Reps seek additional amnesty funding

The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged militants to embrace peace and stop bombing oil installations in Niger Delta.

The House also urged the Federal Government to formulate sustainable plan to end militancy devoid of any confrontational approach.

The resolutions were sequel to a motion entitled "Need for an improved funding for the amnesty programme and a suitable strategic plan to end militancy in the Niger Delta" sponsored by Rep. Ekpenyong Ayi and 30 others.

Ayi, while moving the motion during plenary session, said former President Umaru Yar’Adua’s introduction of the amnesty programme led to increased oil revenue for the country.

He expressed worry that N20bn proposed by the Federal Government was inadequate to sustain the payment of N25,000 stipends and other allowances to the ex-agitators.

``The incessant attacks on oil facilities has led to Nigeria losing its place as Africa's largest oil producer because it's oil output had dropped to 1.4 million barrels per day as against the budgetary target of 2.2million barrels.

``This massive cut from the proposed N55billion of the amnesty office has threatened the sustainability of the amnesty programme.

``Also, this has led to a resurgence of militancy, as the militants are being owed arrears of stipends which had affected oil production", the lawmaker said.

Ayi further contended that the attacks have negatively impacted on electricity output, particularly on thermal power stations that are reliant on gas to power the turbines.

The House, therefore, urged it's leadership to interface with the executive arm of government to make funds available for the short fall.

Members of the House adopted the motion through a voice vote put across by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.