Date Published: 09/12/09

Niger Delta: We dont trust Amaechi, says insurgent leaders

Gov. Chibuike Amaechi

DESPITE the assurance of their safety by Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, some of the insurgent kingpins in the state whoare yet to embrace President Umaru Yar'Adua's ''Amnesty''offer,say they are still finding it difficult tobank on the words of the governor.

Frontline commanders of the Niger Delta Patriotic Force (NDPF) and Niger Delta Vigilante (NDV),insurgent groups led by Ateke Tom,told our correspondent on Saturday that they are finding it difficult totrust Amaechi because ''he is a sworn foe of our leader''.

Continuing,they claimed that the governor has always been labeling Ateke as a criminal. Spokesman of the twoinsurgent groups, Tamunokuro Ebitari,claimed in an on-line statement that the governor has a ''bitter political score'' to settle with their leader.

Accordingtohim, Amaechi allegedly funded Ateke to make the state ungovernable during the brief period Celestine Omehia held sway as the governor of the state.But the governor has consistently denied this,claiming that he does not know Ateke in person.

Acting Chief Press Secretary tothe governor,Blessing Wikina,in a statement said government has re-assured militants in the state, who are yet to embrace the Federal Government’s Amnesty programme, of their safety if they surrender weapons in their possession.

He said Amaechi gave this assurance during a maiden monthly Press briefing at Government House, Port Harcourt, the state capital. ''Ateke Tom, Farah and other militants in the state would be free to walk the street if they utilize the amnesty opportunity to surrender their arms'', Wikina said,adding, ''the governor explained that the Federal Government’s amnesty programme was a huge success in the state, noting that those who repent and hand over their weapons would not be hunted by security agencies, but reminded them that the amnesty period has October 4, 2009 expiring date''.

Rivers state was the first state to initiate a rehabilitation camp for repentant militants, who are now being trained in various skills, and announced the first batch of 300 persons would soon be graduating after undergoing trainings within and outside the state.

The governor claimed that apart from the state Rehabilitation centre at Okehi in Etche Local Government Area, his administration has commenced the rehabilitation of the Camp at Aluu, near Port Harcourt for the rehabilitation of those that embrace the Federal Government’s amnesty exercise.

On the demolition of waterfronts, Governor Amaechi said his administration took the step to protect lives and property of residents of the state, stressing that every available security report points to the demolition of the waterfronts as a way to check crime.

Amaechi also remarked that the State Executive Council, as well as the Elders Council have consented to the demolition plan, emphasizing that the government has paid N4billion compensation for resident of Njemanze street water front to enable them have alternative homes.

According to him, the government has carried out enumeration of houses in the areas, assuring that the demolition would be done in phases, adding that the water fronts would be transformed in line with its urban renewal programme.

Commenting on the flooding in Port Harcourt, Governor Amaechi said, inspite of the heavy rains this year, the major problem is that some property developers have built on water channels which blocks the water ways and cause overflow of storm water.

He disclosed that some of those houses blocking the channels would be demolished to allow for free flow of water, and warned those affected not to blame government if their structures are touched.

Regrettably, the governor said some residents of Port Harcourt and its environs have turned the drains to dump sites, and blamed refuse disposal contractors for not living up to expectation.