Appeal to President Tinubu for Increased Funding of the Presidential Amnesty Programme

………………Gratitude and Call for Enhanced Support Amid Economic Challenges

According to Kemenanabode Kemepuador Kenso Adaka, National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Confirmed Amnesty Beneficiaries Forum (NDCABF), and Global Comrade Emmanuel Moses, National Spokesman of NDCABF, in the spirit of appreciation, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

Your unwavering support and commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta Region are commendable.

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Appreciation is a stepping stone to further requests. Based on this principle, we humbly appeal for an increased budgetary allocation to the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Considering the current harsh economic realities such as inflation, fluctuating exchange rates affecting offshore educational and vocational training costs, and the proposed increase in minimum wage, the call for increased funding is made in good faith. Without this increase, it will become challenging, if not impossible, to fully optimize and fulfill the original master plan of the Amnesty Programme.

Meeting the Needs of Ex-Agitators and Sustaining Peace

Increased funding for the Presidential Amnesty Programme will enable the administration to address the needs of ex-agitators, including increments in monthly stipends, vocational training, empowerment, and educational opportunities both onshore and offshore. This increase will also allow for the inclusion of ex-agitators who have surrendered arms to the Joint Task Force (JTF) and received certificates but have not yet been documented in the programme.

It is crucial to note that the Amnesty Programme is a vital tool for ensuring peace and the continuous flow of oil and gas activities, which are the lifeline of the Nigerian economy. Therefore, adequate attention and funding should be given to the programme to sustain the fragile peace. Clear direction on the original master plan will help develop the Niger Delta Region, using the Amnesty Programme as a tool for human capital development and renewing hope in the region.

Signed,

Kemenanabode Kemepuador Kenso Adaka
National Coordinator
Niger Delta Confirmed Amnesty Beneficiaries Forum (NDCABF)

Global Comrade Emmanuel Moses
National Spokesman
Niger Delta Confirmed Amnesty Beneficiaries Forum (NDCABF