The second batch of ex-militants to be trained under the Federal Government’s Post Amnesty Programme are expected in Obubra, Cross River, as from 26 July to begin training.

Mr Timi Alaibe, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs disclosed this on Friday when he inspected facilities at the training camp in Obubra.

He, however,  told newsmen that the Federal Government had directed that the number of trainees for the second batch be reduced from 2,000 to 600.

“The next batch of 600 will resume in the next one week, as soon as facilities in the camp are okay,” he said.
Alaibe said, “The first batch was a pilot run and like any other programme involving team management, there were some challenges, but we are ready now.

“Facilities like the water system and electricity were inspected to ensure that there is no interruption during the training.

“We want to ensure that all facilities are in order and services are efficient.

“We have reviewed the security system and the 14_hectare perimeter fence is being constructed and it is 70 per cent ready.

“It is a crucial facility and in the next few days the fence will be completed with proper barb wire to give the necessary ambience to the facility.

‘We have also looked at the security dynamics itself and all the services are working as a team so that there will be proper coordination.

“We have inspected the hostels, beddings have been washed and okay, but the kitchen must be expanded to give more facilities in terms of food distribution.

“We have also inspected the offices, while the administrative blocks are now completed and would be furnished for the use of the camp officials.

“The cyber café will be ready soon and the new administrative block will take care of documentation and biometric data collection.

“At the end of the day we will sit with service providers in camp and do dry run of our activities and facilities.
“All these would be ready in the next one week and we would be ready to receive the second batch of ex_militants.”

Alaibe announced that female ex_militants would also be accommodated in the second batch of the training, adding, “a particular hostel has been allocated to carter for the female ex_militants.”

“We deliberately agreed to accommodate all the female ex_combatants at once so that we don’t have problems,” he said.

“The post amnesty programme is a national activity and we must ensure that it works. It has not happened before and that was why we had lots of cynicisms,” he said.

On the outcome of the recent reported demonstration by ex_militants in Abuja the special adviser said, “I am aware that government has invited their leaders for discussion.”

He said that the discussion would enable both parties to review the situation and come up with directives for the operators.

“For now, we have not concluded that process. Once that process is concluded, we will know what to do.
“The key point is that government cannot be intimidated by any irregularities. We must ensure that all what we are doing follow due process,” Alaibe said.

He also paid a courtesy visit to Mr Nicholas Ayuba, the Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area and the Paramount Ruler, Chief Clement Ewona, who both assured him of the peoples’ support.