'Amnesty alone won't solve militancy’
By Sammy Nwogu
The Ogbugaa I of Igbo Etche and medical director of Nobsams, Chief (Dr.) Samuel N. Amaechi (JP) has called on former militants in the Niger Delta region to remain committed to the amnesty offer by the federal government in order to achieve lasting peace in the region.
Dr. Amaechi who was speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on the state of affairs in the region, especially on the recent unrest describe the issue of amnesty as an opportunity to solve the problems facing the region.
“If there is justice in sharing the wealth in Nigeria, the problem of development is not solved in the Niger Delta, but you simple, grant them amnesty, the problems will still remain”, he said.
He, however, advised the federal government not only to initiate post amnesty policies but try as much as possible to implement them to the letter to make Nigeria a proud place.
He regretted that Nigeria government anchors its economic strength on oil alone which according to him, could cease to flow while other countries with their mainstay on agriculture will leave Nigeria behind, because might not be enough money to invest into agriculture anymore.
Dr. Amaechi said that the planned up-grading of the Petroleum Institute to a University was a good move and commended governors of the region for their doggedness against relocation of the institute to Kaduna.
“The crisis in the Niger Delta has become not only an embarrassment to the federal government, but a source of mockery for Nigeria in the international community.
My sincere hope is that all stakeholders will find lasting solution to the problem.
He noted that development can not be achieved through violence, adding that the Niger Delta will continue to be a headache to Nigeria until the people are treated fairly and justly.
“As, “Benjamin Disraeli stated” “justice is truth in action”.
The federal government should keep all its promise to avoid reoccurrence of violence.
