SOME Niger Delta region stakeholders have hailed the appointment of retired Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh, as the Coordinator, Amnesty Programme and Special Adviser on Niger Delta to the President.
They spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in Yenagoa yesterday
The spokesman of Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Mr Eric Omare, told NAN that the appointment was a show of sensitivity of the administration to the aspirations of the region.
“The IYC commend President Muhammadu Buhari for responding to the agitation of the Niger Delta people by appointing a coordinator for the Presidential Amnesty Programme,’’ he said.
According to him, in our opinion this is the first step toward resolving pressing and pending issues relating to the Niger Delta amnesty programme.
The IYC, he said, urged Boroh to take steps to pay outstanding tuition fees and allowances of beneficiaries, especially those studying abroad.
“We also call on him to consult with critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta region on the future of the amnesty programme and in taking decisions that affects the future and the overall development of the Niger Delta region,” he said.
In his contribution, the Niger Delta Coordinator of Artisan Fishermen Association of Nigeria, Rev. Samuel Ayadi, urged Boroh to urgently commence work on the promises made by the President to the region.
“We applaud Boro’s appointment and want him to look into the problems of the Niger Delta region with particular reference to the many pending oil spill compensations.
“A typical example is the Bonga oil spill incident.
“The National Assembly and oil industry regulator directed Shell to pay us $3.6 billion but they declined to pay.
“The president should compel Shell to comply with the directive,’’ Ayadi said.
Also, Mr Namso Ekpo, President, Onna Industrial Youth Cooperative, a Niger Delta-based group, told NAN that the appointment was a welcome development.
Ekpo advised Boroh to ensure expedited development of the Niger Delta region.
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