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It is obnoxious to equate Amnesty for Niger Delta militants with Bandits, Edwin Clark
***Don’t make militants to return to the creeks
An elder stateman and Ijaw leader, chief Edwin Clark has adviced President Bola Ahmad Tinubu not to be carried away by various statements by some uninformed Nigerians that the Amnesty Programme in Niger Delta has not contributed to the prevailing peace in the region.
Clark who gave the indication at a press briefing on the state of the Nation in Abuja on Wednesday, spoke against the backdrop that many northern leaders and apologists have repeatedly called for Amnesty for the bandits and terrorists equating it with the Amnesty granted by late President Umaru Musa Yaradua for the Niger Delta militants.
According to Edwkn Clark, the attempt to equate the Niger Delta Amnesty with that they are calling for the Northern Bandits is not only obnoxious but criminal.
He said former Governor of Zamfara State, Governor Ahmad Yerima and Ahmad Gumi an Islamic Cleric who called for Amnesty for the bandits were merely confusing two contemporary security issues, fight for resources in the Niger Delta and blatant criminality by the bandits in the North and agitation over oil.
Speaking more on the Ahmad Gumi, he said the cleric constantly defies logic by claiming that the bandits kill because of their ‘maltreatment’ by the Nigerian State.
“They also mistake amnesty for a blanket idea, to be politicised or invoked to reward mass murderers. It is not.
“Amnesty worked in the Niger Delta primarily because its militants anchored their fight on the sound economic and federalist principle of resource control.
“With their people alienated from the oil wealth extracted from their land, and the environmental despoliation in the region, the agitators had legitimate demands.
“But the blood-thirsty bandits ravaging the North have no legitimate, political, or economic claim that Nigeria is obliged to countenance. Because of the bandits, killer Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram/ISWAP/Ansaru, and IPOB, the 2023 Global Terrorism Index ranks Nigeria as the eighth most terrorised country in the world.
“Together, these terrorist groups slaughtered 63,111 Nigerians between 2015 and May 2023, the National Security Tracker estimated. Therefore, any deal with them translates to rewarding mindless criminality.
“As some North-West states discovered, negotiating with amorphous groups of bandits with no central command or leadership has no positive outcome”.
He however, commended the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), for their forthrightness in condemning the advice of Ahmed Yerima to President Bola Tinubu in which he said the President should grant amnesty to the murderous bandits.
“The reports stated that “the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, describe Yerima calls as unnecessary and unreasonable, noting that the bandits have no legitimate reason for their nefarious activities, unlike the Niger Delta militants whose agitation for Resource Control and good governance was legitimate and reasonable”.
He also commended some very prominent and reasoning northern Nigerians who also condemned the advice of Alhaji Ahmed Yerima to Mr President.
“On the other hand, I deeply regret the unfortunate statement credited to our newly appointed, most respected Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on his statement as published in the media, where he said “I think we need to look at this issue of Amnesty Programmes.
“The agreement have proven to be incorrigible and so Amnesty has created an avenue for them to re-organize and launch attacks on defenceless citizens. So, I think we need to look at that.
“We also have the issue of the Amnesty Programme that has been instituted, and which has failed not only in the North, but also in many other states”.
According to him，The statement of the Chief of Army Staff comes across to him as a proposal for the scrapping of the amnesty granted to legitimate agitators for a better life and environment by the Niger Delta youths.
“If my understanding is correct, I seriously disagree with the Chief of Army Staff. I will rather advice him to consult through the past records of his former colleagues since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, viz Lt. Gen. Victor Malu, Lt. Gen. Alexander Ogomudia, Lt. Gen. Martin Agwai, Lt. Gen. Owoye Azazi, Lt. Gen. Luka Yusuf, Lt. Gen. Bello Dambazau, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, and his predecessor in office, Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, the state of insecurity in the Niger Delta before the granting of the Amnesty, and what it is now.
“I am confident that the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme has succeeded in bringing peace to Niger Delta particularly the vandalisation of oil pipelines and oil platforms. He should note that “Operation Crocodile Smile” could not stop the insecurity in the Niger Delta.
“As a leading stakeholder of the Amnesty Programme, it is, therefore, very necessary that I respectfully draw the attention and remind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his government and the people of Nigeria, how the granting of amnesty to the Niger Delta youths, came about.
“Before President Olusegun Obasanjo, handed over to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007, as leader of our people, I had earlier addressed a letter to him on the 11th of February, 2007, about Amnesty Programme, and he promptly replied on the 12th of February, 2007. I reproduce here an excerpt of the President Obasanjo’s response to my letter:
“If MEND is ready to release the hostages in their custody and you are elected to mediate the process, this is acceptable to the Federal Government as I have indicated in the past, Government Ekpemupolo and his men will receive a general Amnesty if they agree to lay down their arms and follow the pact of peace, democracy and dialogue.
