Militants ceasefire: Your comments

An offer of an amnesty for militants in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta region has come into effect.

In the next two months the government hopes about 10,000 rebels will exchange weapons for a pardon and retraining.

BBC News website readers have been sending in their thoughts. Below are some of their comments:

The amnesty won't work because our government has no plans for that region after the amnesty. Things are not working out here.
Chukudi, Lagos, Nigeria

Oil pipelines have been damaged by Niger Delta militants

If the federal government is serious about solving the problems of the Niger Delta, an amnesty is not the solution but a purposeful democratic rule and true federalism is. Proper management of the resources go from this region.. these fighters have tasted what the big men enjoy, they will never leave the creeks lets not be kidded.
Shittabey, Ede, Osun, Nigeria

Unless the source of the problem is addressed and an active empowerment programme followed, there will always be a disparity between rich and poor. While that exists, militants will continue to plague the oil companies.
Heath Webb, Cape Town, South Africa

Like MEND said, amnesty without taking care of the root cause of the agitation is meaningless, and will amount to insincerity on the part of government. This in turn will still give room for further crisis in future.
Ogbonna Oko, Port Harcourt

The amnesty wouldn't work without a clear post-amnesty plan. These include creating jobs for ordinary Nigerians and developing the oil producing states of the Delta just like Abuja was developed. Finally President Yar'Adua must adopt the report on the electoral reforms. This will give Nigerians the opportunity to elect sincere leaders who will lead this country the right way. Thank you.
Chioma, Owerri, Nigeria

The amnesty offered by the Nigerian government to militants is a way of reaching an amicable settlement to the imbroglio in Niger Delta, it is really welcomed but most unfortunately it is going to suffer a serious set back because the militants have graduated from fighting for the economic emancipation of their people, to fighting for their own personal selfish economic survival. It is an unparalleled gesture from the Nigerian government, one just hopes that it won't be misconstrued as a sign of weakness by the disgruntled militants and their inhuman sponsors.
Okonkwo Ucnenna Prosper, Nnewi, Nigeria

The militants in the Niger Delta are heavily armed

With the amount mentioned to be paid to these militants monthly, I think that's another way to promote more crime. We have millions of unemployed youths, do you think they will sit down and watch? The government should resolve this issue in another way, they know the right thing to do.
Emeka Ezeudenyi, Portharcourt, Nigeria

The amnesty will not solve the problem we are facing in the Niger Delta until the ruling power allow reasons to prevail in their assessment of the region. The hen that lays the golden egg has not been allowed to roost. Selfishness and greed is the order of the day, thus the equitable distribution of wealth is left in the hands of a ruling few who do not appreciate what the masses of the region are facing. When all of the issues are considered, and the needs of the region taken into consideration, I am of the opinion that the people would voluntarily submit, without any amnesty talks.
Vincent Bello, Warri, Nigeria

The amnesty offered by the Nigerian government is a welcome idea. However the possibility of its success is very slim. It will not work.
Amaka, Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria is a big nation with diverse resources, with rich cultural differences among the various ethnic groups. The problem in the Niger Delta cannot simply be stopped by such an offer. These militants get much better pay and are made to take an oath of secrecy and commitment before becoming members. Therefore the amnesty may not be that effective.
Arinze N.Matthew, Abuja, Nigeria

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version