Ex-militants seek probe of N541b amnesty programme fund

Ex-militants in Niger Delta have urged the Federal Government to probe the N541billion allegedly spent on the presidential amnesty programme for eight years.

The ex-militants, under the aegis of Transparency and Accountability Movement (TAMND) in Niger Delta (TAMND) made the call in a statement yesterday.

The statement by its Chairman, Lord Onipa and Secretary, Nengi Buna, demanded a publication of the alleged 30, 000 beneficiaries of the scheme.

They alleged that the programme failed to fulfill its promises to the ex-militants, despite the huge amount said to have been spent on it.

According to them, the programme failed to provide accommodation, vehicles and money for the beneficiaries to start a new life.

The statement reads: “We also frowned on a situation where the stipends and allowances to delegates in schools and other training facilities have not been paid for upward of six months.

“The amnesty programme has failed to fulfill an appreciable percentage of the agreed conditions to the ex-agitators. It is curious that some government agencies benefited from the programme that was meant to resettle the ex-agitators.”

They urged the Federal Government to investigate the case of one Amas Fanga, who was tortured and killed following an alleged double standard by the security agencies.

TAMND urged the Federal Government to grant unconditional freedom to one Jackson Fuotubai and others who were unlawfully arrested by security agencies.

“If these legitimate demands do not receive positive response, they might lead to a breakdown of law and order in the region,” the group said.

Meanwhile, a non-governmental organisation, Initiative for Youth Development and promotion of Peace (IYDPP) has alleged that bad administration has led to poor infrastructure in Delta State.

The group’s President, Austin Sitaramahley told journalist yesterday in Asaba that there was the need to end youths’ restiveness across the country.

Reacting, the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah described the allegations from the “faceless” group as untrue.

He said: “The fact speaks for itself, as Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s laudable projects are on ground for everyone to see, for which there have been commendations from everywhere.”

The group said successive governors since 1991 had abysmally failed to provide the dividends of democracy.

Sitaramahley alleged that over N40 billion had been squandered by the existing administration on frivolities, adding that until corrupt leaders were brought to book, no meaningful development could take place in the country.