What Akerdolu told protesting ex-militants

The Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has said he was aware
of the protest of the repentant militants who have willingly dropped
their arms and ammunitions in the riverine area of the state.

Akeredolu said he was informed about the protest by the militants that
nothing has been done since the submission of ammunition exercise
ended.

The Governor appealed to the repentant militants to be patient with
the state government.

Akeredolu reinstated his committment to ensuring that the repentant
militants are incorporated into the federal government amnesty
programme.

The governor stated this while donating 10 speed boats to officers at
the Naval Base in Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of the
state.

It will be recalled that on November 9, 2017, Akeredolu proclaimed
amnesty for militants, who are willing to drop their arms and
ammunition and also promised them that they would be enlisted into the
federal government amnesty programme.

The State Amnesty Committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Hon.
Agboola Ajayi coordinated the state government efforts to ensure the
armed bandits dropped their weapons within the 21 days stipulated for
collection and documentation of arms and ammunition.

Since then, the ex-militants have been nursing the fear of being short-changed.

But, Akeredolu said he was aware of their cries, assuring them that
the state government would fulfill its own part of the bargain.

His words, " I know they have been crying because of their own
perspective that we have not delivered on our words. The amnesty
programme does not begin with the state and it will not end with the
state government

"Ours is to ensure the baby is delivered and we have delivered you
(baby) to the federal government.

"We won't relent on our efforts to ensure that you are all
incorporated into the programme. The whole issue is now in the federal
government's hand because we have done our own part.

"For those who submitted their guns, we won't deceive you. The whole
issue is now in federal government. We want our people to understand
and our leaders must talk to them.

"We are committed to see you be part of the federal of the government
amnesty programme. We are appealling to you be patient".

Akeredolu also said the new speed boats purchased by the state was to
enable the security agents to properly man the waterways.

The governor noted that the speed boats that would support the naval
officers' gun boats, will enable them to manoeuvre their ways into the
shallow creeks when chasing criminals.

He promised that his administration would continue to give necessary
supports to the security operative in order for him to achieve his aim
of making the state investors friendly.

The deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi in his welcome address, lauded
Akeredolu for making the state safe for investors.

Ajayi said the amnesty programme has not only brought peace into the
state but has also reduced the crime rate in Ogun and Lagos States.