Amnesty Vendors Writes Buhari, Threatens To Back Off From Mediation

… Seeks Appointment Of Substantive Coordinator, Payment Of Contractors

By Matthew Ogune, Abuja

THE incorporated Trustees and Executives of the Niger Delta Amnesty Vendors Association (NDAVA) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a substantive Special Adviser to take over the office with immediate effect to avoid its backing off from mediating with the third phase ex-militant General, Ebi John.

The association in a letter to the President, dated June 9, 2020 signed by it’s President, Samson Dabbey said it’s decision was based on the threats John issued out on Rhythm 94.7 Yenogoa on a special interview program where he stated that if a Special Adviser is not appointed within 30 days, the boys will go back to the creeks.

Apart from the appointment of a substantive coordinator, the group also implored Buhari to urgently instruct for all verified contracts including 15 percent mobilization to be immediately paid, so that they can move to site since the contractors have already involved their banks.

Letter reads in part: “It is with reverence and the highest regards for your person and your office that we approach you with this open letter.

“We, the incorporated Trustees and Executives of the Niger Delta Amnesty Vendors Association (NDAVA) would like to thank President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), on your unique and efficient manner of handling the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria.

“Even before the complains of the people hit the floor, you responded positively by setting up a Presidential Task Force to oversee the fight against the pandemic and alleviate the sufferings of the people through palliatives. You have won the hearts of the people in your intrinsic nature of being responsive to their needs.

“Sir, permit us to express our appreciation for your sustained efforts in the payment of the monthly allocation to the Presidential Amnesty Programme which has contributed to sustainable peace and development in the Niger-Delta region and the 30,000 delegates appreciate that.

“However sir, we wish to draw your attention on the need to look into the affairs of the Caretaker Committee set up by the National Security Adviser, General Mohammed Mongunu (Rtd) to coordinate the Affairs of the Amnesty Programme after the suspension of Professor Charles Dokubo, due to our protest.

“It will interest you to know that three months down the line nothing has been heard from the Committee. Our numerous calls to the NSA and the Caretaker Committee have been met with deaf ears.

“All letters sent to the Committee have sadly been rejected and all avenues to interface with the Committee have proved futile.

“We implore the father of the nation, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to urgently instruct for all verified contracts including 15% mobilization to be immediately paid, so that they can move to site since the contractors have already involved their banks.

“To appoint a substantive Special Adviser to take over the office with immediate effect to avoid our backing off from mediating with the third phase ex-militant General, Ebi John based on the threats he issued out on Rhythm 94. 7 Yenogoa on a special interview program stating that if a Special Adviser is not appointed within 30 days, the boys will go back to the Creeks.”