“Since it is obvious that you know them and you know their movement, I hold you personally responsible for bringing these boys to order, particularly through their so-called leaders, Government Ekpemupolo and Henry Okah as indicated by you. I look forward to the release of the Italians and the Philippinos and their ship this week as you have promised….
“I would like to conclude by reiterating that the course in the Niger Delta can only be advanced if all stakeholders deal with a sense of honesty of purpose, integrity, and genuine interest in the development and prosperity of the region.
I wish you well in your undertaking which I hope will bring peace and sanity to the Niger Delta.
“I strongly therefore appeal to Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not to be carried away by various statements by some uninformed Nigerians
I therefore advice Mr. President to pay special attention to the survival of the Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta which still has some phases, and the word “Interim” should be removed from the “Administrator” because the impression being given by our people is that the interim is there because the Federal government want to scrap the Programme.
He also advised that the Amnesty Programme should not be confused by the massive oil theft being carried out by some elitist Nigerians in collaboration with some security agents which came to the open in 2005 when the scandalous arrest of the Russian MT African Pride by Admiral Bob Manuel that led to the trial of three Admirals, Rear Admiral Francis Agbiti, Rear Admiral Samuel Kolawole and Rear Admiral Antonio Bob-Manuel, and the other two Admirals were found guilty and Admiral Bob-Manuel was exonerated.
He appealed to the youths to remain patient and not to do anything to affect the smooth operation of the oil companies while they continue to fight for our right legitimately,
He reminded President Bola Tinubu that it is only in Nigeria, that the oil producing communities are among the poorest, whereas, in other part of the world including USA, the oil producing States like California, Texas, etc are among the wealthiest
“I reiterate again, that the attempt to equate the Niger Delta Amnesty with the northern bandits is not only criminal, but obnoxious and unconscionable. “The whole idea of comparing the Niger Delta militants who are exposed to all kinds of diseases, illnesses and deprivations, as a result of oil exploration, with people whom we are told are not Nigerians, who enter into the country illegally, thus violating the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol, is very inhuman.
“Some Nigerians who live outside the Niger Delta, who are not affected by the pollution going on in the Niger Delta, but whose lifestyle is supported and sustained by the resources of the Niger Delta behave like the imperialists, who live by the proceeds of the colonized. “Unfortunately, such wealthy Nigerians, particularly from other parts of the country, rather than using these proceeds for the good of all by developing their region, they use it for and on themselves, for their selfish purposes, hence today, Nigeria is regarded the poorest country in the world taking over from India.”
The Senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called for a rebirth of Northern Nigeria’s economy and cultural identity, urging the region to reclaim its historical standing as a center of agricultural and industrial prosperity. Speaking at the Sardauna Memorial Day in Kaduna, the senator emphasized the urgent need to revitalize the region’s economic output, which has sharply declined in recent decades.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan evoked the legacy of the Sardauna of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello, whose leadership policies fostered economic growth and industrialization across Northern Nigeria in the mid-20th century.
She stressed that the once-thriving agricultural and industrial sectors in the region have deteriorated, diminishing its economic influence.
A Look Back to Economic Glory
The senator lamented the downfall of key industries, highlighting the sharp decline in Northern Nigeria’s groundnut industry. She pointed out that in 1959, groundnut exports from Northern Nigeria to the United Kingdom were valued at £27 million—equivalent to ₦3.6 trillion today. However, she noted that the industry now generates a meager $3 million annually, signaling a significant loss in economic potential.
“The collapse of the groundnut trade and other key industries represents a tragic loss to our region,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said. “We were once an economic powerhouse, but now, we are seeing a shadow of what we once were.”
The senator also cited the fall of the cotton industry, once integral to both local and global economies, with the Kaduna Textile Mill serving as a vital employment hub. Today, she said, the cotton industry has all but vanished, despite the global market generating $21 billion annually.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan urged Northern leaders to adopt a more progressive, developmental mindset to revive the region’s industries. She called for strategic planning and innovation to rebuild the entrepreneurial ecosystems that once flourished.
“It is crucial that we focus on rebuilding our economic resilience. We must move beyond dependence and work towards a prosperous future by harnessing our agricultural and industrial potential,” she urged. “This is the time for bold leadership.”
In her speech, Akpoti-Uduaghan also discussed the importance of economic diversification, acknowledging that while recent tax reforms have raised concerns, the region’s resistance is due to its lack of preparedness. She emphasized that a diversified economy would better withstand such changes, pointing out that a thriving groundnut industry could have alleviated the shock of economic reforms.
