While Nigerians were celebrating their Democracy Day, the special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and the Coordinator of the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme was busy in the creeks finding a lasting solution to the recent attacks on the nation’s oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta region.
After series of meetings in Warri, Delta State, Rtd General Boroh surprised many by paying an unscheduled visit to Oproza in Gbaramatu Kingdom
Following a thorough inspection of the community, Gen Boroh paid a courtesy call on the traditional ruler, HRH Pere Naira Williams Ogoba.
The Gbaramatu Monarch, who warmly welcomed the Amnesty boss, quickly expressed his displeasure on the way his community was treated.
He insisted that the people of Gbaramatu are peace loving and willing to help the Federal Government move the Nation forward.
He pleaded with the retired General to ask the soldiers on ground to be calm and gentile in the way they carry out their duties.
In his response, General Boroh apologized for any wrong perception the people of Gbaramatu might have about the military operation.
He also expressed concern on the way vandals are freely carrying out mayhem by bombing oil and gas installations without the intervention of the community.
“It is saddening that the activities of these vandals, is having a direct effect on the economy of the nation” Gen Boroh said.
He promised to take the message of peace back to the President and pleaded with the King to send the same message of peace to his people.
“I AM NOT A POLITICIAN, I MEAN ALL I SAY” – BOROH
In an effort to finding a lasting solution to the recent unrest in the Niger Delta region, Brigadier General Boroh engaged ex-militant leaders from around the region.
A meeting that was well attended by leaders of the Amnesty Programme beneficiaries, Phase 1, 2 and 3, held on Saturday 28 May in Benin City, Edo State.
The agenda of the meeting was to take a look at the journey so far in the Niger Delta Amnesty programme, share observations, reservations, discuss recommendations as well as provide opportunity for the ex-agitators to express their grievances, if any.
The meeting kicked off with the normal processes, and an opening speech by the Amnesty Boss, set the ball rolling for deliberations to commence.
In his opening remarks, Gen Boroh (Rtd) who reinstated his commitment to a successful programme, insisted that at the end of the day, if a converted militant is not disarmed, rehabilitated, reintegrated and well empowered to survive; the programme has failed.
The Ex Agitators who were given ample time to express themselves, and although emotions occasionally sprung up, raised issues bordering on delays in payments of monthly allowances, to the perception that the region is being neglected, commended the current style and manner the agency is being run.
In his response Gen. Boroh thanked the attendees for their support and cooperation and promised to look into all their complaints, and act on them.
“I am not a politician, so believe my words; all your complaints will be addressed”, Gen Boroh told the crowd.
He also outlined some new schemes he brought on board which include, a massive agricultural programme that will involve all state governments of the region and a micro finance housing scheme, which will employ thousands, and house all beneficiaries, was presented to the attendees.
Written by Mene Lube
