delta Peace Campaign for Development Network.

An ex-militant, Abiodun Edah, formerly called General Abiodun said “The idea of giving peace a chance is a welcome development. But I believe that if the Federal Government and NDDC are serious about developing the region, they must involve us.

“Apart from the ex-agitators, youths and community leaders must be carried along if we are to achieve peace in the region. When the former President, Goodluck Jonathan, was there, he partnered with us to watch over waterways and other surveillance contracts.”

Another fighter, Tommy Dore said “We are in support of any peace move in Niger Delta. If the President (Muhammadu Buhari) is visiting the region, all leaders, including the community leaders, should be invited.

“The NDDC should allow everybody to benefit from any empowerment programme such as skills acquisition, scholarship and the rest of them. The issue of filling these positions and opportunities with the names of their family members and relatives should stop because there is the need to reposition the NDDC.”

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He also called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure that their empowerment programs touch the lives of everyone in the region.

The Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo recently visited the Niger Delta region to hold talks with stakeholders to ensure lasting peace in the region.

chika ebuzor