Lagos — The indefinite ceasefire announced by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has obviously rounded off the success of the first part of the amnesty declared by the Federal Government to the Niger Delta militants.
The amnesty which ended October 4 had been embraced by virtually all the militant groups and camps in the region except the MEND, which issued fresh threats after the expiration of an initial ceasefire. This prompted the holding of other rounds of meetings with the leadership of the militants, led by Mr. Henry Okah.
Shortly afterwards, MEND sheathed the sword and declared an indefinite ceasefire in the region. Indeed before the ceasefire, peace and calm had largely returned to the region leading to the increase in the volume of oil production, resumption of construction works, return to abandoned oil platforms etc. Even the World Bank which had moved out of Port Harcourt as a result of the escalation of the crisis has returned to the oil city. Life is gradually regaining its rhythm in the region.
At last, the militants have given peace a chance. We commend their exercise of faith in the promises of the Federal Government, and in heeding the many calls to give peace a chance. The militants have demonstrated that given the right atmosphere and method, they are amenable to reason and constructive dialogue.
As we have always advocated on this page, peace is key to development. The ceasefire therefore is seen as a call to action for the Federal Government to rise to the occasion of meaningfully commencing developmental activities in the region.
Thankfully, for the first time, the Federal Government is showing greater sense of sincerity in addressing the lingering issues of the region. It is in pursuit of this that it just approved the N200 billion worth of projects in the region, including approval for the establishment of the Oil and Gas Polytechnic in Bayelsa State within the next two years. In the same spirit, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has also been empowered to award bigger contracts.
Further, the House of Representatives recently passed the contentious Local content Bill for the oil industry operation in the country. That will ordinarily mean greater access of Nigerians in general and people of the region in particular, to employment opportunities and contracts in the oil and gas industry.
And with a robust post-amnesty plan aimed at training and re-integrating the former militants, the hope of complete return of peace has been brightened.
For the communities and the militants themselves, we urge them to moderate their expectations. Development in an area with that difficult terrain is gradual.
Similarly, it will take some time to successfully rehabilitate the large number of militants. There is therefore need for co-operation by all stakeholders on the understanding that it takes greater care and time to construct or reconstruct than to destroy. Some patience is inevitable.
We are happy that the Niger Delta, after the boil, looks set for peace. Nothing should be done by any party to rupture this peace. All parties should keep faith with promises made.
Source: THISDAY
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