Abuja — Former warlords that agreed to the amnesty package put together by the Federal Government and submitted their arms, say they are tired of the series of meetings the FG has been holding with them just as government has announced the beginning of phase two of the amnesty.

At a well attended interactive session between representatives of the Federal Government and former war lords in the Niger Delta region held in Abuja yesterday, the ex-militants stated categorically that all they wanted was action by the Federal Government in developing the Niger Delta region and not talks.

Speaking on behalf of the former war lords, the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Dr.Chris Ekiyor said that they are worried on whether they took the right decision by surrendering their arms and embracing amnesty.

According to him, "We are tired of these series of meetings. We are worried, really worried and we are beginning to wonder if we took the right decision of surrendering our arms and embracing the amnesty package put together by government. What we want is action, what are those things government is doing now for the region?"

Earlier in his speech, the Minister of Defence who is also the Chairman of the Amnesty Committee, Maj. Gen. Godwin Abbe (rtd), disclosed that the Federal Government has set up two rehabilitation centers located in Agbarho, Delta State and Alu in Rivers State with a third one to be located in Bayelsa State in the offing.

According to the minister, "The essence of this meeting is to interact and let you know the thoughts of government and also tell you the next stage of the amnesty programme of Rehabilitation and Re-integration. Between now and November 11, there will be a call-up of our boys to start reporting arms. Camps have been established in Agbarho, Delta State and another in Alu, Rivers State."

The minister thanked the ex-militants for their decisions to lay down their weapons and sued for peace, for the call-up to succeed.

"I thank you for the patriotic manner you have responded, the decision you took to lay down arms is not in error. With this you have joined Mr. President to give hope to the rest of Nigeria. It is a demonstration that we have come of age. The call-up will not work if you fail to participate," the minister said.

On physical development in the region, the minister disclosed the the president has approved that construction of roads in the states that make up the Niger Delta and other developmental projects commenced immediately under the direct supervision of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Also approved for construction he said is railway lines that will link Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Yenagoa the capital of Bayelsa State, through Warri in Delta State before terminating in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Also as part of developing the region, the minister further disclosed that new towns have been earmarked for construction as shanties will give way to modern infrastructure. As a way of respecting the wishes of the people in the new towns to be constructed, General Abbe said that the traditions and cultures of the people will be respected.

While General Abbe led the Federal Government delegation which also included Chief Uffot Ekeatte, the Minister of the Niger Delta to the parley, notable ex- militants such as Tom Ateke, Tompolo, Boyloaf were present.

Despite, efforts of government at righting the wrongs of the past, some of the ex-militants spoken to by this reporter at the venue of the parley said government was not doing enough.

According to one that goes by the name, 'fire extinguisher' "Do I and others here look like lunatics that government should be talking about rehabilitation? They (Govt) should better do the right thing or else..."