By: Jesse Everly, Yenagoa
Leaders of the third phase of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) in the Niger Delta region have decried the slow pace of development going on in the region after the initiation of the programme by Late President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua.
Highlighting some of the nagging issues in the region before newsmen in Yenagoa on Monday, September 1st, the Leader of the Third Phase Amnesty, Gen. Ramsey Oyakemeagbegha Mukoro, stressed that it is only the East-West Road that is on course amongst other recommendations for the Niger Delta region as part of the disarmament programme.
Gen. Ramsey Mokoro bitterly expressed dissatisfaction over the way oil companies are operating in the Niger Delta region, adding that they should adhere to internationally accepted best practices or leave the region for enduring peace to return.
He complained of lack of development, functional health facilities, pipe borne water, electricity and functional educational institutions at the community levels; that people in the rural areas do not even benefit from soft loans to support their farm businesses.
Gen. Ramsey disclosed that despite all their efforts to ensure sustainable development for the Nger Delta region, multinational oil companies still cause environmental problems to the communities through gas flaring and oil spills amongst others.
He stated that if the Federal Government wants to uninterrupted flow of oil from the Niger Delta region, they should ensure the development of the communities and clean up the environments which have been impacted by oil spills and also continue with the PAP until all the necessary requirements for communities in the region are met.
He also tasked both Federal and States Governments to ensure that the impact of the 13% oil derivation and the ecological funds are felt in the communities, adding that the Petroleum Industry Bill should be enacted into law without further delay as it will benefit the oil producing communities on a long term.
Gen. Ramsey warned that militancy might return to the creeks if President Jonathan leaves office and their recommendations for the Niger Delta, which made them to drop their arms, are not completed.
He lauded the FG for approving the Third Phase Amnesty Programme. He also added that the tailored slot alloted to them is inadequate, adding that most of their members who wanted to lay down arms and be part of the programme were denied the opportunity.
According to him, they wanted to be part of the programme because of the success stories which emanated from the amnesty office, thanking Dr. Kingsley Kuku for ably steering the PAP.
He advised government at all levels to tackle the issue of unemployment, adding that “what would happen when those trained by the Amnesty office return home and their communities are still not developed and they don’t have jobs to do?”
“The unemployed people are also part of the society, and government should provide for them on monthly basis – a kind of social security scheme; not only those above 75 years,” he stated.
While giving assurance that the Presidential Amnesty Programme will be put to an end someday; he urge the FG to ensure that the programme continues until communities in the Niger Delta region see remarkable improvements, stressing that they are supporting the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 for him to complete the unfinished works.
Three good points raised here are as follows:
“where would the boys be after returning from trainning & seeing their only communities remain in depleted state”?
(2). In facts of the deplorable state of things, am glad you guys have not forgotten the mandate of the entire region, pressing further to support the one & only course (2015) of the people, was an excellent speech.
(3). You spoke of the success stories of Kingsley Kuku which gave you the courage to struggle galantly to be enlisted in heavenly stories of the Amnesty Office.
I am present at what i believe will go down in history as the greatest achievements of governance in Jonathan’s 8 years, the results are already blowing horn today, Which i know will soon take prehensible reach to all the mangroves & swamps of the Niger Delta.
I am aware of a power distribution company whose to install gas power destribute project in Bayelsa which will serve to all parts of the federation, MOU’S are already signed.
I know that Jonathan is preparing for a race that everyone would describe as the race for a century in this country if given a second chance, as due others, running 2nd tenors without acquaintance, casual & intimate foresightedness.
I felt up-lifted for the miles in the race for 2015, which the influence of everyone around us is important to contribute, we saw it happen last time, & we must do the same thing this time as God does the rest.
“True leadership happened when live & properties are securely protected, because leaders want more praises for their accomplishments, which gives them greater assurances of their true worth”,& i count the way to more works in Christ’s form of service (humility).
Even at the zenith of Christ’s popularity, one of His most striking character was His “meekness” & selfless service to humanity, that’s how best i can describe Kingsley Kuku.
I know no one had destributed power completely, even Jesus Christ, as described by many.
But i have seen some who’re concerned for the well-being of others, who’ll subordinate his or her own needs to those of others, that is compassion for the less privileged.
Kingsley Kuku should have perticularly been reserved to govern a State, his leadership qualities are numerous for statsemanship,a deplume at this generation all Izon sons & daughters are proud of.
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