RAJAB 11 1430 A.H.
FRIDAY JULY, 3 2009.
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Amnesty 'll end militancy in Niger Delta ---Gowon
From MU’AWUYA B. IDRIS, Katsina
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon has declared that the recent amnesty granted to militants of the Niger Delta is the only proffer solution to end militancy in the region.
He said the amnesty is just like reconciliation policy adopted at the end of the Nigerian civil war.
Gowon who spoke with newsmen in Katsina yesterday, said militants in the Niger Delta should accept the amnesty for the interest of the nation.
“They should accept the amnesty for the interest of the economy and for the good and well being of the people.
“I personally endorse it, is like the reconciliation policy I adopted after Nigerian civil war,” he said.
Gowon said President Umaru Musa Yar’adua is genuinely committed to tackling militancy in the Niger Delta, saying “the militants should accept the amnesty if they are genuine in their struggle.”
On guinea-worm disease, Gowon who is coordinator of Cater Guinea-worm Foundation, assured that the disease will soon be eradicated in Nigeria.
“At the moment, we are approaching the final stage of the total end of guinea-worm in Nigeria,” he added.
Gowon said Nigeria is expecting to receive a certificate from World Bank if the nation does not experience outbreak of the disease in the next three years.
