Implement NDSP For Lasting Peace In Niger Delta-Dikio

The interim administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd) has called on the Federal Government to implement the Niger Delta Stabilization Programme NDSP.
This he said, if done, will prevent the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta and guarantee permanent peace in the region.
The PAP boss described the NDSP as a proactive vehicle designed to keep youngsters aged between 12 and 18 years old away from armed struggle, militancy and other violent crimes.
Dikio, according to his special assistant on media, Nneotaobase Egbe, spoke when he visited the palace of HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Delta State.
He said the federal government should consider the NDSP as a smart and cost effective measure to ensure uninterrupted development of the Niger Delta and to safeguard the future of young people in the region.
Explaining the motive of NDSP, Dikio said: “We want to create what we call the Niger Delta Stabilization Programme because the current programme is only focused on the rehabilitation of the 30,000 registered ex-agitators who responded to the declaration of amnesty.
“However, it does not address the causative factors or motivations for successive generational waves of militancy in the region since the 1960s.
“So, the question is, as we are drawing down on this Amnesty, could we also keep an eye on the younger generation and give them a new orientation in response to the socio-economic issues in the region? Yes, we can focus on ages 12-18 because those who are 12 now will be 22 in the next 10 years, and those who are 18 now will be 28. This was the age bracket of most of the ex-militants.
“If you are treating an ailment, you must also take measures to prevent more from developing. The NDSP is designed to give our youngsters a better view of life in order to dry up the pipeline that leads to deviant behavior and militancy,” Dikio added.
Dikio, who lauded the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, who is also the chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, solicited his support and that of other stakeholders from the region to actualize the plan.
In his remarks, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Felix Mujakperuo, said Dikio has shown that something good could come out of the Amnesty Programme and commended him for his achievements so far.
He urged him to forgive his detractors and critics but continue to silence them with his performance while drawing from his military experience. He also called for more support for him from all stakeholders to stabilize the Niger Delta region.