Finally, Amnesty Envoy meet with Phase 3 Generals, Ezekiel, DSS to broker peace in Benin
......As Presidency appeals to group to shed their sword and have faith in DSS, Delta state Govt peace deal
The Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Security Matters, Hon. Daniel Pere Ezekiel and the Official Envoy of the Amnesty Board led by Mr. Tonye Bobo, has met with the Phase Three Leaders of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (NDEA) on the 28th of May, 2021 in Benin, Edo State in order to broker peace with the group.
The meeting was held in line with the demands made by the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators over what they described as gross neglect of the Phase Three Leaders by the Presidential Amnesty Board.
The Phase Three Leaders in the meeting, revealed their resolutions in line with their lingering demands to the Presidential Amnesty Coordinator, Col. Milland Dikio.
The Ex-Agitators who had earlier in April 14th, 2021 Proposed a massive protest over the neglect of the Phase Three Leaders by the Col. Dikio led Amnesty Board. And the Delta State Government's deliberate efforts in disregarding the group after the immeasurable contributions made by the group in ensuring adequate Security, Peace and Stability within the state. And for not considering the group in the political appointments made by the state government.
The Agitators who haven heard and seen the swift intervention of Leaders in the Niger Delta, the likes of High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly called Tompolo, The President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Security Matters, Hon. Daniel Ezekiel, The Department of State Services, DSS and the Delta State Government. Halted their proposed protest, so as to give room for dialogue.
The group during the period of announcing their protest. Had raised key issues which were directed to the Milland Dikio led Presidential Amnesty Board, and the Delta State Government. With references to what they called gross neglect and abandonment of the Phase Three Leaders by both the board and the Delta State Government.
The Delta State Government which after successfully persuading the group from carrying out their proposed protest alongside other stakeholders. Took up the matter, by opening up communicating channels between the State and the Amnesty Office in Abuja. So as to proffer workable solutions in addressing the demands made by the Agitators.
Following the halting of the earlier proposed protest, the Amnesty Coordinator Col. Milland Dikio, took it upon himself to set up a team of delegates headed by Tonye Bobo. To interface with the Phase Three Leaders. With the aim of getting a first hand information from them on their agitations. And to initial an avenue to address the various issues raised by them.
On that grounds, the SSA to the Delta State Governor on Security, Daniel Ezekiel and the delegation of the Amnesty Coordinator headed by Tonye Bobo. Met with the Phase Three Leaders of the Ex Niger Delta Agitators forum, who ranges from the 6 States of the region yesterday, the 28th of May, 2021. At the Nigerian Union of Journalists conference hall in Benin. Where they deliberated on the grievances and displeasures of the group, in the view of addressing the still lingering issues raised by them.
The meeting which had in attendance, other Critical Stakeholders in the region and was covered by several Media Outfits. Was indeed a most necessary one. As the grievances of the Agitators was duly deliberated upon and resolutions made.
During the Crucial Meeting, the SSA to the Delta State Governor, Hon. Daniel Ezekiel was delegated by the Special Envoy of the Amnesty Coordinator, Tonye Bobo and other Stakeholders present. To address the over 150 Ex-Agitators who were present in the meeting.
The SSA Daniel Ezekiel in that light, admonished the Ex-Agitators to still shed their sword. And continue to have faith in the DSS and the Delta State Government. As both the DSS and the State Government are working seriously to ensure that the issues raised by them are been addressed within a short period of time.
Going further, the SSA Daniel Ezekiel elucidated more on the Critical role the Delta State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has been playing for the past one month since the group raised their agitations. In order to ensure that their voices are been heard and their demands attended to.
The Delta State Governor's SSA Ezekiel as well during his well articulated and precised remark, appealed to the Ex-Agitators to cancel the Two Weeks Ultimatum given to the State Government and the Amnesty Board to meet the demands of the group. Stating that their agitations are already being worked on, both at the State level and in Abuja.
While concluding his remark, Daniel Ezekiel also highlighted the security challenges facing the Country Nigeria. And that any action carried out by the Ex-Agitators will further debilitate the already depreciating security system both in the Niger Delta Region and the entire Country at large.
On their part, after taking a brief moment to critically observe the submissions made by the SSA, the Phase Three Leaders of the Ex-Agitators forum agreed to adhere to the submissions. And assured that, they will halt their planned actions, and will put an hold to their 'Two Weeks Ultimatum'. In order to give both the DSS, the Delta State Government and the Amnesty Board a few more time to work out something.
The Phase Three Leaders in the light of observing and considering all the deliberations made during the meeting. Made available to newsmen, the resolutions reached at the end of the crucial meeting. Which are;
1. That the Amnesty Board should carry out due verification of the Phase Three Leaders. Premising on the fact that, after submitting their arms and ammunitions to the FG. The Phase Three Leaders have not been duly recognized and accorded their due courtesy, just as enjoyed by the Phase One and Two Leaders.
2. That they want all the missing slots belonging to them, which are been enjoyed by some faceless individuals given back to them.
3. That they want empowerment in the form of training. Stating that since Leaders in the first and second phase are enjoying this, they too wants to enjoy it.
4. That they wants to have a one on one meeting with the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Program, Col. Dikio. In order to air their grievances and displeasures to him directly.
5. That the Delta State Government henceforth, regard and recognize the Phase Three Leaders in terms of Political Appointments and other necessary benefits in the State.
6. That any failure to adhere to these resolutions, will result to them carrying out their earlier proposed protest. Which will disrupt the peace and order in the Niger Delta Region.
