Niger Delta militants have asked Prof Charles Dokubo, the new Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, to convene a meeting of vital stakeholders, irrespective of political persuasion, to brainstorm and chart the way forward for the programme.
The militants who spoke under the auspices of the 21st Century Youth of the Niger Delta and Agitators with Conscience, in a statement by their leader, W O I Izon-Ebi, called on Dokubo to unveil his blueprint for the amnesty programme beneficiaries, as well as his action plan to halt more Niger Delta youths from going into criminality.
The statement reads:
“We also call on Prof Dokubo to unveil his blueprint, give a clear policy direction for the amnesty programme beneficiaries, as well as his action plan to forestall more Niger Delta youths from going into criminality as a means of survival.
“Since his appointment it has been motion without movement. We feel it is time that critical stakeholders are invited to plot and give direction to the Presidential Amnesty Programme, as this will help in maintaining the peace and progress in the region.
“The critical stakeholders that have contributed and are still contributing to the growth, peace and development of the Niger Delta should be invited to chart a new course for the region. This should include the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, former and present IYC presidents and other critical stakeholders not minding their political leanings.
“We urge the Chairman of the Amnesty Office to see his elevation as a step to ameliorate the plight of the Niger Delta youths by turning them from idleness to be entrepreneurs and employers of labour.
“This is a golden chance for him to contribute positively to the youths of the Niger Delta region. Dokubo should be mindful of the pitfall that is inherent in the running and administration of interventionist agency such as PAP. The present scenario in PAP calls for concern taking cognisance of the advent of the general election, which is coming up early next year.”
“We urge him not to be swayed by the political buccaneers who see the amnesty programme as a meal ticket by intimidating its leadership for contract and favour. The programme is a project of reintegrating youths positively into the mainstream of society. The curriculum vitae of Dokubo speak volumes of his person. Let his action not make the Niger Delta people doubt his personae,” they added.
