Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, on Thursday, implored aggrieved youths in the riverine area of the state to eschew violence and embrace peace.
Akeredolu made this appeal in Akure during the amnesty programme organised for the armed youths in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas of the state.
He said that there could be no meaningful development in a chaotic environment, and therefore encouraged those in possession of weapons to lay them down for peace to reign.
The governor promised that nobody would be punished for embracing peace while the 21-day exercise would be all-inclusive with no discrimination against any camp, group or individual.
“There will be a programme of rehabilitation to embrace all those who appreciate the wisdom in opting for peace.
“We are willing to assist them to integrate with the rest of the society,” he said.
Earlier, Brig.-Gen. Paul Boro (RTD), Special Adviser to the President of Niger Delta, said it was the constitutional responsibility of the State Government to ensure the safety of the citizens.
Represented by Major Abdul Matti (RTD), Boroh said the pardon for the militant youths was the responsibility of government to foster sustainable development.
“The action of granting pardon to militant youths in Ondo State by the governor is a clear demonstration that development is a priority for this government.
“It will also bring a lot of confidence to potential investors and create a conducive environment for economic and infrastructure development”.
He expressed the hope that the programme would bring an end to militancy in the area.
Also, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, the acting governor of Delta, said insecurity in the state was insecurity to all states in the Niger Delta region.
Otuaro called for the continued collaboration and partnership to deal decisively with the issue of insecurity, and advised youths to use the opportunity to turn a new leaf.
Similarly, Mr Agboola Ajayi, the Chairman, Committee on Amnesty Programme, called on the militants to accept the amnesty offer in good faith.
Agboola, who is also the state deputy governor, said the riverine communities would experience economic boom and commercial prosperity from the amnesty programme.
“This is more so that in a matter of months, oil drilling activities are likely to begin in the Mahin and Ese-Odo areas of the riverine part of the state.
“This will not just improve the revenue base of the state, but will equally enhance the economic activities to the advantage of all youths; to engage in meaningful ventures,” Agboola said.
An ex-militant, Ariyo Ogbaru, lauded Akeredolu’s gesture, geared towards giving the militants a better means of livelihood.
Ogbaru, who said that he had benefited from the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme, said he was trained on welding alongside others in Singapore.
“I encourage my people to embrace Akeredolu’s amnesty programme and assure them of a better life thereafter,” Ogbaru said.
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