Omon-Julius Onabu
6 July 2009
Warri — Efforts to get more militants in the Niger-Delta to accept the subsisting presidential amnesty for them has received a boost, with the Niger-Delta Elders Forum throwing its weight behind the Federal Government's measure.
The elders, who stated their position via a communiqué at the end of a meeting held in Effurun-Warri, also stated that they would meet with the various militant groups with a view to persuading them to hand over their arms and embrace the reprieve as soon as possible.
The elders would also confer with the relevant government agencies at the federal and the various state levels in order to foster mutual trust and understanding especially on the need for the amnesty to be "negotiated" with the elders acting as intermediary in the matter.
They however called for the implementation of the Mittee Technical Committee Report, which had since been submitted to President Umaru Yar'Adua, as well as quicken the process of returning the Ijaw people displaced by the recent military operations in coastal parts of Delta State to their homes.
In a communiqué issued in Warri yesterday, after several hours of deliberations, the elders said that they had accepted the presidential amnesty, but added that the amnesty must be negotiated by the region's elders after duly conferring with the governors in the concerned states zone and the "freedom fighters".
They resolved to organise and collaborate with all stakeholders to forge the necessary harmony in the region by enhancing a structure that would be acceptable to the militants.
Nonetheless, they observed that for the latest presidential measure to have the desired impact and overall success, the underlying problems of the region, including the release of all detainees such as Mr. Henry Okah, must be considered.
"The onus is on the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for the success of the amnesty, particularly through the immediate implementation of the Ledum Mitee-led Technical Committee Report and withdrawal of the JTF from the Niger-Delta", the elders said in the communiqué signed by Chief Edwin Clark, Dr. B.K Adasen, Hon P.Y. Biakpara and Senator Francis S. Okpozo.
Other signatories include Chief Hope Harriman, Dr. Richard Tosanwomi and 14 others from Delta State.
Chief Nelson O. Soun signed for Bayelsa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akpanobesi, Chief Jerry Okpo, Hon.(Mrs.) Akon Eyakenyi, Air Cdr. Idongesit Nkanga (rtd), Chief Sunny Udoh and Abom Tony Esu signed for Akwa Ibom State.
Moreover, Ambassador C.D Orike, Ledum Mitee, T.C Wokona signed for Rivers State while Chief F.J Williams, Elder( Col )Wole Okunayo RTD, High Chief O.R.R. Biobaku JP, Chief Wilson Eni Epete, signed for Ondo State .
From Edo State were Chief John Odigie Oyegun, Brig Gen. Idada Ikponmwen while Chief Henshaw represented Cross Rivers State .
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