Breaking News : Buhari succombs to the amnesty programme

President Muhammadu Buhari has given indications that he may continue with the Amnesty Programme for ex-Niger Delta militants initiated by the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Although he lamented recent damages caused by the militants, he disclosed that a directive has already been issued to relevant authorities to gather more intelligence report to ascertain the extent of damages in the region.

Buhari gave this clue when he received a delegation of Niger Delta Dialogue and Contact Group led by His Royal Highness, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, Bayelsa State, at State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

“I want to get as much intelligence as possible on the situation in the Niger Delta. I have encouraged law enforcement agencies to contact leaders like you in order to have enough information to deal with the issues once and for all.

“The gazette on the Niger Delta amnesty programme by the Umaru Yar’Adua administration is being studied with a view to determining what had been fulfilled, so that whatever is left would equally be addressed,“ the president said.He pledged that his administration would rebuild Nigeria, including the Niger Delta region but would require patience and understanding from the citizenry.

“Under my watch Nigeria will witness judicious utilisation of resources.

“We intend to rebuild this country so that our children and grand-children will have a good place they can call their own. A lot of damage has been done, so I want you to tell the people to be patient.

“When you get together with other leaders, please pacify the people. We will utilise the resources of Nigeria with integrity and rebuild the country,” he said.

He sympathised with investors who borrowed lots of money to invest in the Niger Delta region and have not recouped their investments due to insecurity.

He, however, seized the opportunity with the royal father and his delegation to reiterate his appeal to those who perpetrate violence to embrace peace and give government a chance.

Responding, King Alfred Diette-Spiff said the group was made of peace builders, dedicated to peace and stability in the region.