The Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly, Goodluck Opiah, has urged repentant militants in the state to refrain from all acts of lawlessness to make the post-amnesty programme a success.
The Speaker made the appeal on Saturday while addressing the ex-militants, who carried out a protest on Owerri-Port-Harcourt road on December 4 over the alleged delay in the payment of their allowances.
He advised them to eschew violence and other acts that could derail the post-amnesty programme.
Mr. Opiah urged them to use dialogue in resolving all disputes, adding that the state needed peace for accelerated economic development.
The Speaker said those who indulged in acts of lawlessness would be made to face the full wrath of the law, adding that the government would not compromise on issues that affect the security of lives and property.
Responding, Carlos Acheru, the Leader of the Protesters, apologised to the Speaker and the state government for the embarrassment the demonstration had caused them.
He commended members of the state assembly and the executive arm for their efforts which, he said, led to the inclusion of Imo among the states to benefit from the Federal government’s post amnesty programme.