Udom wants amnesty programme revisited

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has called on the Federal Government to revisit the amnesty programme with a view to accommodating more former militants programme.

Several ex-militants have recently blocked roads leading to entrance of the government house in Uyo, saying they have not been accommodated in the scheme.

Speaking at a day town hall meeting organised by the Federal Ministry of Information held in Uyo, the state capital, Udom also requested that Federal Government should dialogue with the militant groups in the region to stem the rising spate of attack on oil installations.

According to Udom, abandoning amnesty programme will not be the best option now for the people.

“Government must do all it can to dialogue with Niger Delta Militants as our economy is based on resources accruing from this region.

“Government must look into the underlining issues of the region, we must dialogue with the stakeholders from the region to resolve these problems once and for all,” he said.

He commended the Federal Government for ensuring that Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron is made a degree awarding institution.

He called on the national assembly to expedite action in giving legal backing to the university status of the institution.

He also lauded the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture for organising the town hall meeting to engage the people and learn of their perception of the government.

The governor called for the need for all Nigerians to join hands together to develop the country on the path growth and prosperity.

Earlier during a courtesy call, the governor stressed the importance of the state hosting a major petrochemical project being a key oil producing state.