SGF Mustapha, NSA Monguno, Northern Cabal Accused Of Plot To Hijack Amnesty Program

Ijaw youths have accused the National Security Adviser (NSA), General Mohammed Babagana Monguno, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha and some powerful forces in the presidency of clandestinely making moves to hijack the Amnesty Programme, according to a report.

The youth group, an apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ijaw youth, spoke in reaction to the interim management committee setup by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to oversee the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), saying it is an invitation to anarchy in the oil rich Niger delta region.

IYC, in a statement signed by its President
Pereotubo Oweilaemi, said the boys will return to the creeks in protest if President Buhari fails to immediately appoint the coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) from among competent Ijaw people.

They however warned that PAP is not a northern affair, stressing that this programme is the reason the oil sector is experiencing peace.

The IYC was reacting to the appointment of Mr. A. A. Lawal- Chairman; Col. Udoma-  Secretary; Mr. Anthony S. A. (Legal)- Member; Brig-Gen Mohammed- Director of Finance; and Administration together with one other person representing the SGF, as members of the constitute interim management committee

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari on February 28, 2020, announced the immediate suspension of the Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme, Professor Charles Quaker Dokubo, following numerous allegations and petitions surrounding the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Advertisement

The president, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, further stated that the NSA has set up a Caretaker Committee to look into the activities of the programme, on the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.

But IYC President, Oweilaemi, in a counter statement said: “The plan by the National Security Adviser (NSA) to constitute interim management committee instead of appointing the coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) will be resisted by the Ijaw youths. The NSA should rescind the idea of appointing interim management committee. IYC will not accept it.

“We heard that the following persons are to be appointed as members of the interim committee to coordinate the affairs of the Programme. Viz:
1. Mr. A. A. Lawal- Chairman
2. Col. Udoma-  Secretary
3. Mr. Anthony S. A. (Legal)- Member
4. Brig-Gen Mohammed- Director of Finance and Administration together with one other person representing the SGF.

“The PAP is not a northern affairs. This programme is the reason why the oil sector is experiencing peace. President Buhari should advice the NSA to disband that devious committee. We will revolt against it. Niger Delta region will not have peace especially the oil platforms should the FG go-ahead with this so-called committee.

”We sensed that the NSA, the SGF and some powerful forces in the presidency are clandestinely making moves to hijack the Amnesty Programme. We will resist it even with the last drop of our blood. IYC will short down the oil sector if Buhari allows these desperate elements in the presidency to hijack the Amnesty Programme like what they’re doing to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC.

”Our demand is that Mr. President should for the sake of peace in the oil sector appoint a coordinator immediately from among competent Ijaw people. We are watching the fold of events as we will not hesitate to short down all the oil platforms in Ijaw lands. Do not blame us should there be break down of law and order in the region.

Advertisement

”Buhari’s government is provoking the Ijaw people to anger. We will not accept the government turning the Amnesty Programme as a northern affairs in order to pay political followers. This is the height of provocation.

”We will not allow cabals in the Government to take away the Programme from us. That’s an invitation to anarchy. Definitely, the boys will go back to the creeks. We hope that President Buhari will treat this message as a warning as the consequences of the NSA’s action will be catastrophic to the nation’s mono-economic,” he stated.