Youths demand sacking of Boroh, others seek his stay

Youths in Bayelsa State yesterday stormed the streets, demanding the sack of the Chairman of Amnesty Implementation Committee, Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh.

The protests grounded commercial and vehicular activities in Kolokuma/Opokuma and other communities in Yenagoa local council areas.

They accused Boroh of non-performance and diversion of funds meant for the proper implementation of the programme.

While some protested at Opokuma junction under the Niger Delta for Accountability and Good Governance (NDAGG), others demonstrated at Igbogene area.

They carried placards with various inscriptions, as: “Buhari sack corrupt Boroh now,” “Corruption: Boroh Must Go,” and “EFCC, submit your report on Boroh.”

They alleged that relations of the amnesty boss form 80 per cent of the beneficiaries of the programme.

“We have reviewed Boroh’s performance and found out that he is a failure. His non-performance is encouraging the renewed hostilities and militancy,” one of the protesters alleged.

Among those who spoke at the rally were Samuel Sogulu, Rollins Ezetu, Commander Ebillo and Opukeme Orubo.

According to them, the Amnesty Programme under Boroh has become an avenue for political aides and amnesty officials to amass wealth at the expense of peace in the region.

The Secretary of NDAGG, Comrade Timi Amgalabiri, said the decision to stage the protest at Opokuma junction was to move close to the venue of the Kaima Declaration.

A member of the NDAGG, Keisy Agama, alleged that Boroh’s aides were selling the beneficiaries’ sloths from N200k to N300k.

Some days ago, another group under the aegis of Serving and Leading Without Bitterness Initiatives solicited support for the amnesty boss.

They stated their solidarity in a statement by Nature Keighe, Paulinus Albany and Teke Iyala.

According to them, the lasting peace in the region is due to the proper funding and robust implementation of the programme.

While absolving Boroh of blame, they faulted some fraudulent officials at the amnesty office for his criticisms.

In a similar development, ex-militants from Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo and Delta states yesterday alleged plot to remove the head of Onshore Education unit, Major Hassan Kesiena Mowarin from the Amnesty Programme.

The Leader of the group, Mr. Atangbala One raised the allegation while briefing newsmen in Benin City, the Edo State capital.