A/Ibom govt endorses FG’s amnesty for militants

03.07.2009

Akwa Ibom State Government has endorsed the Federal Government’s amnesty for militants aimed at restoring peace and progress in the troubled Niger Delta region.

Governor Godswill Akpabio, who announced this when the Chief National Co-ordinator on Disarmament, Demobilisation and Re-integration (DDR) of Amnesty for Militants in Niger Delta, Air Vice Marshall Lucky O. Ararile, paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Uyo.

Akpabio explained that as soon as the militants surrendered weapons to the government, drilling of crude oil by major oil companies would resume to restore, economic activities of the region.

He promised to set up state and local committees and called on local government chairmen in the state as chief security officers in their respective domains, to join hands with the state government, to quicken the peace process in all parts of the state.

The governor lauded the vision of Yar’ Adua’s administration to pour oil on troubled waters of the Niger Delta, adding that the task when accomplished, would single him out as a committed and patriotic leader surpassing the achievements of past administrations.

He appreciated the calibre of personalities manning the committee and predicted success in their handling of the national assignment.