Ex-Militant Leaders Demand Budgetary Increase for Presidential Amnesty Programme

Former agitators under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) called for a review of the annual budgetary allocation to the program, citing the diminishing value of the naira and the need for more focus on the primary aim of the program.

The 3rd Phase Leaders of ex-agitators argued that the current allocation of N65 billion, which has remained unchanged since 2009, is insufficient to meet the needs of the former agitators and their followers due to the current economic realities.

They pointed out that the value of the naira has significantly decreased since the inception of the program, and the cost of living, including the price of essential commodities like rice and fuel, has increased.

Interim Administrator of the PAP, Major General Barry Nduomu (rtd), represented by the Head of Reorientation of PAP, Wilfred Musa, acknowledged the concerns and explained the temporary suspension of the scholarship program to ensure that those already in school could graduate and to manage the activities of the PAP more effectively.

Nduomu also highlighted the issue of students failing in their studies, leading to the withdrawal of 300 students from various schools.

He emphasized the importance of classroom education not being the only option for former agitators and encouraged them to explore other avenues of the amnesty, such as vocational training and empowerment programs.

The National Chairman of 3rd Phase Presidential Amnesty Leaders, ‘General’ Elaye Slaboh, commended the interactive session as an opportunity to share information and address concerns, noting that such sessions could have facilitated the reintegration of more former agitators into society.

The call for a budgetary increase and a more focused approach to the Presidential Amnesty Programme comes at a time when the Niger Delta region is facing numerous challenges.

The program, which was established to address issues of militancy and promote peace in the region, has been criticized for its limited scope and effectiveness.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the federal government will heed the call for a budgetary increase and a more targeted approach to the Presidential Amnesty Programme, in order to better address the needs of ex-militant leaders and their followers in the Niger Delta region.