President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday in Lagos said that his administration would continue to provide needed security, employment opportunities and infrastructure that would transform the country. Jonathan made the pledge in Lagos at the public presentation of a book titled “Remaking the Niger Delta, challenges and opportunities”. The book was written by Kingsley Kuku, Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme. Represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the president said that such efforts would help in elevating the youths and Nigerians in general, adding that the leadership could not afford to let the youths down. He also promised that his administration would continue to provide support that would improve the amnesty programme. ``The Federal Government’s unconditional amnesty in 2009 has brought peace and stability to the region because the agitators through their action had almost crippled the nation’s economy. “Insecurity in the region then was the key reason why investors were leaving the area, while kidnapping of crude oil workers was affecting the image of the nation. “The situation got to the point that Nigeria was producing about 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day while Nigeria lost N3 billion,” he said. The president added that 23,589 agitators were listed on the amnesty programme with 13,078 of them trained in various fields while 7,000 had been fully employed The President also commended the author of the book and recommended it to scholars, researchers and Nigerians. “I am particularly delighted that Kuku in the book stated that the Niger Delta region now wears a new look “Our modest efforts in this sector have helped to bring security and peace to the region for the benefits of all Nigerians,” he said. Also speaking, Senate President. David Mark, commended the author for his efforts in restoring peace and sanity to the Niger Delta. “From 700,000 barrels per day during the period of youth restiveness in the region, Nigeria now produces about 2.6 million barrels of crude oil per day,” he said. Mark, represented by Sen. Nurudeen Abateni-Usman, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on the Niger Delta, announced that a bill to regulate oil operation in the region had passed the second reading in the senate. “We know those who are doing the irresponsible act but there are no law which we can use to prosecute them and made them to clean up the environmental degradation caused by their actions. “Such a law would also streamline employment quota for Nigerians and foreigners to be engaged by the oil prospecting multinationals. “It is regrettable that 16,000 of the 19,000 people working in Bonny Island are foreigners doing what Nigerians could easily do. “This deficiency must change, so that the agitation for gainful employment by the Niger Delta youths will stop,” Mark said. Speaking, Kingsley Kuku, author of the book, pleaded that other Nigerians should support the sustainability of the current peace in the Niger Delta region achieved through the amnesty programme. “Clear environmental developments are needed in the Niger Delta so that those militants undergoing local and foreign trainings will not revert to agitation to control the crude oil resources in the region on their return. “There is sanity now and expatriates can do their jobs without being held hostage and this must be sustained by all. ``We need the contributions of all Nigerians to ensure that the region and country is peaceful and does not become a fragile nation,’’ he said. Prof. Godini Darah while reviewing the book also reminded the Federal Government of the strategic position of the region to the national economic development. Lagos State Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope–Adefulire, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, his Majesty Alfred Diette- Spiff, the Amanaynabo of Twon Brass, Bayelsa, members of the national assembly, chieftains of the People Democratic Party among others attended the ceremony.
NAN
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