| The authorities implementing the Presidential Amnesty Programme of the former Niger Delta militants have disclosed that it they have trained 16,336 demobilised as part of the 20,192 that are billed to undergo non-violence transformational training in their Obubra camp in Cross River State.Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Kinsley Kuku, who made the disclosure in Obubra on Sunday, said out of the 16,336 no fewer than 4, 759 have been demobilised.
Kuku, who was represented by the Chief Security Officer, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Lt Col Adewale A. Adekoya, stated this on the occasion of the formal demobilisation of batch 13 of the former militants from the non-violence transformational training. “As you leave here, you are joining a queue. Recall that 15, 136 trainees have already undertaken non-violence transformational training in this camp before you. In fact, your graduation today brings the demobilised number to 16, 336. “Of the numbers that have been demobilised so far in this beautiful camp, a total of 4, 759 trainees have been placed in 59 skills acquisition/training centres in 13 states of the federation. Another 2, 618 have been slated for training outside Nigeria. Already, several of your brothers and sisters, who left this camp before you have since commenced their vocational training or formal education in South Africa, Ghana, Malaysia, Russia and the United States of America. “It is our projection that in the coming weeks, more of the trainees will be resuming in institutions in the UK, the Philippines, Israel and Romania for training in various fields of endeavour”, Kuku said. Kuku disclosed that President Good luck Jonathan has directed that all of them, who have successfully passed through the camp will be placed in reintegration centres or formal education institutions. “That is the directive of President Goodluck Jonathan and I am determined to effectively and efficiently carry out this directive. All I ask of you is to be patient and remain of good conduct. The world is watching you and each time you take to the streets to make unreasonable demands, you abuse and endanger huge privileges that this programme has offered you. We cannot be investing time, energy and huge sums of money to teach you non-violence only for you to step out of this place and do otherwise. It messes up the essence of this demobilisation phase and frustrates the entire programme. “You are my brothers and sisters and I must tell you all that we have come to a point where we must show and convince other Nigerians and indeed the international community that this programme is making the desired impact and thus worth continuing. You must help me to help you. You must help your brother, President Goodluck Jonathan to help you. Let us continue to conduct ourselves well at all times”. |
May172011