Former leaders of the now defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta say their monthly N65,000 stipend is too small.
The ex-MEND leaders, under the guise of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative, are calling for a review of the current payment plan.
The LCPD chairman, Pastor Wilson Reuben, in a statement in Yenagoa, urged the new amnesty coordinator, Brigadier-General Paul Boroh (retd.) to look into the monthly stipend paid ex-militants with a view to increasing the amount because the present N65,000 “is too small”.
In his words, “We, the ex-agitators wish to let Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (retd.) know that he has our full backing on this bold initiative. He should not be deterred in his mandate of implementing the PAP mandate to the letter.
“We urge Boroh to rally round the leadership of ex-agitators for inputs by having a meeting with Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, aka ‘General’ Boyloaf, and others on how best to handle the impasse arising from delays in the payment of stipends and allowances, among other lingering issues being faced by those in foreign institutions.
“We also urge Boroh to look into the issue of N65,000 being received by the leaders because the amount is too small compared to the burden of their followers they shoulder.
“We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for keeping to his word on his keen concern in the smooth and efficient running of the amnesty programme with a credible character such as Boroh as he unfolds other agenda for the Niger Delta”.
Wilson also expressed support for the ongoing probe into the amnesty programme, saying it was important in that it would help the government understand the exact number of ex-militants benefiting from the programme.
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