TELL Magazine

Muhammadu Buhari, the president-elect has been charged to address the challenge of equity in the amnesty programme.  The call was made by Itsekiri Amnesty Beneficiaries, IAB, a group of people from that nationality, situate in Delta state.
While congratulating the president-elect and his vice, Yemi Osibanjo, for their victory in the March 28 presidential election, they implored them to ensure full implementation of the amnesty programme based on equity, justice and fair play, when they assume office.
The group made the call in a statement by the Chairman, Peter Tidi, and Secretary, Bokhan Otone, while also urging Buhari to employ capable hands to oversee the amnesty project.
They complained, “Itsekiri ethnic group has been unduly victimized in the programme so far. We were given 500 slots and less than 100 have been sent for studies. More so, we have over 100 Itsekiri youths with admission to study in the United Kingdom and 300 for vocational studies, but have not been sponsored till date, while other ethnic groups are regularly been sent abroad.”
The group further claimed,  “they [current administrators of the scheme] have refused to fund studies and training for Itsekiri youths even when we have secured admission for more than four sessions.”