The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has advised the Senate Committee on Niger Delta to investigate the presidential amnesty programme, with a view to determining how the funds disbursed were spent.
Saraki who spoke at the opening of a public hearing in Abuja also wants the committee to uncover the truth about the alleged diversion of funds meant for the amnesty programme since it was established.

He maintained that “until the truth is told, the nation will continue to do the wrong thing.” However, there are indications that the Senate Committee on Amnesty is set to do justice in ensuring that all leakages in the amnesty program are blocked.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi assured that the hearing will among other things, take stock so as to recommend correction of any anomaly hampering the success of the programme.
Saraki however, tasked the committee to interact with the critical stakeholders from the Niger Delta.
Another stakeholder, Professor Jasper Jumbo, said that a downward review of the NDDC allocation will not be acceptable by the region.

Jumbo, was also of the view that owing the commission will amount to disruption of the existing agreement, condemning the current militarisation of the region. He said “one percent of the fund used in mobilising the military could have been used to develop the area.”
Furthermore, at the end of the two-day public hearing, the committee is expected to submit its report to the Senate for further legislative inputs.
•Photo shows Senate President Bukola Saraki.

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