From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Ex-agitators in the Niger Delta region have applauded the recent appointment of Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser (NSA).
The Chairman of the Ex-Agitators’ Leadership Forum (EALF), Gen.Charles Kurobo James in a press statement expressed confidence in the ability of Nuhu Ribadu to tackle security challenges in the country.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu on the appointment of the new Service Chiefs and expressed confidence that they would be able to assist in securing the country.
EALF advised Ribadu to keep the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major General Barry Ndiomu (rtd) far away from him.
According to him, one of the steps Ribadu should take to set the tone of his tenure as NSA is to ensure Ndiomu is booted out of the office to sustain the peace in the Niger Delta region.
Kurubo said payments in the Amnesty Officer have been padded to reflect the fraudulent activities going on at the office.
He alleged that funds meant for empowerment programmes and reintegration packages have been diverted.
The statement read in part, “Your appointment as the National Security Adviser (NSA) simply means the current administration will achieve its goal on security and related matters.
“We assure you and the national security architecture under your watch, of our support and contribution, in any way possible, as you work for a safe and secured Nigeria for Nigerians and to sustain a peaceful coexistence in our Niger Delta region.
“On behalf of the Ex-Agitators’ Leadership Forum (EALF), Bayelsa State Chapter, we take a further step and wish to advise Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to keep the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major General Barry Ndiomu (retd) away if he must succeed in maintaining the relative peace currently enjoyed in the Niger Delta Region.
“We, therefore, stand on our resolve and appeal that His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), extends his house cleaning exercise into financial misappropriation and gross abuse to the Office of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) because the interventionist programme has become a cash-cow for successive Interim Administrators.”