The Chairman of Governors’ Forum, Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State, said Thursday that the Federal Government is committed to the total rehabilitation of the repentant militants in the Niger Delta region.

Saraki who made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen shortly after the commissioning of the first phase of 500 units of housing at Harmony Estate, Akerebiata, Ilorin said the 36 state governors have advised the Federal Government to include all that is needed for a total and effective rehabilitation of the ex-militants in the supplementary budget for this year.

Describing the amnesty programme as very successful, Saraki said that Nigeria had by this feat proved wrong those who thought such breakthrough could only be achieved through organizations like United Nations.

According to him, the crisis in the Niger Delta normally broke up countries, addding that there was the greater need for Nigerians to appreciate the feat recorded by President Umar Yar’Adua on the amnesty programme.

Reacting to fears being expressed by some Nigerians on post-amnesty, the governor said that ‘after achieving this feat nobody (both federal and ex-militants) wants to lose the advantage derivable from the amnesty.

“This is why we at the governors’ forum have encouraged the president to include in the supplementary budget all that is needed to facilitate the total rehabilitation of the repentant militants.”
“It is clear that the Federal Government is committed to rehabilitation programme and it will do everything within its power to consolidate on the gains of the amnesty,” he stressed.
On the commissioned housing estate, the governor noted that the ceremony was in fulfillment of his pledge in 2003 when he assumed mantle of office as the state governor that he would vigorously pursue an affordable housing programme for the people of the state.

Though, only 100 units of 2 and 3bedroom flat of the estate were ready for occupation yesterday, the governor assured Kwarans the remaining 400 units would be ready before the next raining season.
He, therefore, charged the contractor handling the project to brace up and deliver the remaining units on record time.

Saraki, who personally handed over keys of the flats to some beneficiaries, stressed the need for them to adhere strictly to the repayment terms to avoid houses from being recovered from them.
Expressing satisfaction over the development, he said “there is no where in the country where a flat of this nature could be gotten at this cheaper rate of N2million than in Kwara. I therefore urge the lucky beneficiaries to pay regularly the monthly due of between N8000 and N1000 which will last for a period also of between 20 and 25 years.”

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Delrot Nigeria Limited (Developers), Prince Bode Afolayan assured the government of prompt delivery of the remaining 400 units.


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