“Had we maintained a strong agricultural base like the groundnut industry, these reforms wouldn’t be as disruptive,” she said. “It’s time to stop making excuses and take concrete steps toward economic renewal.”
The senator further stressed the importance of preserving the North’s cultural heritage as part of the region’s revival. She called on all stakeholders—leaders, civil society, and citizens—to collaborate in protecting the cultural values that have defined the North for centuries.
The Sardauna Memorial Day event, which honored the legacy of Ahmadu Bello, saw the attendance of prominent figures such as Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, represented by Abdulazeez Ishak, and Northern Elders Forum Chairman, Prof. Ango Abdullahi.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s impassioned address has sparked renewed conversations about the North’s potential to reclaim its role as a major economic force in Nigeria.
With a call for innovative leadership and economic rejuvenation, the senator is leading the charge for the region to restore its economic vitality and cultural prominence.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially presented the staff of office to Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, solidifying a royal transition that has sparked controversy among the Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers of Oyo.
The ceremony, held on Monday, comes nearly three years after the passing of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, and despite resistance from five members of the Oyomesi, who argued that Prince Owoade’s selection was not legally sanctioned.
In a letter addressed to Governor Makinde, the dissenting kingmakers, represented by Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), maintained that Prince Luqman Gbadegesin was their preferred candidate. The letter was signed by prominent Oyomesi members, including High Chief Yusuf Akínade (Bashorun of Oyo) and others acting as stand-ins for key traditional roles.
However, the state government defended its decision, with Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stating that Owoade’s selection followed rigorous consultations and divinations, aligning with royal traditions.
The new Alaafin hails from the Owoade-Agunloye royal family and brings a distinguished academic and professional background to the throne. He holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering from both the University of Sunderland and Northumbria University in the UK and has served in key engineering roles, including his current position as a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada.
This historic moment signifies a fresh chapter for the Oyo monarchy, even as it stirs discussions on the balance of power between the government and traditional authorities. As Prince Abimbola Owoade ascends the throne, the state looks forward to a reign that fosters unity and development for the Oyo Kingdom.
****Obasanjo, Buhari, Others Set to Testify as Mambilla’s 52-Year Legacy Hangs by a Thread
The International Court of Arbitration in Paris is set to witness high-profile legal drama as Nigeria faces potential disgrace in its decade-long battle over the $6 billion Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project. The landmark case, initiated by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company against the Federal Government of Nigeria, reaches its climax this January.
Once a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s energy independence, the Mambilla project, conceived in 1972, now symbolizes decades of political interference, corruption, and bureaucratic bungling.
With the final arbitration hearing on the horizon, Nigeria’s chances of escaping liability appear grim, especially as key witnesses, including former ministers Abubakar Malami and Mamman Saleh, are conspicuously absent.
First awarded in 2003 under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, the project has been dogged by abrupt policy reversals, contract cancellations, and re-awards.
The most controversial pivot came under President Olusegun Obasanjo, who shifted from BOT agreements to procurement contracts, fracturing the initial plan. Successive administrations, including those of Presidents Yar’Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari, oscillated between reviving the original agreement and renegotiating settlements.
The hearing promises explosive revelations as former Presidents Obasanjo and Buhari testify alongside ex-ministers and experts. Buhari is expected to defend his administration’s controversial 2017 re-award of the project, while Obasanjo faces scrutiny for altering its trajectory during his tenure.
Both are set for rigorous cross-examination, with Obasanjo’s testimony particularly fraught with detours into past scandals, including his BBC HARDTalk interview where he was labeled “the grandfather of corruption in Nigeria.”
The absence of Malami and Saleh, pivotal to the government’s defense, casts a long shadow over Nigeria’s case. Their negotiated settlement agreements with Sunrise in 2020—a $400 million compensation deal—remain critical but controversial elements of the dispute. Meanwhile, Sunrise’s star witness, former Attorney General Michael Aondoakaa, is poised to dismantle Nigeria’s counterclaims with damning insights into governmental lapses.
Beyond the courtroom drama, the stakes for Nigeria are monumental. A protracted legal battle and possible adverse judgment could further delay the project by six years, exacerbating the country’s energy crisis. With less than 4,000 MW of electricity shared among 240 million citizens, Mambilla’s delay perpetuates a cycle of economic stagnation, industrial decline, and social unrest.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration inheritd a quagmire of broken promises and unmet potential. While hopes for transformative leadership remain, the arbitration outcome will test Nigeria’s resolve to break free from decades of mismanagement.
Without decisive action, the Mambilla dream could remain just that—a dream, leaving millions of Nigerians in darkness.
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