The Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, phase 2, has urged the youths of Niger Delta, especially the ex-agitators, to support the planned review of the blueprint of the Amnesty Programme by President Muhammadu Buhari.

A statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the coalition, quoted its leader Stephen Ebisintei, as saying that the review is the only way the programme can be all-encompassing.

Ebisintei said the planned review of programme is sacrosanct to the peace and security of Niger Delta, saying “it is also in the best interest of the youths as well as critical stakeholders.

“More importantly, it will increase choices for targeted beneficiaries of the programme and indeed the youths of Niger Delta.

“We have to reciprocate the kind gesture of Mr President by supporting him in 2019 so as to enable him see through his lofty and robust plans for the region in the next four years,” the statement quoted Ebisintei as saying.

He cautioned the people of the region to beware of those he called “fair weather politicians,” who he said are deceitfully promising the people of the region heaven on earth ahead of the 2019 elections.

Ebisintei pointed out that supporting the Buhari’s re-election bid remains the best option for Niger Delta as far the amnesty programme is concerned.

According to him, as the race for 2019 hots up, youths and critical stakeholders of the Niger Delta should beware of politicians whose stock in trade is promising without any intention of fulfillment.

“We should as a people be more circumspect and use the 2019 election to take our destinies in our own hands; it is in our considered best interest to queue behind the president and work for his re-election bid.

“If we fail in this, we may not have this rare opportunity again to lunch our beleaguered region on the desired path of sustainable growth and peace as we are witnessing now.

“In the past, all we have received were promises, but we can see and testify that with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, our region has greater opportunities and is well placed to roll back the injustices of the past.

“We have seen that he has not denied the region what is due to it in terms of appointment into key positions of government, especially with the appointments of Prof. Quaker Dokubo and Dr. Ibe Kachukwu as the head of the Amnesty Office and Minister (State) for Petroleum respectively.

“It is without doubt that these individuals are fits in their respective offices and are working assiduously to empower youths and of course ensure development of critical infrastructure in the region.

Ebisintei also said that Buhari is the only Nigerian President who has allowed his appointees the freedom to do their work without interference, a quality that Nigerians have desired for so long. (NAN)

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