By Bartholomew Madukwe
A Niger Delta activist, Mr. Frank Akiefa, has applauded the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, over the way he has handled the amnesty programme, saying it showed his understanding of the challenges confronting the region.

Akiefa stated this in Abuja after a meeting with ex-militant leaders to appraise the amnesty programme and the Federal Govern-ment development effort in the region.

He said the training of ex-agitators on various skills and educational progra-mmes had restored confiden-ce for the teeming youths of the long-neglected region, who took up arm during the struggle.

Present at the meeting were ‘Generals’ Bonny Gawei, Enabina Young, Opunama Andabofa, Awe Akoke, Francis Muturu, Figbele Joseph, Wilson Gbairie, among others.

They pledged their continuous to support for Kuku and the amnesty programme.

He added that Kuku had proved skeptics wrong in the administration of the amnesty programme because of his vast experience on the area and its people.

Some ex-militants who spoke at the meeting said that Kuku has genuine interest in the development of the youths and the region

They thanked him for his personal efforts towards them, adding that his efforts had translated to peace, confidence and trust in the government and the amnesty programme.