Ariyo To FG: Review Amnesty Programme To Strengthen Accountability, National Security

A Warri-based legal practitioner and human rights activist, Chief Robinson Ariyo, has called on the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive review of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), saying the time has come to assess its effectiveness, sustainability, accountability mechanisms and overall impact on national security.

In a memorandum addressed to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ariyo noted that while the Amnesty Programme, established in 2009 as part of the Federal Government's Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DDRR) strategy for the Niger Delta, played a significant role in reducing militancy and restoring relative peace in the oil-rich region, emerging realities now necessitate a thorough reassessment of the scheme.

According to him, the programme was introduced as an extraordinary intervention aimed at ending armed militancy, protecting strategic national assets, promoting peace and facilitating the reintegration of former combatants into society.

"More than fifteen years after its establishment, there is a compelling need for the Federal Government to evaluate whether the objectives of the programme have been fully achieved and whether continued funding is justified by measurable outcomes," Ariyo stated.

The legal practitioner observed that concerns have continued to emerge regarding long-term dependence on stipends by beneficiaries, transparency in programme administration, accountability in the management of public funds, and the absence of a clearly defined exit strategy.

He further urged the Federal Government to commission an independent assessment to determine the number of beneficiaries who have been successfully reintegrated into society, those still dependent on government support, and the overall impact of the programme on security and economic development in the Niger Delta.

Ariyo also raised concerns about national security implications, stressing that government agencies should carefully examine allegations of continued involvement of some beneficiaries in activities inconsistent with the conditions upon which amnesty was granted.

According to him, individuals benefiting from the programme who engage in criminal conduct, economic sabotage, illegal bunkering, violence, intimidation or threats against national assets should be investigated and, where sufficient evidence exists, prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He emphasized that participation in the Amnesty Programme should not be construed as conferring immunity from criminal accountability.

"Amnesty is generally conditional. It is granted on the understanding that beneficiaries renounce violence and conduct themselves in accordance with the law. Compliance mechanisms must therefore be strengthened to ensure the integrity of the programme," he said.

The human rights activist further called for an independent forensic audit of the programme covering expenditures since inception, scholarship administration, training initiatives, contract awards and beneficiary verification processes.

He recommended that the findings of such an audit be made public in the interest of transparency and public confidence.

As part of his recommendations, Ariyo urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to establish a Presidential Review Committee comprising representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, security agencies, the National Assembly and civil society organisations.

The committee, he suggested, should be mandated to submit a comprehensive report within six months.

He also advocated a nationwide beneficiary verification exercise to eliminate ghost beneficiaries, identify persons no longer qualified for the programme and create a transparent digital database for effective monitoring.

The memorandum further proposed the introduction of performance-based benefits, whereby continued participation in the programme would be linked to lawful conduct, skills acquisition, employment, entrepreneurship and community service.

Ariyo stressed the need for the Federal Government to formulate a practical exit strategy that would gradually transition beneficiaries from reliance on monthly stipends to sustainable employment opportunities, enterprise development and community-based economic empowerment initiatives.

He also called on the Federal Ministry of Justice to review the legal framework governing the programme, including conditions attached to amnesty, procedures for enforcement, compliance monitoring and circumstances under which benefits may be suspended or withdrawn.

While advocating reforms, Ariyo emphasized that all government actions arising from any review must strictly comply with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, principles of fair hearing, due process requirements and Nigeria's international human rights obligations.

"The Presidential Amnesty Programme undoubtedly contributed to restoring stability in the Niger Delta and protecting Nigeria's oil production capacity. However, after more than a decade of implementation, it is prudent for the Federal Government to conduct a holistic review aimed at strengthening accountability, enhancing transparency, promoting sustainable reintegration and safeguarding national security," he concluded.

×