Post-Amnesty Budget Jumps As Kidnapping Persists

Post-Amnesty Budget Jumps As Kidnapping Persists

BUDGETARY estimates for the rehabilitation of repentant militants who embraced the ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua's amnesty, has jumped from the initial N58 billion to N65 billion.

But the funding outlay according to AkanimoReports, shot up even as kidnapping in the oil and gas region is yet to abate.

Sporadic kidnappings are still occurring on a regular basis- both in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country Targets range from the high profile – such as the mother of a Senator from Bayelsa state last week – to family members of quite junior staff in companies and the private sector.

Civil society group, Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) says the only details publicly available at present from the Post Amnesty Committee chaired by Defence Minister, Mr. Godwin Abbe, are budgets.

Co-ordinator of the group, Mr. Gaia Sprocati, told AkanimoReports in an on-line chat on Friday, ''the latest version has it that the amount has increase from N58 billion to N65 billion to rehabilitate 20,120 identified militants''.

SDN says putting aside questions over the number of militants, the need for detail and transparency of plans is vital if these funds are to be well spent, adding, concerns have already been raised about diversion of funds for earlier parts of the programme – with even the Rivers State Governor claiming at a forum in Abuja that allowances to former militants are not being paid on time.

''Unless changes are made new funds may only add to these problems. The N65 billion equates to $433 million dollars and a theoretical per capita investment of over $21,000 in each individual'', the group said.

Continuing, they claimed that the opportunity to get post amnesty stabilisation right remains open. ''The elevation of a southerner as Acting President has undoubtedly bought a little additional time to address festering tensions. (Goodluck) Jonathan has also won goodwill by stating that addressing the Niger Delta crisis will be one of just three core priorities'', they said.

Adding, SDN said, ''what is needed at this stage is far greater local transparency, so that communities, youths, and the rest of the nation can see evidence of a judicious set of plans and sound use of funds. Without this, efforts to support the program will be undermined by opportunities for both mismanagement and corruption.

''There is a serious risk that the international community – who want to lend support to stabilisation in the region - could be drawn into financially backing a program with very uncertain credibility. They should not waver from demanding clarity and public transparency over what is proposed''.

On kidnapping, they said the kidnapping of expatriates has continued at a low ebb – with one Indian contractor reported kidnapped within the month. However, this should not take away from the fact that a small criminal industry has been established that could easily switch its attentions.

SDN has said before that state governments and the Police must do more than issue combative statements – a coordinated campaign that wins the confidence of communities is needed if this economic and socially devastating practice is to be controlled.

ENDS

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