Make a difference, "shortchanged" ex-agitators tell new Amnesty boss

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*Prof. Charles Dokubo

(Nigeria) A group of Niger Delta ex-agitators has petitioned new Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Prof. Charles Dokubo to "urgently intervene on perceived shortchanging of beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme."
The group, Shortchanged Ex-Agitators on the Amnesty Programme, alleged that selective implementation and discriminatory allocation of opportunities had left several enlisted ex-agitators without benefit and several others underpaid on the amnesty.
In the petition by Esegba Promise, Chairman and Otutufegha Mark, Secretary, the group said its members were among those who had to swallow bitter deprivation under the amnesty programme through successive leadership.
They said, "We participated in the disarmament from the very beginning from our various camps, documented at various designated points and went through reorientation at Obubra. A few of us were even sent for skill acquisitions. We have overwhelming proof.
"Sadly, in all of these, the Amnesty office has refused to pay us the monthly N65,000 stipend from inception till date. We have written severally to the Amnesty office, made several representations directly and indirectly, but all our peaceful approaches have been ignored.
"We have been subjected to undeserved suffering as a result and we need urgent redress. We therefore implore you to correct this injustice left to fester for too long. We urge you to make the difference and give the programme the proper direction it now seeks"

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