Amnesty Programme: Ex-agitators raise alarm on tussle over coordinator position 

The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Solidarity Front (NDESF) has condemned the tussle over the vacant position of Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on February 28 suspended erstwhile head of the office, Charles Dokubo.

The decision on Dokubo’s fate is being awaited although the president directed that the Caretaker Committee set up to review the program should oversee its running.

NDESF, which has ex-agitators like Moses Akasa, Andamor Trust, Parker Timilaemi and Godspower Adubagha, claimed that pressure was being mounted on the presidency to appoint an ex-militant leader as the new Coordinator.

A statement on Wednesday by Ramsey Mukoro, NDESF said since the strategy was not working, some people have embarked on personal attacks on perceived candidates for the job.

“Stakeholders are of the view that the appointment of an ex-agitator will spell doom for the region as it could lead to unwholesome rivalry among ex-agitators and possible gang wars in the region.

“We also wish to condemn the attacks on Aroloye Brown, Head of Integration at the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Regrettably, a strategic pull-him-down campaign is being waged against him in the name of succession politics.”

The group advised schemers to allow the federal government pick a Nigerian who would do the job as required by the laws governing the intervention agency.

“It is important to state that the job of the Coordinator of the Program must be reserved for a level headed person, who is passionate for development and will bring our people together,” the statement added.