Nigeria: ECOWAS salutes amnesty programme

  1. Posted on Wednesday 7 October 2009 - 09:30
    KingsleyKobo
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    Kinsley Kobo, AfricaNews reporter Abidjan, Ivory Coast
    The ECOWAS has saluted the Nigerian government for granting amnesty to thousands of Niger Delta rebels who have dropped their arms. In a statement, ECOWAS Commission said it "notes with satisfaction the success recorded so far in the amnesty programme of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
    nigeria map
    “Congratulates the government for its magnanimity in granting amnesty to the militants and commends the militants for their courage in laying down their arms,” AFP reported.

    The commission urged all militants to reject the path of violence and engage in dialogue and reconciliation to address their grievances.

    It also called on the government to implement its programme of reintegration of the former rebels into the society and reconstruct the oil-rich region.

    Most of the known militant leaders and factions in the troubled Niger Delta region have surrendered their weapons, after accepting the proposed amnesty deal, which began on August 6 and ended on October 4.

    With this achieved, President Musa Yar’Adua will definitely proceed to put an end to the decade-long conflict that has claimed uncountable lives, displaced thousands and despoiled the country’s rich oil reserves.

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