A coalition of Niger Delta youth leaders on Thursday urged the
Federal Government to grant pardon and amnesty to operators of artisanal
refineries.
The youths appealed to relevant federal agencies to adopt the
model used in the Presidential Amnesty Programme for Ex-militants.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had on February 13 during his tour
of Niger Delta region announced that the federal government would establish
modular refineries in oil communities to drive development.
The
group made the recommendations after a meeting with leadership of the Joint
Task Force (JTF) in Yenagoa.
The coalition comprised ex-militant leaders under the amnesty
scheme and non violent youth leaders from the region.
Speaking
shortly after the meeting Mr Kenedy West, a Niger Delta youth leader who
coordinated the group said the coalition had met with the military and pledged
to work to sustain existing peace in the region.
West who is also a Senior Special Assistant to Bayelsa Governor
on Niger Delta Youth Matters noted that the youths were ready to leverage on
recent pronouncements of the federal government to empower the youths.
He
said that the group had realised that the region had been adversely affected by
violence sparked off by agitation which had compelled investors to leave the
region in droves and noted it was time for a rethink.
He
said that the youths had made far reaching recommendations to the military aimed
at actualising the development plans being proposed by the federal government
for the Niger Delta region.
Also
speaking Mr Nature Kiegha, an Ex-militant leader noted that the youths
recommended the Presidential Amnesty model adopted by Late President Umaru Yar’
Adua administratio following its success.
“We
urge the federal government to grant Presidential pardon and Amnesty on
repentant operators of illegal refineries, pipeline vandals, to enable the
perpetrators stop that act once and for all.
“Government
should establish presidential committee to coordinate the process including
receiving the repentant illegal bunkeres, collation of data, rehabilitation and
map out programmes for economic reintegration.
“We
want the NNPC to liaise with the leadership of Operation Delta Safe to review
and re-award the pipeline surveillance contract for effective and efficient
policing of the pipelines.
“With
the amount speculated by NNPC to construct a modular refinery it is obvious
that the repentant illegal refinery operators cannot effort it, as such defeat
the essence of the initiative.
“Hence,
we suggest that Mini Modular refinery be approve so as to accommodate the
indigenes of the area.
“We
seek to partner with the military to offer our service as a Quick Response Team
to carry out a robust sensitization and awareness programs on Peace Building
and nonviolence disposition,” kiegha said.
He
further said that the coalition frowns at the incessant harrasment of Niger
Delta elders especially the family of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Kiegha
noted that moves by some members of the House of Representatives to sabotage
the proposed relocation of IOCs to the Niger Delta region is regrettable and
ill advised.
“We
urge the Federal Government not to be deterred in pursuing the pronouncement
and actualising it.
“On
our part we assure the oil firms of a conducive operational environment
suitable for their investment,” He said.
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