Ex-agitators rally for Niger Delta peace, seek increase in funds

By Aderinola Abimbola

A peaceful protest was staged yesterday in Yenagoa by ex-Niger Delta agitators who were demanding increase in security funds for the state.

The spokesperson of the group of protesters, Mr Theophilus Ebiama, gave a statement online on behalf of the group.

“Before Tantita, oil production was less than one million barrels per day. Today, thanks to Tantita’s efforts in securing the nation’s pipelines, we are nearly exceeding the OPEC quota. The government must provide more funding to sustain this progress,” he said while speaking on the matter,” he said.

The protest ended with a vote of confidence being passed by Mr Dennis Otuaro, the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

They praised the amnesty programme for its efforts in skill acquisition training and also providing jobs for the youth of Niger Delta.

They commended the programme for adding to the development of the region.

The ex- agitators also called on all stakeholders to join hands to improve the state of things in the Niger Delta.