The Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct anti-graft agencies to scrutinize the financial activities of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
The group made this request during a peaceful protest at the National Assembly in Abuja, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in managing the programme’s funds.
The protest was organized to align with President Tinubu’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and governance accountability. NDLEF urged that the investigation be carried out to ensure the proper use of resources allocated to the programme, which was intended to rehabilitate and reintegrate former militants from the Niger Delta region.
NDLEF had already submitted petitions to the Presidency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Code of Conduct Bureau, highlighting concerns over the alleged mismanagement of funds designated for the development of the Niger Delta. The group is awaiting responses from these agencies.
The group expressed frustration over the lack of basic infrastructure and services in the Niger Delta, despite the substantial resources meant to improve the region. They called for greater accountability from government officials and urged that action be taken against those responsible for any financial misconduct.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme, which aims to disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate ex-agitators, has faced persistent allegations of corruption and inefficiency since its inception.
“While anticipating an expeditious consideration of our clients’ complaint in tandem with your avowed commitment to the discharge of your constitutional and statutory duties to restore hope to the hopeless, please accept the assurance of our professional regards.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consolidate on his renewed thrust for fiscal probity and governance accountability by
compelling the all relevant anti-graft agencies to beam its searchlight on the horrendous financial activities.
“Our interest is redirect the focus of all activities concerning the people of the Niger Delta towards transparency. Let us be aware of all the activities, people are there in the Niger Delta suffering as i am talking to you now, people are there, they don’t have water, they don’t have electricity, they don’t live in good homes, but people sit back here in Abuja and squander resources belonging to the people. So this government is committed to accountability as i told you earlier and we are believing it. And so we want them to be so committed to the extent of getting people fired when people are not discharging their responsibilities. These are our demands from the Niger Delta. We are Ex-agitators, we are no longer fighting but asking government to direct the functionaries to do the right thing” he added.
