FORMER
militant leaders in the Niger Delta have called on the National
Assembly to create an environment that will allow the Federal Government
to be paying them their monthly allowances.The ex-militants stated this in Port Harcourt on Monday while complaining that they had not received their stipends since the beginning of the year.
Speaking under the auspices of the Leadership Forum for Peace in the Niger Delta, the former militants lamented that the National Assembly was frustrating the effort of the Amnesty Office on the matter.
Leader of the forum, ‘General’ Reuben Wilson, expressed the need for the lawmakers to expedite action on issues affecting the welfare of ex-militants in the region.
Wilson argued that since the National Assembly did appropriations, it was necessary for it to ensure that ex-militants’ monthly stipends were paid without further delay.
He added that the Amnesty Office was doing a lot to ensure that ex-militants did well in life.
On the ultimatum issued by the ex-militants, Wilson expressed the fear that some of his colleagues could react adversely if they were not paid by Wednesday (tomorrow).
He said, “Freedom fighters in the Niger Delta are not happy that the Federal Government has yet to pay their N65, 000 monthly stipends since the beginning of the year.
“During the meeting, the former freedom fighters, who came from all parts of the region were very specific as they expressed anger with the Federal Government over the non-payment of their paltry allowance.
“We know that it is not the fault of the Amnesty Office. Let the National Assembly and the Federal Government release the money to the Amnesty Office so that the latter can pay us.
“We are not even happy with the N65, 000 stipends. It is not fair at all that the leaders are being paid the same amount as their followers.”
The ex-fighters, however, resolved to ensure victory for President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, saying, “Nobody can stop Jonathan’s return for a second term in office.”
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