SAN FRANCISCO, October 20, (THEWILL) – Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has counselled militants in the Niger-delta region against pipeline bombings and vandalism saying it is like a case of biting one’s nose to spite one’s face.
Speaking during the state Dinner organized in honour of outstanding grandaunts (ex-militants) of the Presidential Amnesty Programme at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Osinbajo said that the people of the region will be the end losers if the pipelines bombings continues in the region.
He congratulated the grandaunts who were trained as pilots, automobile and electric transformer technicians amongst other skills in Nigeria and in foreign universities urging them to stay away from blowing up oil pipelines, stressing that it had large negative effect on them, their region, the country and even the generations yet unborn.
“There is no reason to continue the vandalism in the area. It is like a case of biting your nose to spite your face,” he said.
“The fact that you did so well was a tremendous opportunity for other people.
“We all have the responsibility to ensure that the future of the country is one that is secure. That cannot happen under the atmosphere of conflict.
“There is no point blowing up pipelines. If they are blown, who are the losers at the end of the day, all of us. Even the upcoming ones.
“This is more of a program for giving the young people an opportunity to succeed. That’s the reason why we are doing the various vocational trainings all over the country.
“The future is here and your time has come. Just looking at you guys, I just know that the future is bright. I see you becoming the great people that God has made.”
The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator Presidential Amnesty Programme, Paul Boroh, speaking at the event declared that the government is fully committed to the amnesty programme and development of the Niger Delta region.
Story by Oputah David
