The Izon-Ibe Global Policy Network, a group of former militant leaders in the Niger Delta, has appealed to the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to sustain the amnesty programme offered them.
The group argued that the programme had curbed youth restiveness in the region.
Its Spokesman, Ayubalayefa Dennis, who addressed newsmen yesterday in Benin, said the group had benefitted from the programme.
He appealed to the president-elect to disregard calls for scrapping of the programme.
He said, “It is imperative that the peace being enjoyed in the Niger Delta is sustained for economic prosperity of the country because the amnesty programme has doused tension among youths in the region.
“It must be noted that the programme is also part of the struggle toward the actualisation of better life for the people.”
Ayubalayefa said it was necessary to strengthen the programme, noting that the president-elect had during his campaign promised to usher in a new lease of life for all Nigerians, irrespective of regional or political affiliation.
He appealed that some ex-militants who were not captured in the initial phase be given the opportunity to enlist in the programme.
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