THE ex-militants, especially the third phase in Bayelsa State, which demonstrated early in the week over non-payment of their camp allowances and slots, have insisted they would not give up the fight unless their demands are met.
The third phase ex-militants early in the week blocked the major roads of Yenagoa, destroying vehicles, looting shops and disrupting commercial activities in the major roads of the state capital.
President Goodluck Jonathan had last year approved 3,642 ex-militants for training in the amnesty programme.
Trouble started in the area when the Inter-Agency Taskforce headed by Air Vice Marshall Gbum, currently on a verification exercise of ex-militants in the state, reportedly notified them that 15 guns submitted by a militant camp would be entitled to one amnesty slot training.
The ex-militants rejected the controversial slot allocated to them, describing it as meager and inhuman.
In a statement issued in Yenagoa and signed by the ex-militants’ chairman and secretary, General Ebi John and General Izonpere Joel respectively, they threatened that they should not be blamed for whatever hostility that might erupt in the region.
The ex-militants appealed to President Jonathan and the Bayelsa State government to intervene in the matter before “it gets out of hands, as the issue may lead to fresh hostilities.”
The Bayelsa State government, however, has advised the youths to use lawful means in expressing their grievances as the Federal Government has a comprehensive amnesty programme for repentant ex-militants in the Niger Delta region.
The state government, in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Deacon Marckson Fefegha, urged the general public to go about their normal business without fear, saying that government would protect the lives of the entire residents.
Five ways to keep your relationship strong
Five ways to keep your relationship strong
THE red roses and boxes of chocolates might remind us to keep the romance alive on Valentine’s Day, but what?s the secret to having a long and happy relationship?
TALK
Women actually release a hormone that makes you feel good, called oxytocins, when they are talking. Unsurprisingly, men don’t get this feeling from talking – they get it from sex and exercise.
“Men still need to talk to their partners though. Talking to each other helps you stay connected and being connected is the key to having a relationship that survives,” Dr. Patternden said.
SHARE WHAT MATTERS
Remember to tell your partner about things that inspire and motivate you, as well as the things that stress you out. Dr. Patternden said busy lives make it easy to only talk about things when you’re in hurry, or day to day matters like bills and work.
“Schedule in at least half an hour every week where you just sit down and talk about whatever is on your mind. Also try and remember the things your partner tells you about important meetings they’ve got coming up or activities they’re excited about and check in with them once they’ve happened.”
EXERCISE
Working out together might not seem like an obvious choice of activity to share with the one you love but Dr. Patternden said it’s an effective way to not only keep you healthy but keep you inspired to track each other’s progress.
BE INTIMATE
Sex is important but it’s not everything. Dr. Patternden said feeling close to one and another is also about sharing secrets and information or parts of yourself that nobody else would know about.
HAVE FUN
Dr. Patternden said many couples who come to him have completely forgotten to have fun with one and another. “Make sure you laugh together as often as you can and help each other see the silly side of life,” he s
I think the Federal Government of Nigeria erred by discussing and working out 'a deal' with these militants.
ReplyDeleteThey should have all been arrested and jailed.
@ Justina, I totally agree with you.
ReplyDeleteNow they sneeze and expect us to catch a cold.
Jokers.