The Nigerian government is expected to announce details of an amnestyprogram for militants in the Niger Delta, later Thursday. The plan isconsidered critical in bringing stability to the heartland of Africa'sbiggest oil and gas industry.
President Umaru Yar'Adua hasenthusiastically welcomed reports that a prominent militant leader inthe troubled Niger Delta is ready to accept his amnesty offer,describing it as a very positive development.
A militiacommander in the main oil city, Port Harcourt - Ateke Tom - is said tobe in agreement with government on the amnesty program. DefenseMinister Shetimma Mustapha says the government is delighted with AtekeTom's response.
"I think the more of them that come out thebetter for us, because the task of the JTF [Joint Military Task Force]will be simpler. The good intentions of the government will now comeforward. The president, himself, has said it himself that he waselated with joy when he heard the story of Ateke Tom," said Mustapha.
Othermilitant commanders have expressed enthusiasm for the government'soffer, but say they doubt its sincerity, because of a stepped upmilitary offensive against militants in the region. Niger Deltaresearcher and writer Edward Oforome says the current offensive hasundermined the peace process.
"Amnesty is a good initiative, ifthere is honesty in it," he said. "My reason for saying so is becausewe read in [news]papers that they [government] will grant amnesty, butthe following day you hear them fighting. One would think if amnestyis intended to be given and that they are even working towards it, thatthat will be enough to bring about the laying down of arms."
Representativesof militants have met with top government officials on the details ofthe amnesty program. Interior Minister Godwin Abbe - a retired armygeneral, who heads the panel that drew up the amnesty program - saysthe initiative will see the rebels return to mainstream society.
"Weare convinced that the recommendations in the report will provide acomprehensive framework for dealing with the matters of disarmament,demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-militants," hesaid. "The framework recommends the full participation of all tiers ofgovernment, security agencies, civil society groups and all otherstakeholders in achieving the goal of general amnesty for the exmilitants and the establishment of lasting peace in the Niger Delta."
PresidentYar'Adua came to power in 2007, promising efforts to bring peace to theNiger Delta, where five decades of oil exploitation has yielded almostno benefits for poor communities. Critics say the president's responseto the region's troubles has been incoherent.
But Mr.Yar'Aduasays he expects the crisis in the oil region to be resolved by Decemberand has appealed to militants to accept his amnesty offer.
"Ihereby reiterate our commitment to granting amnesty to all militantswho are ready to lay down their arms and return to being law-abidingcitizens of our fatherland. I urge all militants in the region to takeadvantage of this offer and lay down their arms, and cease all acts ofdisobedience to law and order," he said.
Attacks on oilfacilities and workers have cut oil production in Nigeria, one of theworld's largest crude oil exporters, by more than 20 percent since theearly 2006. And, although several Niger Delta residents have expressedsupport for the amnesty plan, most of them say the government mustaddress the multiple needs of the area to achieve lasting peace. PaulOgbeche lives in the oil city, Warri.
"The amnesty granted tothe militants by the federal government is the right decision at theright time. But the federal government should look beyond the amnestyand look at the major problems the Niger Delta indigenous [people] arefacing and ensure to the effect that it brings succor to the plight ofthe people," said Paul Ogbeche, who lives in the oil city, Warri.
Nigeria'sbiggest armed group has rejected the amnesty as "unrealistic". TheMovement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta says it will onlyconsider a "well-defined" amnesty program negotiated by both sides andinternational mediators.