By Emma Amaize

WARRI—FORMER president of Urhobo Youth Council, UYC, in Delta State, Chief Sweet Eshenake, yesterday, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to maintain the robust relationship between the Federal Government and ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, initiated by former President, late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua.

Eshenake in an interactive session with reporters in Warri, Delta State, said that the immediate past president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan strengthened the relationship with Tompolo, which went a long way in fostering enduring peace, sustainable unity and genuine development of the Niger Delta region.

Eshenake, a former member of Delta Waterways Security Committee, DWSC, disagreed with the call by an another Urhobo youth leader, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, that the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, be scrapped, saying that his views do not reflect  the true and present thinking of Urhobo youths.

 He said: “President Buhari should disregard calls for the scrapping of the amnesty programme. Those calling for the programme to be scrapped are merely being mischievous and do not wish the Niger Delta region any good.

“The programme has helped in no small measure to foster peace and unity in the Niger Delta region. It gave the youths a sense of belonging and meaningful sources of livelihood. Any attempt to tamper with the amnesty programme could be counterproductive. I appeal to all Urhobo youths to remain calm and avoid statements that can possibly cause chaos.”