FORMER MEND COMMANDER APPLAUDS PRESIDENT BUHARI ON AMNESTY: SAYS THE PROGRAMME HAS IMPACTED YOUTHS IN THE NIGER DELTA

Former high-ranking commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Mr. Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, popularly known as General Boyloaf, has extolled the sterling leadership qualities of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that the President’s decision to continue with the Presidential Amnesty Programme on assumption of in 2015, was a demonstration of his good intentions for youths of the Niger Delta region

Victor Benson who applauded the pioneering role of former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva and other Ijaw leaders which culminated in the eventual proclamation of amnesty for repentant militants in the Niger Delta region, hinted on how late former President Shehu Musa Yaradua contacted him through governor Sylva to discuss the amnesty deal

According to him, the struggle which led to full militancy in the Niger Delta was part of the agitation for economic emancipation of the people of the region to have a fair share out of the resources from the region that produces over ninety percent of the national wealth, but had nothing to show for it in return because of the insensitivity of previous administrations in the country.

Gen. Boyloaf, who was honoured alongside the Special Adviser to the President on Niger and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd), Governor Seriake Dickson and Pastor Reuben with Peace Award to mark the day agitators willingly dropped their arms at the Yenagoa Peace Park  by the organizers of Miss Peace Bayelsa Beauty Pageant, called on self seeking politicians to stop distracting the President from carrying out good plans for the Niger Delta, adding he has faith in the present administration, just as he looked forward to the emergence of the right.

It would be recalled that Gen. Boyloaf had joined the then newly formed Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta in 2006, where he rose to prominence in the ranks of MEND.

His operational commanding skills in marine warfare placed highest in the ranks of MEND Henry Okah. Victor-Ben honoured an earlier personal invitation from late President Musa Yar-Dua to the Aso Villa and listening to the sincere pleas of the president, he accepted the amnesty deal after consulting with some prominent Ijaw leaders like Chief Timipre Sylva and Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.